2025 National Training
Explore Minneapolis
National Training Host City
Minneapolis, MN
This year, we’re bringing our National Training to the heart of the Midwest. More specifically, we’re gathering in the vibrant and welcoming city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Minneapolis is known for its art, history, and connection to community. The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers thousands of works from across time and place. Just a short walk away is the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture draws visitors and locals alike.
The city is home to many cultural neighborhoods. In Cedar-Riverside, you’ll find a large Somali community and the Somali Museum of Minnesota, which honors and shares Somali traditions. Other areas feature Latin American shops, restaurants, and gathering places that reflect the people who live and work there.
Food is one of the best ways to get to know Minneapolis. You’ll find locally owned restaurants serving everything from Native-inspired dishes at Owamni to the well-known “Jucy Lucy,” a burger with cheese tucked inside. Every corner of the city offers something unique to try.
Outdoors, Minneapolis shines. Known for its lakes and green spaces, it’s a place where you can walk, bike, or paddle your way through town. Minnehaha Falls, with its rushing water and tree-covered paths, is one of many spots that offer a peaceful break. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connects parks, trails, and lakes across the city.
Minneapolis is also deeply tied to music. Prince fans can visit Paisley Park, where he lived and recorded, or even stay at the house featured in Purple Rain.
We’re looking forward to being in a place where people care about art, community, and nature. Minneapolis has plenty to offer, and we can’t wait to learn together while enjoying all the city has to share.
Typical July Minneapolis Weather
In July, Minneapolis typically sees warm, sunny days with average highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). It’s the hottest month, with chances of thunderstorms and humidity.
Current Minneapolis Weather
Exploring Minneapolis
Small curated list of things to enjoy while you're here
The following information was compiled from the Meet Minneapolis tourism website. We encourage you to visit their website to find even more fun things to do around the city. Remember, it’s always good practice to call ahead or visit a business’ website to check updated hours.
City Guide
The folks over at the Minneapolis tourism website have put together an Insider’s Guide which you can view online or download as a PDF file. It’s a guide for visitors that’s approved by locals. It lists all the necessary eats & drinks, things to do and see, parks to explore, a map, and a ton more, all bundled up in a single package. We know that exploring somewhere new can be a bit overwhelming, and hopefully, this guide helps you plan an exciting adventure.
Explore Minneapolis by Interest
Arts, Theater & Dance
Minneapolis doesn’t just display art, it lives it.
While you’re in town for our National Training, we encourage you to explore the city’s creative side. From the country’s first sculpture garden (hello, Spoonbridge and Cherry) to the bold and quirky House of Balls, there’s something for every kind of art lover. Catch a Broadway show in the Hennepin Theatre District, or find Eduardo Kobra’s five-story Bob Dylan mural painted on a downtown building.
Looking for something more hands-on? You could a working glass studio in Northeast Minneapolis. Then head over to Bde Maka Ska, where sculptures honor the area’s Indigenous history. This isn’t just an art scene. It’s a community that creates, shares, and makes space for stories of all kinds.
Click the button below to immerse yourself in Minneapolis’ artsy side.
Museums & History
If you have time during National Training, we recommend exploring a few of Minneapolis’s many museums. Whether you’re into art, history, science, or culture, there’s something for nearly every interest.
For art lovers, the Minneapolis Institute of Art features over 90,000 works from across the globe and across centuries, while the Walker Art Center focuses on contemporary pieces and often pairs well with a walk through the adjoining Sculpture Garden.
If you’re more interested in history, the Mill City Museum tells the story of Minneapolis’s industrial past from inside the ruins of a historic flour mill. Nearby, the American Swedish Institute offers exhibits that highlight Swedish culture and the immigrant experience, all inside a beautiful historic mansion.
For families or anyone curious about how the world works, the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Bell Museum of Natural History are interactive, engaging, and full of learning opportunities for all ages. The Somali Museum of Minnesota is the only one of its kind in the world and offers a powerful look at Somali art, stories, and traditions.
Whether you’re looking to take in world-class art, dig into local history, or explore culture and science, there’s something meaningful waiting for you in Minneapolis’s museums.
Nature & Outdoors
Minneapolis is full of green space, water, and fresh air. We encourage you to take some time to enjoy it during your stay.
You’re never more than a few minutes away from a park, trail, or lake. Whether you’re up for a walk along the Mississippi River, a peaceful paddle on Bde Maka Ska, or a bike ride along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, the city makes it easy to spend time outside. Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall tucked inside a tree-lined park, is a local favorite and a great spot to unwind.
The city’s system of interconnected parks and trails is one of the best in the country. You’ll find places to hike, run, bike, or simply relax. No long drive needed. It’s a good reminder that nature belongs in cities, and Minneapolis keeps it close.
Sports & Recreation
If you’re into sports, Minneapolis is the right place for you. The city is home to major league teams, passionate fans, and some of the most impressive venues in the country. Whether you’re watching baseball at Target Field, cheering on the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, catching a Timberwolves or Lynx game at Target Center, or rooting for the Gophers at the University of Minnesota, game day is a full experience.
There’s plenty to do before and after the action. Near Target Field, you’ll find restaurants and breweries with rooftop views, perfect for grabbing a bite before a Twins game. U.S. Bank Stadium is within walking distance of parks, coffee shops, and the Mill City Museum. If you’re heading to a Gophers game, Dinkytown and Stadium Village offer food, shopping, and campus energy that’s hard to beat.
If you’d rather watch from a sports bar, you’ve got options. Local favorites like Brit’s Pub, The Local, and Town Hall Brewery show games in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Looking for soccer instead? Minnesota United plays at Allianz Field in nearby Saint Paul, and there are plenty of soccer-loving spots in the city to catch a match on screen.
Into hockey? The Xcel Energy Center is just across the river, and Minneapolis has deep roots in the sport. Prefer playing instead of watching? Try a round of golf at one of the city’s public courses or hop on a bike to explore trails that connect neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront views.
