Four of the Best Parks and Outdoor Activities for Socially Distanced Entertainment in the Twin Cities

You don’t always have to stay home to stay safe

By Holly Gilvary

If you’re someone who’s dedicated to keeping themselves and others safe by avoiding unnecessary high-risk activities during the pandemic, first of all—kudos to you. But, activities such as staying in with Netflix and homemade drinks to avoid these high-risk situations can get old, fast. So here are four outdoors or otherwise socially distanced things you can do around the Twin Cities. 

1. Mill City Farmers Market

If you’re up for an early-ish Saturday, the Mill City Farmers Market is a great choice. Located downtown, the farmers market is open on select Saturdays in November and December from 10 a.m. to noon. While you’re shopping for fresh produce, high-quality baked goods, or handmade gifts, you’ll also be supporting small and local businesses, who will definitely appreciate it amidst the pandemic. If you’re awake for it, the farmers market makes for a wholesome weekend outing. 

2. Tower Hill Park

This park is a hidden treasure in Minneapolis. Tucked away in the Prospect Park neighborhood, Tower Hill Park features the Witch’s Hat Water Tower and a beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline. It’s also conveniently close to campus if you want an easy escape into nature. 

3. Minnehaha Falls Regional Park 

While this park is beautiful in the summer, it’s arguably even better once it gets below freezing. Since Minnesota didn’t give us much of a fall (as it often happens), Minnehaha Falls might already be frozen. With its 53 feet high waterfall, frozen Minnehaha Falls and its ice caves make for an amazing photo-op. 

4. Take a horse drawn carriage tour of Minneapolis

Lastly, if you have some cash to spend, you can grab up to three friends and go on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Minneapolis and the Mississippi River. With special COVID-19 accommodations, the Hitching Company is open for carriage reservations if you want a cute activity to do with friends, visiting family, or a significant other.