Explore Minneapolis on Foot, Bike, or Scooter
By Michel Wong
Park once—explore endlessly.
Whether you're visiting Minneapolis for a few hours, a full day, or an exciting weekend getaway, getting around the city doesn’t have to mean staying behind the wheel. Minneapolis offers a variety of car-free ways to explore—from scooters to bikes to scenic walks. With convenient parking options through www.mplsparking.com, you can leave your car in a secure downtown ramp and experience the city on your terms.
Where to Park
Start your adventure by parking at one of our centrally located ramps in downtown Minneapolis. The Hawthorne Transportation Center is perfect if you’re staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites, while the 11th Street Underground Ramp is located directly beneath the Hilton Minneapolis—making both ideal for weekend stays or day trips.
Your Day of Adventure Starts Here
Thanks to Minneapolis’s extensive network of bike lanes and shared mobility programs, it’s easy to get moving without a car.
For scooter info, visit the City of Minneapolis scooter guide.
Interested in bike share? Learn more on the bike share program page.
Suggested Itinerary: From Downtown to the Lakes
After parking downtown, grab a scooter or bike and head toward Bde Maka Ska, one of the city’s most iconic lakes. Circle the lake, rent a paddleboard or kayak from Wheel Fun Rentals, and explore the Chain of Lakes—including Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake.
When you’re ready for a bite, cruise over to Pimento on the Lake for flavorful Jamaican cuisine with unbeatable lake views. Then hop back on your ride—or stroll along the paths—to Lake Harriet. Watch sailboats drift by and treat yourself to dessert from Bread & Pickle at the Lake Harriet Pavilion.
Finish your day by exploring the charming Linden Hills neighborhood. Admire historic homes, browse quaint shops, and enjoy the laid-back Minneapolis vibe—all without ever needing to re-park your car.
Plan Ahead with MPLS Parking
Make your visit seamless by reserving your parking or viewing available ramps in advance at www.mplsparking.com. Most locations are connected to the Minneapolis Skyway System, keeping you covered in any weather.
Last summer I tried a scooter from the Mill District to Northeast and spent more time dodging pedestrians on the Stone Arch Bridge than actually riding.
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It made me wonder if the piece gets into where scooters are actually allowed, since that seems to matter more than the route itself.
I usually default to walking the skyway when I'm downtown, so the scooter idea feels more like a replacement for short cab rides than for a stroll.
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Does the article compare it with bike-share for visitors who want to cover the riverfront without dealing with traffic?
Renting a scooter to link a few downtown stops sounds handy until you need to park it.
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Does the article get into designated scooter zones or rules for ending a ride, or is that left to the rider?
Covering more ground by bike or scooter sounds efficient, but Minneapolis winters make that a hard sell for much of the year.
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Does the piece address snow and ice, or is this mostly a warm-weather guide where walking and the skyway make more sense?
The tip about using scooters to connect from a parking ramp to your final stop is smart. I usually just walk, but that extra distance adds up when you're short on time.
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Curious if there are designated scooter parking zones downtown so they don't end up cluttering sidewalks.