The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a must-see for anyone with an interest in outdoor artistic craftsmanship -- or for anyone who enjoys park-like settings. This Minneapolis wonder is on an 11 acre park in the heart of Minneapolis located near the world renowned Walker Art Center. But don't let the 'world-renowned' label scare you. This sculpture garden - even though it's location sings 'high society' is for everyone regardless of age or artistic interest -- there's no hob-snobbery here -- just pure enjoyment.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the outdoor sanctuary for over 40 sculptures from artists around the world. One of the most popular sculptures, the Spoonbridge and Cherry can be seen as you drive by -- but don't just drive by, stop in to see it. Commissioned in February of 1985, this Minneapolis icon stretches over 29 feet in length and is actually a 'bridge' over an artistic water pond, perfect for pictures year-round.
Parking at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The City of Minneapolis offers both on street (metered) parking and a parking garage on site at the Walker Art Center (just steps away). The entrance to the lot is on Vineland Place, right on Bryant Avenue.
Best and worst time to visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The best time to visit this lovely site is when it opens, so go online or call them at (612) 375-7600 for their most current hours. This is a popular place in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro and parking tends to fill up fast. The worst time is mid-afternoon during the summer months and on weekends because of its outdoor appeal. Glorious photos at dusk will give you mesmerizing memories to last for years to come.
Park hours at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Hold onto your seats: The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open daily from the wee hours of 6 a.m. until midnight. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the garden in all levels of light.
Admission at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Here's another cool thing Minneapolis can hang its hat on: Admission to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free. Yup! Free.
Must see and do at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
With over 40 different sculptures and additional landscaping wonders at this park, you'll want to see them all. But don't forget to leave with a picture of the Spoonbridge and Cherry. This alone is a must-have for anyone entering the garden.
Insider tips at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
This is a busy part of town; keep your eyes on your turn onto Vineland Place or you'll miss the turn completely. This specific area during the spring, summer and fall are exceptionally busy with traffic. Bring a bottle of water for each person in your party. While they do have water fountains (and they do maintain them) an 11 acre park is nothing to sneeze at on the hot summer days.
Other places to visit near the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Just a few steps away you'll find the aforementioned world-renowned Walker Art Center. Currently, Thursday nights between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. you can get in for free. Consider visiting the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in one swoop -- you'll enjoy it. Additionally, just a few blocks from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden you'll find the Minneapolis Farmers Market -- located on Lyndale Avenue. This place is a hotspot for activity especially in the early weekend hours with people who want to take the freshness of farm-grown goodies home with them. If you're more into sports, the new Target Stadium (Minnesota Twins) is within site. Take the family (or a bunch of friends) and make a day of it.
Author's bio: Julie Bergh has lived in Minnesota most of her life and loves to travel, read and eat chocolate. You can catch her on other websites magazines with a simple click of the mouse.
