Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Minneapolis-Saint Paul , United States

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

(4 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Minneapolis is one of America’s greatest arts centers, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is like stepping into a shrine that proves it. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll venture into this artistic labyrinth and admire some of the city’s most iconic works.

The tour starts at the Walker Art Museum, located at the site of Thomas Lowry’s former mansion on the “Devil’s Backbone,“ a steep, twin-ridged terrain with a striking silhouette. From there, you’ll stroll through the sculpture garden, pausing at key works including Katharina Fritsch’s electric blue Hahn/Cock, and other lesser-known but equally fascinating pieces.

This tour combines art appreciation, historical context and dramatic stories. You’ll find out how Sam Durant’s Scaffold was met with global outrage in 2017, and enjoy moments of quiet reflection at Jim Hodges’ mirrored boulders. I’ll also tell you about the controversies and characters that shaped this cultural landscape.

Available options

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and innovative programming. Please remember that admission to the museum is not included in this tour.

You’ll visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a beloved public space featuring iconic works like Spoonbridge and Cherry. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll pass through Loring Park, a popular green space known for its scenic paths, public art, and vibrant community atmosphere. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at 725 Vineland Pl. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, known as the Twin Cities, is a vibrant metropolitan area in Minnesota, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With its renowned arts scene, extensive park system, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that appeals to both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.

Top Attractions

Mall of America

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and numerous dining options.

Shopping/Entertainment Half day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A premier art museum with over 90,000 works of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of creativity.

Museum 2-3 hours Free admission

Minnehaha Falls

A stunning 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Stone Arch Bridge

A historic bridge offering beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Juicy Lucy

A cheese-stuffed hamburger, a local specialty.

Dinner Contains dairy and gluten

Wild Rice Soup

A creamy soup made with wild rice, a staple in Minnesota cuisine.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Hot Dish

A comforting casserole made with a variety of ingredients, often including tater tots.

Dinner Varies by recipe, can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Pizza with lutefisk

A unique pizza topped with lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried fish.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking Rock climbing Picnicking Reading Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and activities. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Hmong, Somali
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time, CST), GMT-5 (Central Daylight Time, CDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Twin Cities are generally safe for visitors, but as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services

Getting there

By air

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Minneapolis

By train

Union Depot (St. Paul), Minneapolis Depot

By bus

Union Depot (St. Paul), Greyhound Station (Minneapolis)

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro system includes the Blue Line (airport to Mall of America), Green Line (downtowns to University of Minnesota), and Green Line Extension (under construction).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Minneapolis Uptown Saint Anthony Main Grand Avenue

Day trips

Stillwater

35 km (22 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day to full day

A charming river town with historic buildings, antique shops, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

6 km (4 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day

A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

25 km (16 miles) from downtown Minneapolis • Half day to full day

A beautiful arboretum featuring gardens, trails, and a variety of plant species.

Festivals

Minneapolis Aquatennial • Late July Saint Paul Winter Carnival • Late January to early February Minneapolis Mill City Farmers Market • May to October

Pro tips

Visit the Mall of America for a unique shopping and entertainment experience
Explore the extensive park system and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking
Attend a theater performance or concert at one of the many venues in the Twin Cities
Try local specialties, such as the Juicy Lucy and wild rice soup
Take a day trip to Stillwater for a charming river town experience