Top 10 Freebies in the Twin Cities

Updated: April 03, 2009

Slumping economy got you down? Stash your money under the mattress and check out these always-free great places to gather in the Twin Cities.

On this page:The Top 10, More Budget Picks.

The Top 10

  1. 1 Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
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    333 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (map)

    Open Tuesday through Saturday, the exhibits at this gorgeous and world-famous Frank Gehry-designed art museum are always free. The permanent collection is extensive, and includes works by Georgia O’Keefe, among others. And the exhibits, like a recent one exploring artwork of the WPA, always offer a fresh perspective on current events.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
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    Vineland Pl and Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (map)

    The famous spoon is still missing its cherry as it waits to ripen in the repair shop, but that's all the more reason you should visit this unique and free sculpture garden at the Walker Art Center. Checking out the grounds and the ultra-modern works also makes for the perfect and ultra-cheap date in the spring and summer months.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Summit Brewing Company
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    910 Montreal Cir, St. Paul, MN 55102 (map)

    Local brews are all the rage, and it doesn’t get much more local than Summit, which has made St. Paul its home for more than two decades. The local institution offers free tours and samples on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays. You can sip on a bubbly Northern Porter and Pale Ale, learning all about what makes them taste so good.

  4. 4 Ted Mann Concert Hall
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    2106 Fourth St S, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (map)

    This modern and splendid concert hall on the campus of the U of M overlooks the Mississippi River and is in itself a fun and free destination. But the concert hall also hosts plenty of free events throughout the year, including concerts by gospel choirs, jazz ensembles, symphonies and more.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Walker Art Ctr
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    1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (map)

    The first Thursday of every month, this world-famous art museum opens its doors/robot mouth for free. Enjoy the permanent collection of Rothkos and Yoko Onos and more, check out traveling exhibits that explore architecture and landscapes and everything in between, and enjoy a free film or stage event--all in one night.

  6. 6 Sam's Washington Ave Wine Shop
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    218 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (map)

    The first Wednesday of every month, the wine experts at this shop hold free wine tastings for beginners and connisseurs.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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    2400 Third Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404 (map)

    Van Gogh and Degas never looked better, thanks to daily free admission at this massive art museum.

  8. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Surdyk's Liquor Store
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    303 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (map)

    This wine mecca offers dozens of selections for gratis vino tastings from 10:30am to 6pm every Friday and Saturday.

  9. 9 Intermedia Arts
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    2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (map)

    This hip gallery always features work my some of the coolest and most cutting-edge artists around.

More Budget Picks

  1. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Mann Hopkins Cinema 6
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    1118 Main St, Hopkins, MN 55343 (map)

    See second-run blockbusters for $2 or less at this charming, old-school movie theater.

  2. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Aveda Institute - Minneapolis
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    400 Central Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (map)

    Cosmetologists-in-training offer $12 haircuts and foils beginning at $40 at this training salon that feels more indulgent than it costs.

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