University Life in the Twin Cities

Students holding a coffee around Twin Cities

Minnesota's Twin Cities: Saint Paul and Minneapolis

You’re within miles of both downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, giving you access not only to amazing internship opportunities, but to all the restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences they have to offer.

Live your best life in the Twin Cities

Muddonna at the Saints

Get back to nature

200+

miles of biking and hiking trails

Vibrant music scene

25+

venues for live music

Land of 10,000 lakes

22+

lakes within city limits

Eating in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities restaurant scene is diverse and vibrant from summer patios to cozy winter hideaways. There’s something for every taste, budget, and mood!

See Eater’s Twin Cities guide for what’s new and popular—things are always changing, so check back often! Visit Saint Paul is another great resource for local recommendations.

Places to explore in Minneapolis and Saint Paul

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure. The free zoo hosts a wide variety of animals and exhibits, matched only in diversity by the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a place to enjoy a tropical environment year-round.

Mill City Museum

With an explosive past, the Mill City Museum offers a unique look at local history on the ruins of the Washburn A Mill flour plant, which suffered a flour explosion in the late 1880s and a devastating fire in 1990. (Tip: Take a walk across the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge while you’re in the neighborhood.)

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is a fine art museum that offers a wide array of cultural and historical art and a vast collection of contemporary art to explore. Best of all, admission is free!

Science Museum of Minnesota

Catch a film on the giant Omnitheater screen, then spend hours exploring a massive selection of hands-on exhibits about science, natural history, technology, and more. Ask about the student discount!

 

Hamline students at Como Park Pavillion
Oliver Engstrom, Hamline student

One of the biggest reasons why I chose Hamline was that I was able to stay in the Twin Cities. I love experiencing a broad sense of community—diverse cultures, businesses, and entertainment—and Hamline is in the perfect location for all of that.

Oliver Engstrom ‘26, Business Administration (BBA) - accounting concentration; of Minneapolis, MN

Local Twin Cities theatre

Brave New Workshop

The longest-running satirical theatre in the country, Brave New Workshop (BNW) specializes in political and social satire. Not only does BNW host their own regular shows, but they host other events on their ETC stage and host classes for all ages. Just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, Brave New Workshop is an affordable and hilarious place for a night out.

Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie offers a variety of professional theatrical performances throughout the year. Featuring local actors and artists, it showcases the Twin Cities' rich theatrical community.

Orpheum Theatre

The beautifully renovated Orpheum Theatre has a rich history and is known for premiering musicals such as Victor/Victoria and The Lion King. Sign up for their email list to learn more about student rates for same-day shows!

Sports for all seasons in Minneapolis and Saint Paul

Minnesota Lynx and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center

Catch a basketball game with the Lynx (WNBA) or Timberwolves (NBA) at Target Center! Just across the street from its outdoor neighbor, Target Field, Target Center is Minnesota’s pro basketball home, plus a frequent year-round concert stop for top-of-the-charts pop stars.

Minnesota Twins at Target Field

Grab a hot dog at Target Field in Minneapolis and enjoy watching the Twins, Minnesota's professional baseball team. Not a baseball fan? Check out Target Field's website for concerts.

Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field

Catch a Major League Soccer game at the new Allianz Field. This state-of-the-art stadium is only a mile from campus, with plenty of food options and great views for game day

Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center

Minnesota is known for its incredible winters, and with the incredible cold comes incredible winter sports. The Minnesota Wild hockey team can be found playing home games in downtown Saint Paul, just a short ride from campus. The Xcel also hosts events and concerts year-round.

Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium

Rain, snow, or shine, go cheer on Minnesota's professional football team, the Vikings. US Bank Stadium was finished in 2016 and features state-of the-art facilities and technology.

Saint Paul Saints at CHS Field

The Saints have a long history with the city of Saint Paul, and today they play in the minor leagues as an affiliate of the Twins. Prefer to root for a team that's even closer to home? CHS Field is also home of the Piper baseball team, so go root for your friends and classmates too!

 

Baseball at CHS field

Outdoor adventures throughout the Twin Cities

Chain of Lakes

Want to get on the water (or the beach) without leaving the city? Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake Nokomis, along with several others, make up Minneapolis’ chain of lakes. Enjoy a day by the water, or rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe for a very Minnesota adventure.\

Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway includes 102 miles of walking and biking trails and covers from the Downtown Riverfront to Theodore Wirth. Grand Rounds will take you by museums, waterfalls, flower gardens, theatres and other beautiful sights. With information kiosks and more than 50 interpretive sites, Grand Rounds is a fun way to get outside, exercise, and enjoy local Minneapolis scenery.

Fort Snelling State Park

Fort Snelling State Park offers extensive hiking, bike, and ski trails as well as canoeing, swimming, and golfing. Visit Historic Fort Snelling for a fun and educational tour that brings you back to the 1820s in Minnesota.

Find other fun outdoor recreation spots and events via the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or Explore Minnesota.

Students in front the subway

Getting around the Twin Cities

Learn more about transportation options around campus, from bike trails to public transportation. Pro tip: Hamline students are eligible for discounted unlimited transit passes!

Learn more

Explore your new neighborhood

The Sunken Garden inside of Como Conservatory
Allianz Field in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Groundswell Coffee in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Minnesota State Fair banner
Whole Foods near Hamline University
hamline students in Como Park in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Hamline students in front of Groundswell Coffee in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Kim's Asian Market in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Yum! Kitchen in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Hamline students at picnic table, Como park

Contact information