photo credit: Lodge at Giants Ridge

Things to Do in the Minnesota This Summer

Summer in the Twin Cities is packed with festivals, outdoor fun, family adventures, and rooftop dining. Whether you’re looking for iconic Minnesota experiences or hidden gems, here’s your guide to making the most of the season in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Major Summer Festivals & Events

  • Minnesota State Fair (Aug 21–Sep 1): Food on a stick, concerts, animals, and rides — it’s one of the largest state fairs in the country.
  • Minneapolis Aquatennial (Jul 23–26): Torchlight parade, fireworks, beach events, and family fun throughout the city.
  • Minnehaha Falls Art Fair (Jul 18–20): Local art, live music, and food trucks in a gorgeous park setting.

Family &…

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Get to Know the West Metro: Tour de Tonka in Minnetonka – August 2, 2025

Thinking about moving out west? A great way to dip your toes into the community is by joining Tour de Tonka this August. It's a fun, family-friendly bike event that lets you explore the area, meet neighbors, and experience the stunning west-metro scenery in a unique way.

Tour de Tonka

Photo Source: Tour de Tonka Facebook Page

What is Tour de  Tonka?

Tour de Tonka is the west metro’s signature bike ride—dubbed “Minnesota’s Ride.” Now in its 20th year (since kicking off with 819 riders in 2006), the event regularly draws nearly 3,500 cyclists from over 166 Minnesota cities, 73 counties, and 44 U.S. states 


Routes & Difficulty

  • Choose from six routes ranging from 16 miles…

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Summer Vibes at Lake Harriet Bandshell: 2025 Event Highlights

Why Lake Harriet Bandshell Is a Summer Must

With over 80 free concerts scheduled between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the newly‑renovated blue bandshell returns as one of the top outdoor venues in Minneapolis .

Signature Events to Put on Your Calendar

  • Music & Movies Kickoff – May 26: Start your season with Bluedog (5:30 pm) and Pretendians (7:30 pm), plus food trucks and beer.
  • Minneapolis Pops Orchestra: Performances every weekend in July, including July 6 (5:30 pm), 7 & 8 (7:30 pm).
  • Junior and the Jukes – July 7 @ 7:30 pm, part of the ongoing Music in the Parks series.
  • Beasley’s Big Band – July 9 @ 8 am (though check exact time; often evening).

Add a Movie Night…

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Milwaukee Avenue Heritage – A Historical Look at Seward’s Landmark District

Milwaukee Avenue Heritage: A Historic Look at Seward’s Landmark District

Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis’ Seward neighborhood lies Milwaukee Avenue—a peaceful, pedestrian-only street lined with charming 19th-century homes. This two-block corridor is not only picturesque but also rich in history and community spirit.

A Story of Preservation

Originally built in the 1880s as affordable housing for railroad workers, Milwaukee Avenue was designed with modest, narrow-lot homes. By the 1970s, the area was in decline and slated for demolition. But residents and activists rallied to protect it. Their success led to its 1974 designation as a Minneapolis Historic…

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Buying and Selling at the Same Time in the Twin Cities? Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted by UrbanMinneapolisHomes.com

The Balancing Act of Buying and Selling

Trying to buy your next home while selling your current one? You’re not alone. Many Twin Cities homeowners are making this move in 2025, but doing both at the same time can be stressful without the right strategy. Here’s what you need to know to make it a smooth transition.

1. Know the Local Market Timing

In the Twin Cities, inventory is increasing, but well-priced homes are still selling quickly—often within 30 to 45 days. Understanding the market in both your current and target neighborhoods is critical. For example:

  • Selling in a hot area like Southwest Minneapolis? You may…

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First-Time Homebuyers: What You Need to Know in Today’s Twin Cities Market

Posted by UrbanMinneapolisHomes.com

First-time homebuyer holding keys in front of a house

Image credit: Unsplash

Why First-Time Buyers Need a Smart Game Plan in 2025

Buying your first home is a big deal—especially in a market like the Twin Cities, where affordability, inventory, and mortgage rates are all moving targets. Whether you're looking in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding suburbs, here's what first-time buyers should be thinking about right now.

1. Know the Numbers: What Homes Cost Right Now

  • Median Home Price (Twin Cities): Around $360,000
  • Monthly Mortgage (with 7% interest, 5% down): ~$2,600/month
  • Average Days on Market: 37 days – homes are still moving fairly quickly

Home prices…

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May 2025 Housing Market Recap – What the Numbers Mean for Minneapolis Buyers & Sellers

Posted by UrbanMinneapolisHomes.com

Source: Minnesota Realtors®

Market Snapshot for May 2025

This spring’s market dynamics continue to evolve in Minnesota. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell in Minneapolis, the latest data from the Minnesota Association of REALTORS® offers key insights.

  • Median Sales Price: $359,900 – a 2.8% increase year-over-year [oai_citation:0‡mnrealtor.com](https://www.mnrealtor.com/blogs/mnr-news1/2025/06/16/may-2025-housing-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
  • Days on Market: Homes are selling in just 37 days on average – 10.1% faster than last year
  • Active Listings: Inventory is up 10.1% compared to May 2024
  • Closed Sales:…

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Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Explore Minneapolis Condos

Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Explore Minneapolis Condos

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an empty nester, or simply ready to trade yard work for skyline views, the Minneapolis condo market offers an exciting mix of lifestyle, value, and long-term potential. As inventory continues to shift post-pandemic and new developments reshape our urban core, there’s never been a better time to get smart about your options.

What’s Happening in the Minneapolis Condo Market?

Condo inventory in Minneapolis remains relatively strong compared to single-family homes. While other segments of the Twin Cities real estate market are still dealing with low supply, downtown and surrounding…

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Thinking About Selling? Here's How to Prepare Your Home for the Market

Selling your home is a big decision—and one that requires careful planning. Whether you're looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate, getting your property ready for market is one of the most important steps to ensure a successful sale. Here are some key things to do before that “For Sale” sign goes up in your yard.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers want to envision themselves living in your space, and that’s hard to do when your home is filled with personal items. Remove family photos, excessive decorations, and anything that distracts from the home’s features. Less clutter also makes rooms feel larger and more inviting.

2. Make Minor Repairs

Fix that leaky faucet,…

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Summer 2025: Top Twin Cities Running & Biking Events

Summer in the Twin Cities is the perfect time to explore local trails, lakes, and parks by foot or bike. From family-friendly rides to competitive races, here are some must-attend endurance events this summer.

Running Events

1. Utepils Trail Loppet – Theodore Wirth Park

  • Date: Sundays (check website for exact dates, e.g., June or July)
  • Distances: 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon trail races with finishes at Utepils Brewing
  • Why go: Unique urban-trail experience, live music & a celebratory drink at the finish [oai_citation:0‡streets.mn](https://streets.mn/2025/04/23/must-do-bike-rides-in-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

2. Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend

  • Dates: October 3–5,…

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