10 BEST TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN MINNEAPOLIS

A dynamic modern city bisected by the great Mississippi River.

Minneapolis forms “Twin Cities” with the neighbouring state capital of St. Paul. The city is bisected by the great Mississippi River and is home to some 22 lakes and numerous parks. The Minneapolis Skyway is the biggest of its kind in the world and comfortably transports city-goers from building to building throughout the freezing winter months.

A team-building retreat in Minneapolis offers many indoor and outdoor activities. With no sales tax on apparel and accessories, a trip to the city’s bustling shopping district is a must. For the more active members of your team, you’ll find many activities such as rock climbing, kayak tours, paintball and much more.

To help you plan activities for your next corporate team-building retreat, we’ve provided the following list of team-building activities in Minneapolis.

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Discover the Mississippi River on a kayak tour

  • Explore the mighty Mississippi River on a 2.5-hour guided kayak tour.
  • Learn fundamental kayaking techniques with tuition from professional instructors.
  • All instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and are trained in water rescues.
  • Paddle through the historic heart of the city on a gentle stretch of the beautiful Mississippi River.
  • The guides are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
  • Kayak tours are designed for all experience levels from beginner to advance.

Explore the city on a guided Segway tour

  • An eight-mile guided Segway tour with amazing architecture, breathtaking public art, and little-known facts about our city.
  • Perfect for both experienced and first-time Segway explorers.
  • The tour facilitators prioritise safety on every tour.
  • One guide is provided for every 6 guests who join the tour.
  • All riders are trained to manoeuvre the Segway before embarking on the tour.
  • Tours can be organised for up to 80 riders at a time.

Uncover the hidden clues at the escape rooms

  • Locked in a room, your team members must work together for a common goal – escape!
  • Everyone must use their skills to decipher clues and complete challenges hidden throughout the room.
  • The venue can accommodate large groups with multiple room settings.
  • Groups must work together to escape within just 60 minutes.
  • Rooms are carefully designed to be interactive and engaging.
  • Choose from a variety of themed rooms with unique storylines and challenges.

Combine new flavours with a guided cooking workshop

  • Cooking workshops offer a unique experience that combines teamwork and culinary education.
  • Learn new cooking skills with guidance from professional chefs.
  • Option to hire the full location for up to 85 guests.
  • Several stations are provided where participants can taste the ingredients and learn new cooking techniques.
  • The instructors provide an upbeat experience that’s simultaneously educational and engaging.
  • After cooking, relax and enjoy a delicious meal with your colleagues.

Bond with your coworkers on a pedal-powered boat

  • Choose from a range of boats that can hold anywhere from six to 50 people.
  • Explore Lake Minnetonka while hanging out with your colleagues on a pedal-powered minibar.
  • The LazyTap boat is available for those who don’t wish to pedal.
  • Standard pedal sessions last approximately 90 minutes. 
  • Participants are welcome to bring their own beer and coolers on board.
  • All boats a fitted with a Bluetooth sound system.

Learn to paint while sipping a glass of wine

  • “Paint and sip” events are designed to bring your employees closer together while learning a new skill.
  • Learn useful painting techniques with guidance from professional artists.
  • Bond with your colleagues in a relaxing and vibrant working environment.
  • All essential painting materials are provided from the canvases to the wine and egg rolls!
  • Classes last between two and three hours.
  • Participants are encouraged to bring their own drinks and snacks.

Learn the ancient art of axe throwing

  • The venue is complete with 10 Axe Throwing Lanes.
  • Learn axe-throwing techniques with guidance from experienced instructors.
  • The huge 10,000-square-foot venue features a full bar serving craft beer and wine.
  • Axe-throwing events typically last two hours.
  • Coaching is available for groups of up to 31 people.
  • All axe throwers are required to wear closed-toe shoes.

Sample the local flavours with a guided food tour

  • Choose from a variety of food tours that explore all kinds of flavours from chocolate to wine.
  • You’ll embark on a one-of-a-kind tour where you’ll learn about the local food scene and history.
  • The quantity of food is usually enough to replace your daily lunch/dinner.
  • Tours generally last about 3 hours and cover 1 mile total.
  • The trips are very well put together, provided by experienced tour guides.
  • The tour guides possess a wealth of knowledge that they can’t wait to share.

Claim victory at the indoor paintball arena

  • Low-impact paintball is the perfect corporate team-building activity.
  • Go head to head in a series of adrenaline-pumping game modes.
  • Fight it out in the massive 15,000-square-foot facility, featuring a variety of functional obstacles.
  • Basic refreshments are available for purchase on-site or you can bring your own.
  • The experienced staff deliver a short safety briefing before handing out the paintballing equipment.
  • The facility is clean, spacious and well maintained.

Reach new heights at the climbing gym

  • Learn to climb at Minnesota’s cutting-edge climbing facility.
  • Attempt up to 150 different routes that ascend walls up to 58ft high.
  • Auto belays enable climbers to attempt high climbs without a partner.
  • The perfect activity to strengthen essential team skills.
  • Group events include two hours of rock climbing, harness rentals, and an experienced instructor.
  • The facility is very safe and spacious.

Planning a team-building retreat in 

Minneapolis

?

We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

Get a quote

Sample team-building retreat in

Minneapolis

Planning a team-building retreat in 

Minneapolis

?

We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

Get a quote

FAQs about team-building in

Minneapolis

What makes Minneapolis a strong destination for corporate team building?

Minneapolis combines vibrant urban districts, lakeside recreation, a thriving food scene, and easy Midwest accessibility. Teams often choose the city because it offers a balance of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and modern amenities throughout the year.

What types of team building activities work well in Minneapolis?

Popular options include scavenger hunts, escape rooms, cooking classes, brewery tours, kayaking excursions, cycling adventures, food tours, outdoor challenges, interactive workshops, and activities around the city's lakes and riverfront areas.

Why is Minneapolis popular for group events?

Minneapolis offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Teams often appreciate the city's walkable neighborhoods, extensive park system, and variety of experiences that encourage collaboration and social connection.

How easy is it to travel to Minneapolis?

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is one of the busiest airports in the Midwest, offering direct flights across the United States and international destinations. The airport is located approximately 20–25 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.

When is the best time of year for team activities in Minneapolis?

Late spring through early fall is generally the most popular period, with temperatures typically ranging between 60–85°F. These months are ideal for lake activities, outdoor adventures, and exploring the city's parks and trails.

Can teams experience local culture in Minneapolis?

Yes. Popular experiences include brewery tours, visits to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, food tours, cultural walks, live music events, and group dinners that showcase Minnesota's creative and culinary scene.

What outdoor activities are available for groups in Minneapolis?

Teams can participate in kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling tours, treasure hunts, outdoor escape games, leadership challenges, hiking excursions, and activities around the Chain of Lakes and Mississippi River.

What food and drink experiences are popular in Minneapolis?

Groups often choose brewery tours, cooking classes, food tours, cocktail workshops, market visits, and private dining experiences featuring local Minnesota specialties and international cuisine.

Can Minneapolis accommodate both active and relaxed team experiences?

Yes. Teams can combine structured workshops and collaborative sessions with outdoor adventures, lake activities, cultural attractions, sporting events, and social gatherings throughout the city.

Why do teams enjoy Minneapolis for company gatherings?

In our experience hosting teams, Minneapolis works especially well for groups looking for a destination that combines outdoor recreation, urban convenience, and a friendly atmosphere. Teams often appreciate the city's lakes, green spaces, and variety of activities that help build stronger connections.

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