ITINERARIES
Rethos volunteers prepared these itineraries with a variety of themes and uses in mind, in an effort to help Doors Open attendees get the most out of the weekend.
There are two itineraries geared towards families with kids or teens and a downtown walking tour. Volunteers also prepared themed tours focused on transportation and electricity, warehouse district adaptation, sacred spaces, and historic homes.
Big Animal Production Studio
Cool Art Spaces and Theatrical Places for Families, Kids & Teens
This itinerary invites you and your kids/teens to visit some of the more creative stops on Doors Open Minneapolis. Many of these places your kids may not otherwise be exposed to – and most are offering hands-on activities. Check out sites ranging from production/art studios to sites that celebrate the theatre, circus, puppetry, creative writing and more. As with all of the Doors Open Minneapolis sites – many are also interesting, unique or historic buildings in our city!
Hennepin Healthcare Teddy Bear Clinic
STEM in the City for Families with Kids and Teens
All of these stops are in or around downtown Minneapolis and feature Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in some way. Pick and choose the locations that most interest you and your younger explorers; there is no need to visit all of them (you surely couldn’t in one day anyway!) or in any order. Take this opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the things that keep our city running smoothly: transportation, traffic management, snowplowing, firefighting, street sweeping and more. You can also visit a medical center (with your teddy bear!), a radio station and a unique car garage.
Peavey Plaza
The Docomomo US/MN Guide to Doors Open Minneapolis
Minneapolis has some notable examples of modern architecture, showcasing the global movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. Innovative architects of this era rejected traditional styles, allowing the relationship between form and function to drive their designs.
Ford Center
Warehouse Wonders
Haven’t we all wondered what we would be in our second life? This group of buildings recall the days when Minneapolis got ‘put on the map’ as a center of commerce for the Midwest, and now they’re all getting new lives! You’ve probably heard about the “Warehouse District” and with good reason – Minneapolis’ Warehouse District is a successful example of how a historic district can be redeveloped into a vibrant destination. Learn about Minneapolis’ industrial history and be inspired by the beautifully designed renovations.
Como Harriet Streetcar Line-George Isaacs Carbarn
Electricity and Transportation
Minneapolis grew around Saint Anthony Falls, the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi. The falls provided water power to run lumber and flour mills that contributed to the city’s growth and industrial development. The falls provided electricity to power early streetcars. Explore the connections between the river, electricity, and transportation. See how things work when you explore these hidden gems. Some sites are open to the public only for Doors Open Minneapolis. All five sites are open Saturday. Two sites, Como Harriet Streetcar Line-George Isaacs Carbarn and Metro Transit Blue Line Operations & Maintenance Facility, are also open Sunday.
Basilica of Saint Mary
Sacred Spaces
Doors Open Minneapolis is providing free access to some of the most beautiful and celebrated sacred spaces in the city designed by some of the premier architects in this city and state. These are sacred spaces you may have driven by and have wanted to see for years. Take advantage of the opportunity to be a tourist in your own city. Enter the open doors and take in the architectural marvels that exist, ask questions, and seek peace and inspiration from these sacred spaces.
** See our digital map here for a list of all sacred spaces participating in Doors Open Minneapolis 2025.
Canopy by Hilton
West of Washington Walking Tour
This walking tour in the heart of Minneapolis runs parallel to the flowing water of the Mississippi River, the current of energy and change that invigorates the city and its people. The route is an eight-block long loop that connects seven venues on the Rethos Doors Open list. Discover places that you may have missed from your car window and that are best experienced at a walking pace.
Purcell-Cutts House
Museums in Historic Houses
Doors Open Minneapolis is providing free access to some of the most popular historic house museums in Minnesota. These historic house museum sites are located in houses designed by some of this state’s premier architects that tell the history of this city and this state. The Ard Godfrey House shows the simple, early Greek Revival style of early white settlers to Minnesota territory. The three other houses open to the public as museums show the architectural styles that came during the “Golden Age” of wealth and architecture in Minneapolis. Enjoy visiting these homes to learn about how people lived at various times in the history of Minneapolis.