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Axios Twin Cities Deep Dive

Picture of the Twin Cities skyline with MSP written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities Thought Bubble

Axios Twin Cities

Looking for a new workout? Mindbody sent Axios a list of popular studios and workouts in the Twin Cities, based on booking data and user nominations. 

[solidcore] in St. Louis Park focuses on low-impact training. Prices depend on length of membership and number of classes.

ONX + Amelia, a yoga and fitness studio in St. Paul's Cathedral Hill, offers multiple membership packages, including a virtual pass, with varying prices.

ALTR in the Minneapolis North Loop focuses on high-intensity interval training and strength work. Prices depend on length of membership, amount of sessions and type of class.

Barry's studio, a national chain also located in the North Loop, offers cardio and strength-building workouts. Prices vary based on length of classes and membership.

Popular workouts: Strength training, yoga and Pilates were the top workout types in Minneapolis, according to Mindbody.

Hands-on and personal training exercises are popular at the St. Louis Park fitness club, McKinney said.

Low-intensity training and greater impact training are popular among most of the Americans surveyed by Mindbody.

Stretching and restorative yoga to recover from a workout are popular nationwide, too, per the survey.

Ice baths: More than one-third of those surveyed said they've tried or are interested in ice baths. Sounds perfect for Minnesotans.

Where to work out in the Twin Cities

A general view of a bootcamp and yoga workout as Fitbit Local Minneapolis launches at with a free event at Target Field

A yoga workout at Target Field. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images for Fitbit

Looking for a new workout? Mindbody sent Axios a list of popular studios and workouts in the Twin Cities, based on booking data and user nominations. Studios:<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="[solidcore]" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/studios/solidcore-slp-saint-louis-park" data-vars-content-id="68c9f392-77f3-45a3-9f6f-6b1990e6723a" data-vars-headline="Where to work out in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/studios/solidcore-slp-saint-louis-park" target="_blank">[solidcore]</a> in St. Louis Park focuses on low-impact training. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.solidcore.co/mn/minnesota/maple-grove/pricing/" data-vars-content-id="68c9f392-77f3-45a3-9f6f-6b1990e6723a" data-vars-headline="Where to work out in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.solidcore.co/mn/minnesota/maple-grove/pricing/" target="_blank">Prices</a> depend on length of membership and number of classes.</li></ul>

Things to Do

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

Sick of the snow? Why not spend a weekend (or weeknight) playing tourist in your own city? 

Driving the news: We asked Axios Twin Cities readers to share their go-to spots for showing off our great metro to visitors. Hundreds of you responded!

Why it matters: Now is about the time of year when many Minnesotans start wondering why they live here at all.

While many of the recommendations might seem obvious — or be places you've been many times before — these tried-and-true activities and attractions are worth another look. 

The bottom line: Whether you're hosting friends, new to the area or just looking to see your city through fresh eyes, we're here to help you get through the rest of winter.

Nine out of 10 of your out-of-town guests will probably request a tour of the mother of all Minnesota tourist attractions, complete with a ride at Nickelodeon Universe (RIP Camp Snoopy!). 

Yes, but: The shopping and entertainment complex's 5.6 million square feet of stores, restaurants and entertainment means there's almost always something new to see. 

Recent additions include luxury stores perfect for window shopping, an indoor climbing zone and a state-of-the-art esports studio.

Pro tip: Swing by before the stores open for a walking tour to avoid crowds.

We know you know that you can tour Prince's Chanhassen estate-turned-museum/shrine. But did you know you can pay $160 to record in the studio?

For an even more local (and probably less expensive) Prince experience, hit up a show at the Dakota, one of the late artist's go-to haunts, or snap a selfie outside the "Purple Rain" house (3420 Snelling Ave.). 

Speaking of Prince, a show at First Avenue is never a bad idea (80s vs. 90s party anyone?). 

Bored with beer crawls? Eat your way through the Twin Cities instead by spending an afternoon touring one of our many food halls. 

From the pioneering Midtown Global Market to new entrant Eat Street Crossing, options abound. 

Plus: The new Asia Mall in Eden Prairie is one of a number of great international grocery stores in the metro area worthy of a stop. 

Minneapolis Institute of Art recently debuted a new full-sensory, immersive exhibition from Oscar-winning art director Tim Yip.  The Walker, Cafesjian Art Trust Museum in Shoreview and Bell Museum are also good bets. 

And don't forget about the American Swedish Institute museum, which includes the FIKA cafe and the Turnblad Mansion. 

🕹️ Can Can Wonderland offers mini golf, pinball, arcade games and more. Grab a beer at BlackStack Brewing before or after.

🍯 The Mill City Farmers Market, located inside the Mill City Museum during the winter months, has a few upcoming dates for your artisanal goods needs. The Twin Cities team picked up delicious pastries on a recent visit. 

🔭 After you shop, take a stroll to the Guthrie's Endless Bridge. The observation area runs 178 feet and is 55 feet above the parkway. It's open to the public starting at 11am Tuesday through Sunday — no show ticket required! 

🎥 "Scream it Off Screen" at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis is always a good time. Audiences for the short film competition decide which entrant gets a cash prize. It takes place the first Friday of every month.

🏈 Treat your favorite Vikings fan to a behind-the-scenes tour of U.S. Bank Stadium. We're pretty sure they won't let you blow the Gjallarhorn, but it's worth an ask! 

🌸 Pretend you've escaped to somewhere warm at Como Zoo and Conservatory. If you're willing to bundle back up, winter's a great time to see polar bears and Arctic foxes romp in the snow. Staying indoors? Keep an eye out for Chloe the sloth in the Tropical Encounters room.

🛝 And for parents or those with young guests, there are plenty of indoor playgrounds and kid-friendly indoor activities around, too. Here's our guide.

Prince's Chanhassen estate-turned-museum/shrine.

How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities

Now is about the time of year when many Minnesotans start wondering why they live here at all.

Bryan Erickson clears snow in front of First Avenue nightclub Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 in downtown Minneapolis, Minn.

First Avenue nightclub downtown. Photo: Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Sick of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/21/national-weather-service-twin-cities-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="b0b61ca5-46ae-4829-b26c-3c6a9ba4e67c" data-vars-headline="How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/21/national-weather-service-twin-cities-winter-storm" target="_self">snow</a>? Why not spend a weekend (or weeknight) playing tourist in your own city? Driving the news: We asked Axios Twin Cities readers to share their go-to spots for showing off our great metro to visitors. Hundreds of you responded!

As exercisers return to in-person workouts, some gyms and studios are emphasizing a more holistic approach to fitness, which can only elevate community and overall wellness.

Why it matters: In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and even boost memory.  

Zoom in: Alchemy 365 — which combines yoga, conditioning and strength training at its studios across the Twin Cities — aims to deliver results that will impact people's everyday lives, CMO Grace Bettino told Axios. 

That could range from more traditional fitness goals like running a faster marathon to being able to "chase their kids around the park without getting tired," she said. 

"We challenge people to live their best lives inside and outside the studio," Bettino said. 

Between the lines: Brian McKinney, a personal trainer at Life Time in St. Louis Park, attributes a surge in people working out in groups in the past year to an underlying "longing" for community after pandemic-related shutdowns.

"I just think that's inherently built within us — to connect with others," he told Axios.

Alchemy also focuses on community, hosting social gatherings after weekend workouts. 

Zoom out: What's happening in the Twin Cities tracks with national trends, according to Mindbody's 2023 wellness trends to watch.

Nearly 40% of consumers say they'll use physical exercise to improve their mental wellness, per the survey.

The bottom line: 75% of consumers see wellness as more important than ever, according to the survey, and about 65% say it is more important than other leisure activities. 

Mindbody's 2023 wellness trends to watch.

Bringing wellness back

In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and even boost memory.

Group yoga at Boom Island Park. Photo: David Joles/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Exercise

As exercisers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="return to in-person workouts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/gyms-like-anytime-fitness-snap-fitness-and-life-time-attract-more-exercisers-than-before-pandemic/600251302/" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/gyms-like-anytime-fitness-snap-fitness-and-life-time-attract-more-exercisers-than-before-pandemic/600251302/" target="_blank">return to in-person workouts</a>, some gyms and studios are emphasizing a more holistic approach to fitness, which can only elevate community and overall wellness.Why it matters: In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="even boost memory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/20/exercise-memory-study-walking-recall" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/20/exercise-memory-study-walking-recall" target="_self">even boost memory</a>. Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alchemy 365" data-vars-click-url="https://alchemy365.com/" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://alchemy365.com/" target="_blank">Alchemy 365</a> — which combines yoga, conditioning and strength training at its studios across the Twin Cities — aims to deliver results that will impact people&#x27;s everyday lives, CMO Grace Bettino told Axios. <ul><li>That could range from more traditional fitness goals like running a faster marathon to being able to &quot;chase their kids around the park without getting tired,&quot; she said. </li><li>&quot;We challenge people to live their best lives inside and outside the studio,&quot; Bettino said. </li></ul>Between the lines: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brian McKinney" data-vars-click-url="https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/get-to-know-your-trainers-meet-brian-mckinney/" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/get-to-know-your-trainers-meet-brian-mckinney/" target="_blank">Brian McKinney</a>, a personal trainer at Life Time in St. Louis Park, attributes a surge in people working out in groups in the past year to an underlying &quot;longing&quot; for community after pandemic-related shutdowns.<ul><li>&quot;I just think that&#x27;s inherently built within us — to connect with others,&quot; he told Axios.</li><li>Alchemy also focuses on community, hosting social gatherings after weekend workouts. </li></ul>Zoom out: What&#x27;s happening in the Twin Cities tracks with national trends, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mindbody&#x27;s 2023 wellness trends to watch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/fitness-focused-findings-2023" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/fitness-focused-findings-2023" target="_blank">Mindbody&#x27;s 2023 wellness trends to watch</a>.<ul><li>Nearly 40% of consumers say they&#x27;ll use physical exercise to improve their mental wellness, per the survey.</li></ul>The bottom line: 75% of consumers see wellness as more important than ever, according to the survey, and about 65% say it is more important than other leisure activities.

Herb Scribner

Featured stories

How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities

Where to work out in the Twin Cities

Bringing wellness back