How to Plan a Wheelchair-Accessible Weekend in Downtown Minneapolis

Start your first day on a yummy note by sampling the diverse and delicious vendors inside Graze Food Hall by Travail, from southern-style BBQ at The Fabled Rooster to poke bowls and ice cream at Graze on the Green. There’s a full bar and outdoor patios to soak in the sun too! The food hall has step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and an elevator to access the upper floor and patio. 

Now that you’re fueled up, head across the Mississippi River to explore beautiful Boom Island Park, where you can take in spectacular views of the Minneapolis skyline. The riverside park features smooth, paved walking and biking paths, as well as picnic areas and a playground. 

After strolling around, it’s time to check in at Hewing Hotel, a converted warehouse with a modern industrial aesthetic that manages to be both chic and cozy. Before dinner you can head to their rooftop bar, a lively place to get delicious drinks and snacks in the evenings, and enjoy beautiful views of downtown Minneapolis. ADA rooms with roll-in showers are available should you need them. 

There’s tons of great dinner options within a short walk of your hotel, including The Monte Carlo, Demi, and J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club. We chose Dario for its inventive menu and lively atmosphere.

Care for the most delicious breakfast sandwich you’ve ever tasted? Well, you’re in luck because the hidden gem headquarters of Egg on a Roll is just a few blocks from the Hewing. Situated within a well-stocked bodega, this counter service joint offers a variety of unforgettable breakfast sandwiches. 

The Mississippi riverwalk is just a few more blocks away, so you can enjoy your sandwiches while taking in the views of the river. The route from the hotel to Egg on A Roll to the riverwalk is fully paved and has great curb cuts along the way.   

After brunch, stroll along the river on smooth and accessible paved pathways. A 15-minute walk will bring you to Pryes Brewing Company and its sprawling outdoor patio. Whether you’re in the mood for hoppy and hazy, sour and fruity, or dark and roasty, Pryes will have a beer for you. They also offer a wide variety of shareable plates and wood fired-pizzas! Their patio has hundreds of tables, but it still feels cozy and private no matter where you sit.  

Once you’ve imbibed, you can head back to the Hewing to rest up and change for the night ahead. Grab a show at Pantages Theatre, which offers spectacular accessible seating and everything from touring Broadway shows ("Disney's Beauty and the Beast", "The Phantom of the Opera", an eagerly anticipated "Purple Rain" premiere) to major comedians (Hannibal Buress, Leslie Jones, Hasan Minhaj). 

Be sure to get brunch at NOLO’s Kitchen and Bar during your final morning downtown. If you’re anything like us, you might arrive closer to lunchtime than brunch time, but never fear: NOLO’s menu is packed with incredible options no matter the time of day (breakfast fried rice, wood-oven scrambles, filet mignon sliders, etc.). 

Find more things to do in Minneapolis and its sister city St. Paul, or learn more about accessible travel in Minnesota.