10 Reasons to Explore MSP Airport

The Twin Cities’ reputation as a hub for arts is reflected throughout MSP. Multiple mosaics decorate both concourses, the airport hosts an annual employee art show and contest, and a trio of Snoopy statues makes for a fun scavenger hunt.

One of the reasons MSP is considered the best on the continent is its customer service. The airport employs 21,000 "Minnesota Nice" employees, plus hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to assist travelers. The airport also has popular animal ambassadors, including 96 dogs and one cat named Stitches.

Two aviation-inspired play areas (one in each terminal) will keep the little ones occupied while you wait for your flight, as will the delicious treats at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. There's also private and plush nursing rooms for families traveling with babies or moms who need a quiet place to pump, located in both terminals.

The light rail stops at both terminals and connects to 17 locations in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, including downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America in Bloomington. Trains run 24 hours a day and as frequently as every 10 minutes during peak times.

Sleep in before your return flight and stay on-site at the InterContinental Hotel. The 12-story hotel features a spa, two signature restaurants, a penthouse cocktail bar and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Pop into locally founded Aveda to sample some products, get a pre-flight adjustment at The Chiroport, or sit back and enjoy a premium shoe shine. You can even get a full mani/pedi, hair styling and facial treatments at XpresSpa; no appointment necessary.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, postcards and T-shirts are far from your only options. Take home locally made leather goods and jewelry from Uptown Minnesota, outfit your outdoor adventures at Adventure North, and pay homage to Minnesota's most beloved star at the Prince store, where you can also pick up tickets to Paisley Park.

The piano on the baggage claim level in Terminal 1 is not just for show. Anyone is invited to play it; you may even be entertained by a professional musician or child prodigy while waiting for your luggage.

Minnesota's thriving local food scene greets visitors as soon as they touch down at MSP, where many of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s best chefs and restaurateurs have opened up shop. Satisfy your inner foodie with options like coal-fired pizza at Black Sheep, fresh sushi at Shoyu, empanadas at Half Moon, local craft beer from Stone Arch or a Tattersall craft cocktail from the Cocktail Room at 18th & Central.

MSP has an official 1.4-mile walking path in Terminal 1, sponsored by the American Heart Association. It’s a healthy way to pass the time on a layover or to walk off some of that gourmet airport fare.