Team Building Activities: Minneapolis, MN—Insider’s Guide
If you’re looking for a spot to host truly memorable team building activities, Minneapolis, MN, is where it’s at! We’re talking gorgeous lakes, a vibrant art scene, and yes, even our notoriously cold winters—Minneapolis simply offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Now, I might be a bit biased—I did grow up here—but after over 15 years facilitating team building activities across the states, there’s just something so magical and unique about this city.
In this guide, I’ll share insider knowledge on how to put together the best team experiences the Twin Cities has to offer, complete with seasonal recommendations and local tips you don’t want to miss.
What Makes Minneapolis Team Building Activities Special?
So, what makes team building activities in the Twin Cities so special? I think it’s our combination of sophisticated cityscapes and the majesty of nature, all wrapped up in a “Minnesota Nice” hospitality package.
This city can take your group from an outdoor adventure on one of our 20+ lakes to a world-class venue and then wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at any one of the fantastic restaurants in our thriving food scene—all in one day!
When I’m hosting an event here, I like to incorporate some local traditions or hotspots, even if it means embracing the cold with winter activities (and lots of warm clothing, of course).
Benefits of Team Building in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
I’ve been working with TeamBonding long enough to see the true power of team building activities. Minneapolis, MN, has a way of turning the effect up to 11, but here are some research-backed benefits of getting your teams engaged in these events in general:
- Team building exercises have been shown to make employees more productive while increasing how much they enjoy work
- Outdoor team activities and spending time in nature help improve attention span, employee creativity, well-being, and perceived levels of happiness
- Employees report an increased sense of trust and connectedness after engaging in team building activities with their peers
- Regular participation in team building activities has been shown to increase retention while improving job satisfaction
If we look beyond the general benefits, team building activities in Minneapolis can also:
- Creates new connections and work friendships between team members who don’t regularly interact
- Boosts workplace morale by creating memories your team will be talking about for months to come
- Helps develop soft skills like creativity, confidence, empathy, critical thinking, and time management
- Provides a refreshing break from the daily in-office routine to help prevent the all-too-common employee burnout
Plus, there’s just something so amazing about getting outside your comfort zone alongside your team. When you’re working outside the box and trying new things in new environments, you amplify all of these benefits and more, even if you’re a local company.
Best Seasons for Minneapolis Team Building Activities
It’s no secret that Minneapolis has intense and often dramatic weather—it’s just a fact of life here. There’s a joke among locals that Minnesota has two seasons: winter and road construction!
In all seriousness, though, this city fully experiences all four seasons, and timing definitely matters. The best group activities Minneapolis has to offer are the ones that are in sync with the weather here. Each season offers unique possibilities:
- Summer (June-August): My absolute favorite time for Twin Cities team building activities! The lakes and surrounding nature come alive, outdoor activities are in full swing, and the city just vibrates with energy. It’s perfect for water-based team challenges and other outdoor adventures.
- Fall (September-October): With warm temperatures and colorful foliage, fall is the second-best choice for outdoor team building. Minneapolis in general, and especially the Mississippi River area, is beautiful this time of year. Plus, you’ll avoid the summer tourist crowds!
- Winter (November-March): Don’t let our cold reputation scare you off—we Minnesotans embrace winter! It’s a great time of year for ice sculpting and fun in heated outdoor spaces. But indoor venues shine brightest during this season, offering tons of cozy activities.
- Spring (April-May): As the city thaws, Minneapolis springs to life with warmer temperatures and blooming landscapes. It’s an excellent time for both indoor and outdoor activities, depending on the weather. I suggest alternating between indoor and outdoor spots in case you need to warm up.
Regardless of the season, it’s always important to have a backup indoor location planned! Minneapolis weather changes quickly and often doesn’t follow the forecast, but if you plan for it, that just becomes part of the adventure!
Best Team Building Activities Minneapolis, MN, Has To Offer
So, I’ve facilitated a ton of corporate events here in Minneapolis, and they’re all so much fun. I’ve discovered some definite favorites over the years, though, which is what I’ll be highlighting in this section—they each tend to consistently deliver exceptional results, no matter the team.
Here are my top picks for the best corporate event ideas Minneapolis has to offer.
1. Build-A-Boat
Minneapolis is known as the “City of Lakes,” and for good reason—we have over 20 lakes within our city limits! I couldn’t ask for a better place to host our Build-A-Boat challenge. It’s perfect for lighthearted summertime fun and is a great way to take full advantage of our natural playground.
Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles are perfect spots for this challenge.
How it works
We’ll start by splitting your team into smaller crews to engage in some friendly competition. They’ll test their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to construct a (hopefully) seaworthy vessel using basic materials.
The twist? They’ll have to do fun, fast-paced challenges to earn extra tools and supplies to build better boats, all while racing against the clock.
From there, it’s all hands on deck to race across the lake as teams either paddle their way to victory or take an unintended dip in the water. And trust me, there’s nothing like watching team members board their handmade vessels, crossing their fingers that they’ll stay afloat!
They’ll also have to impress a panel of judges with a sales pitch, trying to earn points for design, teamwork, and innovation.
I’ve facilitated this event dozens of times, and it never fails to generate laughter, creative problem-solving, and those “I can’t believe we did it!” moments.
After the event
For the best experience, I recommend pairing this with a post-event meal at one of the lakeside restaurants like Bread & Pickle at Lake Harriet or Lola on the Lake at Bde Maka Ska. Sharing a meal while you discuss your boat-building triumphs is a great way to solidify good memories and new team bonds.
2. The Big Picture
One of my favorite aspects about Minneapolis is our public art scene—you’ll find a ton of colorful murals all around neighborhoods like Northeast, Lyn-Lake, and Uptown. It’s the perfect place for The Big Picture, which is a giant mural team building activity!
Minneapolis, MN, seems to foster collaboration and creativity with the blend of nature and urban landscapes, and so many cultures coming together here, so this event fits in nicely here.
How it works
In this event, your team will be divided into small groups that will collaborate to complete smaller sections of the mural while being guided by our experienced coordinators.
Teams work together to create smaller images that will combine to form a massive, cohesive mural.
We typically try to include your company values or vision in the theme of the mural because it helps the finished product become a tangible reminder of what your team can accomplish together. Many companies also choose to display it at their office.
The thing I find the most fascinating is watching how different team dynamics emerge during the creative process. That and how this project works for people of all artistic skill and confidence levels, thanks to the guided creative process.
Some of my favorite locations for this activity include:
- The Warehouse District: This one’s great if you’d like to enjoy the city’s industrial spaces as a backdrop
- Northeast Minneapolis Arts District: Here, you’ll be surrounded by inspiration from local artists to get your team excited
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: This spot’s perfect for getting your teams to draw inspiration from iconic works like the Spoonbridge and Cherry
I especially recommend this activity to break down silos between departments, help teams bond after a merger, and improve overall communication between employees.
After the event
To get the most from this event, I’d suggest heading to JD Hoyt’s or Red Rabbit for a nice group dinner after creating your mural. Teams always seem to bond better if they get to chat about the experience over food and drinks once it’s over.
3. Ice Sculpting
If you’re visiting during our winter months, why not embrace the cold for a bit? Our Ice Sculpting program is a unique workshop that’ll have everyone racing the clock while testing their teamwork and creativity.
This is a great event to leverage our chilly reputation here, turning it into a memorable experience and giving your team a creative advantage.
How it works
Our facilitators will arrive with everything your team needs to dig into the competition—we’ll bring ice blocks, gloves, chisels, and other essential tools, plus expert instruction.
Your teams can choose what to carve, plan out the design, and then work together to bring their vision to life. Some ambitious teams have carved their company logos and other fun branding elements, while others pick personal designs that mean something unique to the group.
Either way, the final results are always impressive, and there’s never any shortage of warmth, laughter, and camaraderie. Plus, there’s something uniquely Minnesota about creating beauty from the very element that challenges us most.
After the event
The Great Northern Festival (held annually in late January) makes a perfect companion event if your timing aligns. The festival celebrates winter with snow sculptures, sauna experiences, and outdoor activities that showcase our winter-loving culture, and it’s a good choice for before or after this program.
I’d also suggest checking out Bar La Grassa—it has a good atmosphere, a lot of shareable dishes, and just a really pleasant and fun environment for large groups.
Best Venues for Corporate Events: Minneapolis Gems
The basis of team building experiences is built on the people and the activity, but the venue is important, too—the right place will elevate any team building experience. Here are some of my favorite spots:
- The Guthrie Theater: An architectural marvel with views of the Mississippi River and nice event spaces. It also has the endless blue bridge, which makes a good backdrop for team photos.
- Mill City Museum: A unique venue combines history with modern amenities—it’s built in a building that was previously the world’s largest flour mill. It also has an outdoor courtyard that’s excellent for summer events.
- Surly Brewing Company: A massive brewery with event spaces, outdoor areas, and excellent food. I think this is the ultimate embodiment of Minneapolis’s craft brewery culture.
- U.S. Bank Stadium: Another architectural wonder, and home to the Minnesota Vikings. You can sign up for tours and take advantage of event spaces with views of the Minneapolis skyline.
Ready To Make Some Lasting Memories with Minneapolis Team Building Activities?
Minneapolis, MN, has never failed to impress after over 15 years facilitating activities here. Whether you’re exploring our lakes during a boat-building challenge or creating ice sculptures in the heart of winter, this city is a great backdrop for making meaningful connections.
It’s not just the activities or venues that make this city unique—it’s how the Minneapolis character becomes part of your team’s shared experience and memories.
If you’re ready to plan an unforgettable team experience in Minneapolis, contact TeamBonding today to start planning your customized Twin Cities team building adventure.
