When WalletHub named Minneapolis the 6th Best City for an Active Lifestyle no one was surprised. Even though many cities in Minnesota win the prize for America’s coldest, according to USA Today, Minnesotans like to get outside—no matter what the weather.
“In no other state do you have as many ‘extremes’ as Minnesota,” said Sydney Wolf, event sales manager for the Minneapolis-based DMC, metroConnections. “We have some of the coldest and most extreme winters but most beautiful picturesque summer days. As a meeting planner, this gives us a lot to work with in terms of theming and design of activities.”
How about getting a group together for ice-fishing, snowmobiling, curling or even a Winter Olympic-themed teambuilding event? Or, in summer, groups can take advantage of the beautiful outdoor weather and all the green space Minnesota has to offer, according to Wolf. Destinations like the Stone Arch Bridge or the Mississippi River provide fun recreational activities like biking or kayaking.
Lake Minnetonka is the perfect outlet for fishing competitions or boating activities, she said. Other popular events metroConnections can put together are a riverboat ride on the Mississippi River, an arts tour at the Walker Art Center and a cookout at Nicolett Island Pavilion, a premier event space in Minneapolis.
Cited by the Corporation for National and Community Service as tops in volunteering, Wolf said groups visiting Minnesota like to combine these activities with CSR options.
“Activities like a bicycle build for children or Water Works, where teams complete a multiple-step water transfer challenge to avoid spilling water and practice water conservation, are perfect during the summer months as guests get to volunteer and be outside,” Wolf said.
“No matter the extreme, winter or summer, attendees always walk away with a memorable experience as to what makes Minnesota amazing,” Wolf added.
