If you haven’t yet made your plans to join us at the NCRA Conference & Expo this July 24-26 in Minneapolis, Minn., what are you waiting for? In addition to enjoying all the benefits of attending the Conference (including earning up to 1.425 CEUs), you’ll be spending time in the “City of Lakes.” Perhaps best known as the home of Prince and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Minneapolis is also overflowing with urban charm, iconic landmarks, a vibrant culinary scene, and natural beauty. And best of all? We’ve extended our discounted registration rates through May 31.
Imagine basking in the sun on the shores of its numerous pristine lakes, walking across the historic Stone Arch Bridge with stunning views of the city skyline, or exploring the renowned Minneapolis Institute of Art. You could catch a Twins game at Target Field, wander through eclectic neighborhoods buzzing with art and live music, and savor diverse culinary delights ranging from craft breweries to farm-to-table restaurants. Need more reasons? We’ve got 150!
Here’s a sample:
Nature & Outdoors
#4. Overlook the St. Anthony Falls from the Guthrie’s Endless Bridge that jets over the Mississippi.
#7. Gaze up at Minnehaha Park’s 53-foot waterfall. It is beautiful when iced over or flowing.
#10. Cruise along the Mississippi River in a Water Taxi.
Food & Drink
#24. Chow down on a Juicy Lucy at The 5-8 Club or Matt’s Bar. Each bar claims to be the creator of this molten-hot, ultra-gooey, cheese-filled burger, so try both to decide!
#36. Check out one of the top breweries in the nation, Surly Brewing. Choose from 20 Surly beers on tap, grab some grub from the Surly food truck, then find a seat by the fire pits or play cornhole on the enormous outdoor patio.
#44. Treat yourself to something sweet at Bogart’s Doughnut Co. Their classic takes made with 18-hour brioche dough and handmade glazes eschew the showy donut trend in favor of standbys like Brown Butter-Glazed, Nutella-Filled, and Sprinkled Cake.
Music & Nightlife
#53. Visit the club that made Prince famous: First Avenue. Make sure to take a picture with his gold star.
#57. Enjoy a show at the Armory, a historic building in Downtown Minneapolis once home to the Minneapolis Lakers and the site of two legendary music videos, Prince’s “1999” and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”
#60. Listen to the multiple Grammy award-winning Minnesota Orchestra inside Orchestra Hall, well renowned for the astounding acoustics in the hall’s unique design.
Arts & Culture
#71. Snap a picture with the Mary Tyler Moore statue on Nicollet & 7th.
#73. Visit the oldest Basilica in the country, constructed between 1907 and 1926, the Basilica of St. Mary.
#80. Check out the Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center and get your iconic Minneapolis selfie with the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Tours & Experiences
#100. Take a paddle boat cruise down the Mississippi River on the historic Minneapolis Queen.
#104. See and learn more about the city on a Minneapolis Trolley Tour. They offer tours of Minneapolis landmarks, a ghost tour, a Minneapolis mansion tour, and more!
#109. Go under the sea at Sea Life at the Mall of America and discover over 4,500 sea creatures inside the 1.3 million-gallon aquarium.
Shopping
#113. Shop the boutiques in the trendy North Loop neighborhood
#119. Ride the METRO blue line to Mall of America and enjoy the perk of shopping in Minnesota, no sales tax on clothing.
Family Fun
#125. Watch a free movie or live band any night of the week during the summer through Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Parks.
#127. Observe animal species from around the world and learn about leading efforts to save wildlife at the Minnesota Zoo.
#128. Head across the river to The Science Museum of Minnesota where 370,000 square feet of science exhibits and an IMAX Omni Theater engage and spark scientific curiosity year-round.
#142. Enjoy some of the best fireworks in the nation. The Target Fireworks start at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 on the Mississippi Riverfront on West River Parkway.
Have you booked your hotel yet?
Book your stay early at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, the official hotel of the NCRA Conference & Expo! You’ll enjoy exclusive discounted rates while immersing yourself in the heart of downtown right on Nicollet Mall. Take in breathtaking city skyline views and benefit from easy access to the light-rail system. Reserve your stay today and make the most of your Conference experience!
NOTE: When booking your hotel for the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo in Minneapolis, Minn., please be sure to do so through the official registration page. NCRA’s discounted block runs Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday, July 26 only. Do not call the hotel directly or book your room through the hotel website. You will be directed to an outsourced call center and discounted rates may not be applied.
Want to know more? Here are some additional important details about the Conference.
*Video courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
