Staying warm will be among the top priorities for anyone visiting Minneapolis for Super Bowl 52. Luckily, the city is used to the cold and in 1962 built the beginnings of the Minneapolis Skyway System. Essentially, the Skyway is an enclosed sidewalk that gets you around Minneapolis without having to brave the frigid temps.
What is the Minneapolis Skyway System?
Everything you need to know about the 9.5 miles and 80 city blocks included in the Minneapolis Skyway system — and how to take advantage of it during Super Bowl week.
Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images
Today, the Skyway includes 9.5 miles and 80 city blocks of enclosed pathways to keep you warm while getting you to where you need to be. Approximately 285,000 people use the Skyway on an average day, and that number is likely to increase this week with thousands of tourists in town to watch the New England Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Downtown St. Paul also features a Skyway system, though it’s less robust.
Be warned: the Skyway is confusing and you’ll likely need to ask for directions more than a few times. But, if you’re looking for a way to stay warm while getting from one side of downtown Minneapolis to the other — including to the Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium — you’re going to want to use the Skyway.
What can you access via the Skyway?
There are 140 options for food within the Skyway system, according to Minneapolis.org. Also within the Skyway are retail stores, department stores, hotels, U.S. Bank Stadium (home to Super Bowl LII), the Target Center (home of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx), train stations, bars, and much more. There are even doctors’ offices, gyms, hair salons, and a pharmacy accessible via the Skyway. Talk about convenience.
Restaurants
Zelo’s (Italian), Monello (Italian), Oceanaire (seafood), Ruth’s Chris (steakhouse), Dakota Jazz Club (American), CRAVE (Japanese, American), Manny’s (steakhouse), D’Amico & Sons (Italian), Bep Eatery (Vietnamese), Vellee Deli (Asian fusion), Brothers Deli (sandwiches), Sushi Takatsu (Japanese), Green + The Grain (salads, wraps), Lite Bite (sandwiches), Kadai Indian Grill (Indian), Allie’s Deli (sandwiches), Sorrento Cucina (Italian), Roti (Mediterranean), Naf Naf (Middle Eastern), and La Loma Tamales (Mexican) are among the dining options you’ll find within in the Skyway system.
Shopping
If you’re looking to do some shopping in Minnesota, the Skyway is your friend. Brooks Brothers, Allen Edmonds, Banana Republic, Marshalls, Love From Minnesota, Haskell’s, Cocoa & Fig, and Walgreens are all accessible. Department stores connected to the skyway include Target, Saks Off 5th, and Nordstrom Rack.
Skyway Map
Skyway Hours
All times CT
- Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6 p.m.
*Some Skyways have extended hours during the week of the Super Bowl, keeping them open from 6:00 a.m. – 12 a.m. daily from Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 4.
Here’s a look at the Skyways that will have extended Super Bowl week hours:
Skyway Tips and Advice
- The people in Minnesota are quite nice, so if you’re lost in the Skyway, ask a Minnesotan for directions to get you where you need to go.
- There are only 10 free bathrooms in the Skyway. Plan ahead because they’re hard to find!
- If a building is connected to the Skyway, it’s likely an entrance point, too. Look for buildings that have a “Skyway Connection” sign, which indicates you can enter the Skyway at that location.
- The SK button you’ll see in elevators means Skyway and will bring you up to that level.
- Be sure to use skywaymyway.com to your advantage to help you navigate the Skyway. Even the locals say the Skyway is confusing, so don’t think you’re alone if — and it’s likely to be when — you get lost.
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