Valentine’s Day may be one of our most divisive holidays. Some love it; some hate it. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, we can all agree that spending the day with your Valentine doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of cost-friendly alternatives to the expensive dinner, and quite frankly, more fun options as well. So, to help you have an exciting and eventful day with your loved one, here are nine great date spots in the Twin Cities to take your significant other.
Where: Theodore Wirth Park
When: Valentine’s Day, 8 pm
What: Go snowshoeing at night in Wirth Park and explore the gorgeous winter night sky while being lead by an astronomy expert
Cost: $7.50 per ticket
Learn more here
Where: Minnehaha Falls
When: Daily from 6 am – midnight
What: Take in the gorgeous frozen waterfall and snap a few Instagram worthy pics with your significant other. Just beware of the ice!
Cost: Free (other than parking)
Where: Walker Art Center
When: Valentine’s Day, 5 – 9 pm
What: Bring a date, come solo, or meet a friend—this is your low-commitment Valentine’s Day night out! Celebrate the opening of 5 Ways In and Chalk with special SweetheART tours. You can also listen to readings by local poets, try speed dating in French, and jam to DJ Douala Soul spinning tunes all night, or catch Love Tapes by Wendy Clarke in the Bentson Mediatheque.
Cost: Free
Learn more here
Where: Loring Park
When: Valentine’s Day 4:30 – 8 pm
What: Head down to Loring Park for bingo, games, crafts, and live music, as well as a movie from 6-8 pm. Light snacks will also be included.
Cost: Free
Learn more here
Where: One of 38 outdoor ice rinks across Minneapolis/St. Paul
When: Various hours
What: Few things are more romantic than holding hands with your sweetheart and skating. It’s a Minnesota tradition and the perfect prelude to grabbing some hot chocolate at a local cafe!
Cost: Rental prices vary
Learn more about St. Paul ice rinks here and Minneapolis rinks here
Where: Parkway Theater
When: Valentine’s Day, 7:30 – 9 pm
What: Will men and women ever just be friends? Harry and Sally attempt to answer this question in this 1989 hit comedy, which is the perfect date night movie for Valentine’s Day
Cost: $8 per ticket
Learn more here
Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theater
When: Valentine’s Day, 8 pm (6 pm for dinner)
What: Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut. He quickly discovers life isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love?
Cost: $76 for dinner and show, $61 for show only
Learn more here
Where: Cooks of Crocus Hill – St. Paul
When: Valentine’s Day, 6 – 8:30 pm
What: There are few things more magical than cooking alongside someone you love paired with a glass of wine. On the menu for this evening: spinach and raspberry salad with balsamic vinaigrette and roasted shrimp fettucini, as well as a dessert!
Cost: $95 per person
Learn more here
Where: Various spots in Minneapolis
When: Valentine’s Day is booked, but the days around it are available
What: If double dates are your thing, then the Mississippi River Grand Carriage Ride is the perfect Valentine’s Day activity. Take in the site of the following during this hour-long ride: Cobblestones of Main Street, James J Hill’s Stone Arch Bridge, Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater, Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Warehouse District, Federal Reserve Bank, Hennepin Avenue Bridge, Historic Nicollet Island
Cost: $126 (seats 4 people)
Amazing Valentine date spots in the Minneapolis great guide, informative and helpful.