Arrival and expo
Wednesday 29 SeptemberRunners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.
- Half-dayMississippi riverboat
- EatMidtown Global Market
Twin Cities Marathon 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary
1 to 3 October 2027 · ExpectedMinneapolis, United States
Twin Cities Marathon takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in Minneapolis.
Airport to Finish: Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul
MSP airport is on the Blue Line light rail, 25 minutes to downtown.
From Minneapolis past the lakes to St Paul.
Public transport directions to Finish: Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Bloomington | Chains near the Mall of America and USA Cup fields. |
| Mid-range | North Loop | Restaurants and bars. |
| Splurge | Downtown | Luxury hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Minneapolis Bloomington West
- Mid-range: Hewing Hotel
- Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 1 to 3 October 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Day before the race
Thursday 30 SeptemberRunners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.
- Easy outingBrewery tour
- EatMatt's Bar
Race day
Friday 1 OctoberSpectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.
- Cheer pointLake of the Isles and Lake Harriet.
- Cheer pointSummit Avenue mansions in St Paul.
- EatMidtown Global Market
Recovery day
Monday 4 OctoberSore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.
- Easy outingMall of America and Nickelodeon Universe
- Rain or heat backupMill City Museum.
Family-friendly picks
- Minnesota Zoo.
- Science Museum of Minnesota.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- North Loop and Uptown.
4 tours worth booking for Twin Cities Marathon
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi riverboat | Half day | Tired legs |
| Chain of Lakes bike tour | Half day | Families |
| Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Brewery tour | Evening | Night owls, Food lovers |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Walker Art Center.
- Mill City Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Metro Blue and Green lines; Blaine (USA Cup) needs a car.
Day trips from Minneapolis
- St Paul: 20 minutes
- Stillwater: 45 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Twin Cities Marathon.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Twin Cities Marathon 2027?
The next edition is 1 to 3 October 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Finish: Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul?
MSP airport is on the Blue Line light rail, 25 minutes to downtown. From Minneapolis past the lakes to St Paul.
Where should I stay for Twin Cities Marathon?
For most visitors the best base is North Loop: Restaurants and bars.
What else can we do around Twin Cities Marathon?
Good short outings in Minneapolis include Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe, Mississippi riverboat, Chain of Lakes bike tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Twin Cities Marathon?
Family-friendly picks: Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe, Chain of Lakes bike tour. Minnesota Zoo.
How far is Finish: Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul from Minneapolis centre?
About 13 km in a straight line. From Minneapolis past the lakes to St Paul.
More events in Minneapolis
14 May 2027*University of Minnesota Commencement
Minneapolis, United StatesGraduation21 Jul 2027*Schwan's USA Cup
Minneapolis, United StatesYouth tournament
Minneapolis, United StatesGraduation21 Jul 2027*Schwan's USA Cup
Minneapolis, United StatesYouth tournament
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