18 Fun Corporate Event Ideas in Minneapolis, MN

By: | Updated: October 10, 2023

Here is our list of the best corporate event ideas in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Corporate event ideas in Minneapolis are fun activities that your workforce can enjoy in the Minneapolis region. Examples include gaming at Game Show Battle Rooms and an art tour at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The purpose of these activities is to help employees relax and build relationships with other team players. These event ideas can also notably impact your worker’s morale.

These ideas are ideal for corporate retreat activities, team building days, and conference agendas. The activities are similar to team building ideas in Minneapolis and Minneapolis company outings.

This list includes:

  • corporate event ideas in Minneapolis for adults
  • outdoor corporate events in Minneapolis, MN
  • corporate party ideas in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • large group corporate event activities in Minneapolis

Let’s get started!

List of corporate event ideas in Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers teams diverse outing ideas. From virtual reality games at The Fun Lab Center to shopping at Mall of America, here is a list of the best corporate party ideas in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

1. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)

Guacamole making competition

You can spice up your team’s gathering with The Great Guac Off! During this avocado-themed experience, colleagues showcase their guacamole-making skills in a friendly competition.

This experience includes:

  • 90 minutes with experienced hosts
  • delicious guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
  • an optional secret ingredient to challenge participants
  • exciting icebreakers, mini-games, and avocado trivia
  • a guacamole mash-off and judging round

Additionally, we will bring all the supplies right to your chosen venue. To enhance teamwork, communication, and friendly competition, check out The Great Guac Off!

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

2. Mix n’ Mingle (Popular)

Networking is an essential part of business, and you can have an innovative experience with Mix n’ Mingle! Your team can engage in activities that stimulate thought-provoking conversations and foster lasting bonds.

Mix n’ Mingle includes the following features:

  • a 90-minute session with an experienced facilitator
  • icebreakers designed to start authentic conversations
  • dynamic group discussions and collaborative team challenges
  • shared and diverse viewpoints, goals, and interests

To simplify planning, we will meet you at your chosen location with all the necessary materials. Through Mix n’ Mingle, you will have a unique opportunity to connect deeply with your teams.

Learn more about Mix n’ Mingle.

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3. The Art of Storytelling (Top Choice)

Staff members can use storytelling as a tool to connect with others and lead teams. Through our immersive workshop, your team can learn how to use the power of storytelling to foster meaningful connections.

The Art of Storytelling includes the following:

  • 120 minutes with expert storytellers
  • the five elements of an engaging story
  • language, emotion, and structure that create interesting narratives
  • engaging communication and presentation skills
  • time for attendees to practice their new skills
  • in-depth feedback from the facilitators

We can host this event at any location you choose, and we will meet you there with all the necessary supplies. By mastering the art of storytelling, your team will gain the ability to connect and inspire others through engaging narratives.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

4. Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen

Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen offer boat cruises on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. The cruises feature themed experiences like happy hours, brunch buffets, and holiday celebrations. The cruises offer scenic views of the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis skyline, and Lake Minnetonka. The flagship Minneapolis Queen offers narrated sightseeing tours with historical insights.

The firm specializes in public cruises for various occasions, including family outings and team events. Private charters are also available for birthdays and special events. For businesses interested in an elegant venue, Paradise caters to corporate events. Paradise Charter Cruises provides a journey filled with scenic beauty and memorable moments.

Learn more about Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen.

5. Elsie’s

Elsie’s offers a great combination of dining, bowling, and cocktails, making it a top destination for fun and entertainment. The bowling facility features 16 modern lanes with automatic scoring, bumpers, and a cosmic bowling sound and light show. In addition, Elsie’s Restaurant & Bar serves up delicious food and drinks alongside multiple TVs to catch all the live sports action. The full-service menu has a range of scrumptious options, from prime rib and hamburgers to breakfast delights and steaks. Additionally, Elsie’s offers an impressive beer selection and happy hour. For those looking to host events, Elsie’s banquets and parties feature a variety of homemade food options for gatherings with friends and family. Elsie’s offers a vibrant and fun atmosphere for the whole team!

Learn more about Elsie’s.

6. Matt’s Bar

Matt’s Bar is the legendary home of the “Jucy Lucy.” This restaurant is one of two venues that claims to have invented the iconic burger. The famous “Jucy Lucy” was born when a local patron requested two hamburger patties with a slice of cheese in the middle. After biting into this molten creation, the customer famously exclaimed, “That’s one juicy Lucy.” During a menu misprint, the “i” was omitted, and the “Jucy Lucy” was added to local culinary history. Each Jucy Lucy is handcrafted using the freshest high-quality beef and filled with the signature molten cheese. Matt’s says that if the burger’s name is spelled correctly, then folks may be eating a ripoff!

Learn more about Matt’s Bar.

7. Mill City Farmers Market

Mill City Farmers Market is a nonprofit that aims to provide the community with access to healthy, sustainable, and locally sourced groceries. The market hosts over 100 local farmers, food producers, and artists with a mission to support the growth of a local, sustainable, and organic food community.

The market operates year-round, with outdoor markets running from May to October next to the Guthrie Theater and indoor winter markets from November to April inside the Mill City Museum. In addition to providing fresh local food, the market offers chef demonstrations, cooking classes, and live music. To enjoy diverse vendors and fresh, local produce, stop by this market!

Learn more about Mill City Farmers Market.

8. Psycho Suzi’s

Minneapolis is probably not a place you would think of having an island-themed escape, but Psycho Suzi’s is a tiki getaway! This two-level restaurant has several bars, and the whole place is decorated in leopard print. Diners can enjoy dishes such as duck wontons, cheese curds, and the Psycho Suzi burger. Additionally, this restaurant is well-known for its pizzas, like the Thailand Island and Hawaiian Safari. No island getaway is complete without drinks, and you can find plenty of tropical classics on this cocktail list. For example, you can enjoy a Mai Thai, The Beachcomber, or even Leilani’s Firebowl, which is a flaming drink for four! For a taste of summer, be sure to stop by Psycho Suzi’s!

Learn more about Psycho Suzi’s.

9. Spyhouse Coffee Roasters

Coffee is an important part of any corporate event, so consider adding Spyhouse Coffee Roasters to your agenda! Spyhouse utilizes a farm-direct sourcing method for their beans. This coffeehouse serves blends that range from light and sweet to bold and complex. Guests can enjoy rotating seasonal favorites, traditional drinks, and trademark house-crafted. For instance, teams can enjoy a turmeric latte or a lavender and honey latte. Best of all, there is also a bakery! Teams can snag classic snacks like chocolate croissants and coffee cake. Large groups can enjoy The Crowd Pleaser, which serves ten guests drip coffee. To add a bit of pep to your next event, check out Spyhouse Coffee Roasters!

Learn more about Spyhouse Coffee Roasters.

10. Game Show Battle Rooms

With the variety of gaming options offered at Game Show Battle Rooms, your workforce will have fun and engage in friendly competition. Once your team arrives at Game Show Battle Rooms, the host will split players into two teams. You can let participants choose a fun team name.

Participants can choose the Classic Showdowns, where attendees can play Survey Battles, Spin and Solve, and What’s the Cost. Attendees who want a different gaming experience can play Prime Time Showdowns, including Survey Battles, Match Up Wars, and Time Rush games. With a capacity of six to over sixty-four players, Game Show Battle Rooms is one of the best venues for large group corporate event activities in Minneapolis.

Learn more about Game Show Battle Rooms.

11. The Fun Lab Center

The Fun Lab Center is an entertainment venue where your workers can interact outside work, bond, and create lasting memories. The company offers Hologate, an award-winning virtual reality attraction. The four-player virtual reality game features complete sensory immersion and advanced graphic technology that delivers an intense dimension of excitement. Players will use hand-held motion-tracked controllers as they move in virtual 3D spaces. After the VR games, you can let players grab food and drinks at the in-house Food Lab restaurant.

Learn more about The Fun Lab Center.

12. Minneapolis Institute of Art

If you want to take your team back to about 5,000 years of global history, then a tour of the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a good bet. The museum features more than 90,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, and drawings. To make art accessible to all, the Minneapolis Institute of Art offers free tours. The museum tour will educate your team and enrich attendees with diverse cultures in the world. Participants can shop for souvenirs, bites, books, and accessories from the museum’s shop. If you want your team to experience a specific exhibition, then you can check the museum’s upcoming exhibitions and make a reservation for your workforce. To wind off the day, you can share a meal with your team at the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s locally owned restaurant.

Learn more about the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

13. The Armory

The Armory is a venue that hosts different social functions, including concerts, trade fairs, sporting events, and private events. The venue has excellent acoustics, staging, and service. If you want to give your team a more memorable experience at The Armory, then check out the venue’s premium offering. Attendees will enjoy performances in the comfort of a private space. You will also have a private entry, an in-suite hospitality team, and a dedicated concierge from booking to arrival. You can choose between the penthouse, the general’s hall, the lakers suites, the club box, and the platform booth. With the ability to accommodate up to 8,000 attendees, The Armory’s outdoor and indoor space is a great option for hosting large corporate events in Minneapolis.

Learn more about The Armory.

14. Urban Forage Winery and Cider House

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Urban Forage Winery and Cider House is a winery that produces natural wines and ciders. The company uses locally sourced ingredients to make all the products. With offerings changing every week, corporate event attendees can try out different wines, mead, and hard cider at the winery’s taproom. If you are looking for corporate event ideas in Minneapolis for adults, then consider Urban Forage Winery and Cider House. The venue can host up to 75 attendees. Be sure to schedule your event during the winery’s off hours.

Learn more about Urban Forage Winery and Cider House.

15. Williams Arena

As one of the greatest arenas in basketball history, Williams Arena is an outdoor venue perfect for a team outing. The arena is home to the University of Minnesota’s men’s and women’s teams. Williams Arena has a seating capacity of about 14,625 attendees, making the arena one of the best venues for outdoor corporate events in Minneapolis, MN. For a spectacular view of the court and access to luxury amenities, be sure to book seating at the barn loft. You can check the arena’s schedule and choose a fun game that interests your team.

Learn more about Williams Arena.

16. Zero Hour Escape Rooms

Zero Hour Escape Rooms offers teams a real-life adventure where participants will solve puzzles and figure out clues to escape before time runs out. These escape games require participants to think outside the box and work as a team as they explore the hand-crafted themes.

Examples:

  • Kraken The Case: Four of Tiki Bar’s employees are missing. You and your team will save the bar’s reputation and prevent the town from going into a panic. With the Tiki bar set to open at the usual time, you only have 60 minutes to uncover the disappearances.
  • Prison Break: The authorities are accusing you of stealing a Super Bowl jersey. While awaiting your trial, it is evident that you may spend the rest of your life in jail. You have 60 minutes to break out of your jail cell.

Escape games at Zero Hour Escape Rooms will unite your workforce, build problem-solving skills, and motivate your workforce.

Learn more about Zero Hour Escape Rooms.

17. Minnehaha Park

As one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks, a tour of the Minnehaha Park is one of the best corporate event ideas in Minneapolis. Weather permitting, you can start by visiting the Minnehaha Falls. Attendees will enjoy the mist of the waterfall and the crashing water. Willing participants can walk down the Minnehaha Fall’s staircase or take a long walk from the base of the falls into the Mississippi River Valley. Participants can also enjoy the flowers at the Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden, the Song of Hiawatha Garden, and the Longfellow Gardens.

Depending on the time you visit the park, you may be lucky to catch the Minnehaha Falls Air Fair. You will enjoy art creations, dance performances, and live music. After the day’s activities, you can grab a meal with your team at Sea Salt Eatery.

Learn more about Minnehaha Park.

18. Mall of America

As the biggest mall in the U.S., Mall of America is one of the best venues for a team outing. Being a global tourist destination, the mall boasts being the best in retail, attractions, and entertainment. Mall of America has over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, restaurants, a butterfly garden, and an aquarium. Since a large group of attendees can be challenging to manage, plan the day’s activities with your team. Besides shopping, you can let participants choose activities. You can make the shopping more fun by offering your team gift cards that participants can redeem at the mall’s enrolled merchants.

Learn more about Mall of America.

Conclusion

As a major city that forms the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is best known for its stunning blue lakes, thriving art scenes, towering skyscrapers, and many cultural landmarks. The city also has proximity to water bodies, wetlands, creeks, and waterfalls. Since Minneapolis has one of the country’s best park systems, organize hikes, walks, picnics, and biking events at one of the city’s parks. Whether you have a team of nature lovers, foodies, sports fans, and culture fanatics, there is an activity for every team in the Minneapolis region.

Next, check out these lists of conference food ideas and National Fun at Work Day ideas.

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FAQ: Corporate event ideas in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Here are answers about corporate event ideas in Minneapolis.

What are some ideas for corporate events in Minneapolis?

Some ideas for corporate events in Minneapolis include a team visit to Minnehaha Park, watching basketball at Williams Arena, and wine tasting at Urban Forage Winery and Cider House.

How do you entertain attendees at corporate events in Minneapolis?

Successfully entertaining corporate event attendees may not be as easy as it seems. First, you need to understand your event attendees. While attendee demographics can help you select the most entertaining activities for your team, you can also let participants choose activities. Be sure to select events that will not run for over two hours as attendees may lose their concentration.

Author avatar

Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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