The Happiest City in the U.S. Celebrates Art, Parks, and Global Flavors

The London-based Institute for Quality of Life has recently unveiled its 2024 Happy City Index, ranking the world's happiest locales. It reveals that Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the happiest city in the United States, earning a prestigious “Gold” ranking alongside cities from Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Canada.

As an East Coast transplant who fell for Minnesota during a 16-month, 40-state, 229-city road trip across the country, this news didn’t surprise me. Since moving here in 2018, I've enjoyed unparalleled access to nature, with most residents living within six minutes of a park or green space; our community is diverse and actively engaged; our art, culture, and dining scenes compete with those of much larger cities; numerous top companies (General Mills, Target, Best Buy, etc.) have their headquarters here; and our international airport—a hub for Delta and Sun Country Airlines—ranks among the most efficient and connected in the nation.

While I've always recognized Minneapolis's greatness, empirical data now supports it. The Institute for Quality of Life, part of the Happy City Hub, investigates issues related to community well-being, encompassing residents, workers, parents, children, students, seniors, and more. Their research heavily considers community-influenced decision-making, including social policies and public service implementations, as well as how cities respond to various crises and challenges.

In the 2024 Happy City Index, thirty-seven global cities achieved “Gold” rankings. Minneapolis distinguished itself among a landscape dominated by European and Scandinavian cities like Zurich, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Stockholm, while Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city on the eastern coast, received the highest accolade. A greater number of U.S. cities received “Silver” and “Bronze” rankings, including Boston, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, Portland, Oregon, and fellow Midwesterners Rochester, Minnesota, and Madison, Wisconsin.

There's no universal formula for happiness, as the Institute for Quality of Life readily admits. “The idea of a high quality of life is highly subjective, influenced by the history, tradition, religion, or geopolitical context of one’s country,” it stated in its methodology report. Cities were evaluated based on five essential happiness categories—citizens, governance, environment, economy, and mobility—along with 24 activity areas covering topics from social inclusivity and access to cultural resources to effective public transport and the development of green spaces.

Eager to experience this slice of happiness yourself? Take Anthony Edwards' advice and “bring ya ass” to Minnesota. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to America’s happiest city.

Top attractions, activities, and dining spots in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Step Outside

One of the primary reasons I fell head over heels for Minneapolis after a decade spent in the concrete jungle of New York City is its exceptional park system, featuring 180 parks that host 22 lakes, 12 gardens, and 55 miles of bike trails and walking paths. My favorite strolls include the 13.3-mile Chain of Lakes, one of seven segments of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, and the five-mile Winchell Trail that runs along the Mississippi River gorge. I also enjoy checking out the blooms at the Lyndale Park Rose Garden and listening to the birds at the nearby Roberts Bird Sanctuary, savoring fish tacos next to the cascading Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Regional Park, and kayaking with a rental from Mississippi River Paddle Share.

Get Connected

No matter your interests, there’s likely a group of Minneapolitans eager to meet you. From cross-country skiing, scuba diving, and log rolling to sci-fi literature, vintage fashion, and giant puppetry, this city makes it simple to find your community. Stop by A Bar of Their Own, the Twin Cities’ first bar devoted entirely to women’s sports, or Marigold, Minnesota’s first nonalcoholic bottle shop, to connect with like-minded patrons. Year-round events and festivals such as Art-A-Whirl, the largest open-studio tour in the nation; Twin Cities Pride, one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ events in the country; and The Great Northern, a multidisciplinary winter program focused on climate change and social justice, attract both travelers and locals alike.

Embrace Culture

Exploring the museum circuit is one of my favorite activities. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, as well as The Museum of Russian Art (which also highlights many Ukrainian artists), the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, and the American Swedish Institute (home to irresistible cardamom buns at the FIKA Café). All My Relations Arts is a gallery focused on contemporary Native artists; Norway House and the Danish American Center host events inspired by their respective diaspora communities; and the newly renovated Somali Museum of Minnesota showcases over 700 artifacts, including a full-scale replica of a nomadic hut.

Our theater scene is equally remarkable, with the historic Orpheum Theatre attracting Tony Award-winning Broadway shows like The Book of Mormon, and the acclaimed Guthrie Theater presenting some of the region’s finest original plays. Experimental performances thrive at Mixed Blood Theater and Brave New Workshop, while the Children’s Theatre Company offers delightful shows for families with young children. For a more casual and intimate experience, there’s always the 90-seat cabaret theater at Bryant Lake Bowl, a 1950s bowling alley that gained internet fame thanks to a skillfully flown drone.

Satisfy your cravings

While Minneapolis is famous for its Jucy Lucy—a burger with gooey cheese inside—the true culinary stars of this Twin City are its formidable women chefs. This includes Korean American Ann Kim (Kim’s, Young Joni), Lao American Ann Ahmed (Khāluna, Gai Noi), and Vietnamese American Christina Nguyen (Hola Arepa, Hai Hai), who recently claimed the title of Best Chef Midwest at the 2024 James Beard Awards. Don’t miss Diane’s Place, founded by the exceptionally talented Hmong American pastry chef Diane Moua, for delightful coconut pandan croissants and sweet pork danishes with salted egg yolk. If you’re in town when Heather Jansz, known as The Curry Diva, is hosting her Sri Lankan pop-ups, count yourself lucky. Also gaining international recognition is Sean Sherman, the Oglala Lakota Sioux chef and activist focused on decolonizing Indigenous cuisine. If you can't secure a table at his fine-dining establishment Owamni, be sure to visit the Indigenous Food Lab at Midtown Global Market for his unforgettable slow-cooked bison served birria-style in an Indigenous grain bowl.

Find a place to stay

Two summers ago, Minnesota celebrated the opening of its first five-star hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. This luxurious property features regional touches, including blankets from the Minnesota-based Faribault Mill and striking ceramic works by local artist Juliane Shibata. The hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, Mara Restaurant & Bar, helmed by acclaimed chef Gavin Kaysen, is a popular choice for romantic dinners. Winter at the Four Seasons offers unique experiences like guided sauna sessions and a charming Nordic village complete with festive decorations. Another fantastic option is the boutique Hewing Hotel in the North Loop neighborhood, boasting a rooftop sauna and spa pool.