How to Find Free, Legal Event Parking in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recently, a friend and I were getting ready to attend a Minnesota Twins game at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. As we headed to the car to leave, my friend checked the change in his pocket. "We're going to have to stop on the way and get some quarters."

"Why?" I asked.

"The street parking meters are the best deal. But we'll need about $6.00 worth of quarters to cover four hours."

"We may not need those quarters," I told him. "I can almost always find a free spot, as long as you don't mind walking four or five blocks."

"A free spot? In downtown Minneapolis?" my friend asked.

About a half hour later we were traveling down Fourth Avenue, about four blocks from the Metrodome. In short order, I directed my friend into a free, legal street spot. "Wow," my friend commented. "Why don't more people know about this?"

Most people don't believe that it's actually quite possible to find free, legal parking spots in downtown Minneapolis, even for big events such as Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Twins games, plays at the Guthrie Theater, Timberwolves games at the Target Center, etc., etc.

You just have to combine an understanding of the Minneapolis parking signs with a little diligence and common sense.

I'll never forget the Sunday many years ago when the Superbowl was played at the Metrodome. A friend and I didn't have tickets, but we wanted to head downtown and "soak up the atmosphere." I was amazed at the parking prices. There were cars, people and media everywhere. Parking lots were charging double, or triple their usual rates. It didn't take too long however, for us to find a free street parking spot within a few blocks of the Metrodome. But enough hype. Here are the secrets to finding free parking in downtown Minneapolis.