Areas to Avoid, Minneapolis

there are lots of beaches in the minneapolis area and it's very fun to go swimming after dark (even though it is technically illegal). i went to "hidden beach" around upton around south mpls/ uptown around midnight and the cops came within 15 minutes and gave us all hundred dollar tickets. they check the beaches a lot and don't hesitate to write people up.
in addition, one of the cops was telling me about how they have found men lurking around in the bushes around these park/beaches with rope, presumably to attack any girls who might go swimming at night. theres also the occasional drunk weirdo who will come upto you and try to get some of your liquor. so if you're gonna go to the beach at night and you are a girl make sure there are a couple of guys with you and that you don't wander off alone.

Minneapolis isn't really that dangerous. But I have to agree, the worst would be North Mpls, but that really isnt anything compared to places like NYC, LA, or Miami. And what's with the descrimination against blacks on here? People are acting like any neighborhood with blacks has people that will maul you. That's not true. I live across the street from a black family and theyre very nice and funny. I became best friends with a black girl who had the greatest sense of humor. The one thing that annoys me the most is when people make assumptions.

At night is probably the worst time to take a walk or be out on your own. Once it gets dark, stay off the streets till dawn. Some places, like what richard97 said, can be safe, but four in the morning can be pushing it.

Minneapolis has very dangerous areas. Stay of of Portland, Chicago, and parts of Lake Street at Night.Also, the Art Institute is in a bad neighborhood. The worst are to be in is North Minneapolis. It's a huge neighborhood infamous for gang activities, drugs, and poverty.

minneapolis has it's share of homelessness and panhandlers, it's best not to stop and hear there stories, they can get rough, especially with us gals. at all costs avoid the minneapolis institute of art at night/dusk, though the neighborhood is slowly cleaning up it's still deceivingly rough. also avoid the mississippi river trails at night. girls, I've found my self in trouble there in the day time.

Okay I live on the northside of Minneapolis. It isn't that bad. Yes we have some gang members and murders. But nothing major happens. People act like the northside is gonna eat you up and spit you out. Before you judge a place, try going there and giving it a try.

Just be sensible. I am 22 and I have lived here my whole life. Minneapolis and St Paul are like any other cities. There are spotty areas around downtown to avoid, but pretty much nowhere is a good idea to be in the middle of the night unless you are in the suburbs. Still even then nighttime can be dangerous. Specific areas to avoid might be the Payne-Phalen area east of downtown St Paul and Philips on the South Side of Minneapolis. Also, I have never had a bad experience riding on the light rail and I have done it quite a bit, so use the trains and buses as they are very helpful. For the most part the Twin Cities is a great place to walk around or hang out in.