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Downtown

Downtown Minneapolis is organized around Nicollet Mall, a one-mile pedestrian and transit street.

Downtown Minneapolis glass towers with a skyway bridge over a snowy street

Downtown at a glance

Nicollet Mall is a 12-block segment of Nicollet Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, running from South Washington Avenue to Grant Street. It is about one mile long and 80 feet wide, owned by the city and known as the first transit mall in the United States. Only buses, Metro Mobility vehicles, bicycles, pedicabs and emergency vehicles are allowed, with speeds limited to 10 miles an hour.

Along with Hennepin Avenue, the mall forms the city's cultural and commercial center. Notable buildings include the IDS Center, Orchestra Hall, the Minneapolis Central Library and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Target and U.S. Bancorp have their headquarters on the Mall.

Streets, buildings and history

The mall opened in 1967 at eight blocks long, was redesigned in 1990 and went through a two-year, $50 million renovation that reopened in November 2017, adding green space and pedestrian amenities. The former Dayton's flagship store between 7th and 8th streets was renovated as The Dayton's Project, which opened in 2021.

The Nicollet Mall light rail station at 5th Street serves the Blue and Green lines, and bus rapid transit stations are at 7th and 8th streets. For a nail appointment, that means you can arrive by train or bus and walk the last few blocks.

Nails and beauty near Downtown

Downtown salons cater to office workers, hotel guests and residents. The directory lists spas and nail salons on Nicollet Mall, South 4th Street and Nicollet Avenue just south of downtown near Loring Park. Call ahead for lunch-hour and after-work slots.

Cold-weather days are tough on hands between buildings. A tube of hand cream in your bag and gloves for the walk keep a manicure looking fresh. The winter care guide has more.

  • Emerald City Day Spa651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 247, Minneapolis, MN 55402(612) 354-2697emeraldcitydayspa.comNatural nails, skin and massage.
  • Little Luxuries Nails95 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401(612) 345-7661littleluxuriesnaillounge.comManicures, pedicures, builder gel, acrylic and nail art.
  • NC Collective Home of Nail Cops1410 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403(612) 339-1319nailcopsminneapolis.com

All Minneapolis salons are in the nail salon directory.

Questions about Downtown

How long is Nicollet Mall?

About one mile, across 12 blocks from South Washington Avenue to Grant Street, and about 80 feet wide.

What vehicles use Nicollet Mall?

Buses, Metro Mobility vehicles, bicycles, pedicabs and emergency vehicles, with speeds limited to 10 miles an hour.

When did Nicollet Mall last reopen after construction?

In November 2017, after a two-year, $50 million renovation.

Which light rail lines serve downtown?

The Blue and Green lines stop at the Nicollet Mall station at 5th Street.

Where can I get a manicure downtown?

The directory lists nail salons and day spas on Nicollet Mall, South 4th Street and Nicollet Avenue near Loring Park.

Are downtown salons busy at lunch?

Lunch hours and after-work slots are popular. Call ahead to ask about appointments and walk-ins.

Is Loring Park part of downtown?

It is next to downtown on Nicollet Avenue. A salon in the directory is listed at 1410 Nicollet Avenue in the Loring Park area.

Sources: [1] en.wikipedia.org