Hopkins, MN Road Trips

Hopkins was founded in 1893, when residents of Hopkins sent the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners a petition signed by 41 residents, asking that a separate village be formed from unincorporated parts of Minnetonka and Richfield townships. Following an election, the community was then incorporated as the village of West Minneapolis. In 1928 the village name was changed to Hopkins, and in 1948 Hopkins officially became a city. Hopkins is a dynamic community of over 17,000 residents located just 13 minutes west of Minneapolis. Founded rich in tradition and growth, Hopkins offers the advantages and conveniences of a large city but yet the security of a small town.

1 The Depot Coffee House, 9451 Excelsior Blvd, ☏ +1 952 938-2204. 7AM-6PM daily. The Depot is a renovated train depot that now serves as a coffee house, youth community project, and trailhead for area bike trails. 2 Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 979-1100. The Center is a focal point for arts, culture and entertainment. It is located in downtown Hopkins, within walking distance of several restaurants, antique and other shops and a movie theater complex. Parking is free.

Hopkins has the unique distinction of being the trailhead for the Southwest Regional LRT Trail and the North Trail Corridor. It also contains 18 parks and recreational areas, a large percentage of its 4 square miles. 1 Meadowbrook Golf Course, 201 Meadowbrook Rd, ☏ +1 612 929-2077. This is a very demanding course. It was built on gently rolling hills, and features tree-lined fairways and large greens. The course overlooks the scenic Minnehaha Creek. Water hazards come into play on five holes. 2 Oak Ridge Country Club, 700 Oak Ridge Rd, ☏ +1 612 935-7721. This course was built on hilly terrain, so you can expect many changes in elevation and uneven lies. $75. 3 Stages Theatre Company, 1111 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 979-1123. A theater for kids, by kids, with excellent local talent, fun shows, and a venue that is very family-friendly.

Hopkins has a good selection of unique restaurants, especially along Mainstreet. For travelers on a budget Hopkins is home to quite a few different fast food restaurants. 1 Big 10 Restaurant & Bar, 1106 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 930-0369. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Sa 11AM-midnight. A collegiate sports cafe serving award-winning food including hot subs, fresh hand-pattied hamburgers, malts and shakes, wraps and chicken wings. 2 Hoagies Restaurant, 824 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 935-2865. M-F 5AM-2:30PM, Sa 5AM-2PM, Su 7AM-2PM. Full breakfast menu with homemade cinnamon and sticky rolls. Lunch includes a daily special along with homemade soups. 3 Jasmine Garden Chinese Cuisine, 1601 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 935-9511. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su noon-10PM. Dine-in, carry-out and catering available. 4 Munkabeans, 1206 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 938-9056. M-F 6AM-6PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM. Handcrafted sandwiches on homemade bread, soups, exquisite coffees, malts, shakes, sundaes, homemade bakery treats, and pizzas. 5 Mainstreet Bar & Grill, 814 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 938-2400. M-W 11AM-1AM, Th-F 11AM-2AM, Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-1AM. Great food with fun atmosphere, everything from bingo to live music. Homemade soup and daily specials. 6 Pizza Luce, 210 Blake Rd N, ☏ +1 952 767-0854. M-W 11AM-1AM, Th-F 11AM-2AM, Sa 8AM-2AM, Su 8AM-1AM. Since 1993, Pizza Luce has been a Twin Cities favorite. Innovative specialty pizzas, regionally brewed craft beer, vegan and gluten-free options. 7 Samba: Taste of Brazil, 922 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 935-2708.

1 Pub 819, 819 Mainstreet, ☏ +1 952 933-1230. M-W 11AM-1AM, Th-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 9AM-2AM. Friendly sports bar--a great place to watch the next big game! Buzztime trivia, bar bingo, meat raffles, karoake, and more. Tuttle's, 107 Shady Oak Rd, ☏ +1 952 938-4090. Locally-owned family entertainment center with 24 bowling lanes, Shady Oak Grill, lounge with live entertainment, and more.

There aren't any places to stay inside the Hopkins city limits, however, there are plenty of places to stay in nearby cities like Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and Edina.

The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is only fifteen miles from Hopkins. Highway 7 runs east-west through Hopkins and connects the city to Interstate 494 and Highway 100. Highway 7 also continues east into Minneapolis. Highway 169 runs north-south connecting the city to Interstate 694 and Interstate 394.

Most people travel by car in Hopkins. Metro Transit serves the Hopkins area with bus service and schedules can be found on their website. Taxi service is also available by request, although it would be rather hard to hail a cab down from the street.