13 Areas to Avoid in Minneapolis, MN [TOURIST SAFETY]

As an avid traveler and tourist, I’m always eager to explore new cities like Minneapolis, MN, and check out the local scene. However, when visiting any new place, it’s important to be aware of areas that might be unsafe or unadvisable for visitors. As much as I try to keep an open mind, there are certain areas to avoid in Minneapolis that tourists and residents alike recommend avoiding if possible.

After speaking with locals and consulting various travel guides, I’ve compiled a list of areas in Minneapolis that are considered higher risk. As a tourist exploring a new city, it’s useful to know which neighborhoods are potentially unsafe, so you can plan your visit accordingly. Keep in mind, I’m not trying to put down these areas – just provide helpful information for travelers who want to experience Minneapolis safely.

While some parts of the city may be riskier, there are still plenty of amazing sites and attractions to enjoy during your Minneapolis visit. With proper precautions and awareness, you can have an awesome time checking out this Midwest gem. Just be sure to avoid the following areas considered areas to avoid in Minneapolis.

See Also: Best things to do in Minneapolis

 

1. Hawthorne North of Downtown

The Hawthorne neighborhood, north of downtown Minneapolis, is an area where visitors should exercise caution. This neighborhood has experienced issues with drugs and gang violence. There are often open-air drug markets with brazen drug deals taking place on sidewalks. Gun violence is also a serious problem in parts of Hawthorne. As a visitor, you could risk getting caught in the crossfire or robbed if you find yourself in the wrong place. Stray away from side streets and stick to busier, well-lit roads if passing through. But ultimately, it’s best to avoid lingering in Hawthorne, especially after dark. The risks outweigh the reasons for a tourist to be there.

 

2. Midtown Phillips

Midtown Phillips, another Minneapolis neighborhood north of downtown, similarly has a reputation for gang violence, gun crimes, and drugs. There is a lot of criminal activity in this area, including prostitution and muggings. As a tourist, you could be an easy target if you look lost or like you don’t belong. It’s advised to avoid the area around major intersections, like East Lake Street and Chicago Avenue, where gang tensions and drug deals tend to occur. While no area should be definitively ruled out, Midtown Phillips carries significantly more risks for visitors. For your own safety, stay clear of this neighborhood.

 

3. Eastern part of Phillips

The eastern stretches of the Phillips neighborhood, also north of downtown, are considered dicey areas for tourists to visit. This part of Phillips has high violent crime rates and various unsafe areas. Certain blocks have open prostitution and drug dealing. And many streets are dark and deserted at night – perfect setups for muggings. As a visitor unfamiliar with the lay of the land, it’s easy to accidentally end up somewhere sketchy in this neighborhood. Until the city improves safety, it’s best to avoid the eastern Phillips area altogether when visiting Minneapolis.

 

4. Jordan

The Jordan neighborhood north of downtown Minneapolis is another area travelers should be wary of. Jordan has problems with gang violence, gun crimes, and drug dealing similar to other northside neighborhoods. Violent disputes between rival gangs often put innocent bystanders at risk. As a visitor, you could get caught up in the crossfire if visiting the wrong place at the wrong time. Parts of Jordan also suffer from poverty and lack of investment, making it feel deserted and unwelcoming. For your own safety, steer clear of this higher-crime area when visiting Minneapolis.

 

5. Folwell

Folwell, situated along the northwestern edge of Minneapolis, has concerning crime rates that should prompt tourists to avoid this neighborhood. Gang violence and gun crimes are ongoing issues, especially closer to the bordering Hawthorne neighborhood. Open-air drug markets also attract unsavory activity and crime to the area.

As a visitor unfamiliar with Folwell, it’s easy to accidentally end up somewhere you shouldn’t be. And if you look like an outsider, you could attract unwanted attention from criminals seeking targets. For your own well-being, it’s best to avoid Folwell entirely when visiting Minneapolis. While the city has many great areas to explore, neighborhoods like Folwell should be on your list of areas to avoid in Minneapolis for safety reasons. Limit your time here and focus instead on all the amazing tourist-friendly zones across the city!

 

6. Ventura Village

Ventura Village, another north Minneapolis neighborhood, has gained notoriety for its gun violence issues in recent years. Gang shootings and gun homicides frequently occur in this small village area. Being present during a shooting could pose dangers to tourists merely visiting the area. Other criminal activities like drug dealing and prostitution also take place openly in Ventura Village. Visitors should be cautious traveling through here and avoid lingering. While not definitively dangerous at all times, Ventura Village poses enough risks that tourists should limit the time spent here.

 

7. Harrison

The Harrison neighborhood in north Minneapolis is another area tourists should be cautious of visiting. This neighborhood has struggled with poverty and gang violence over the years. Drug dealing and violent crime are ongoing issues. As an outsider visitor, it’s easy to wind up somewhere you shouldn’t be in Harrison. Staying on busier roads is advised. But overall, limit your time in Harrison during your Minneapolis visit. With crime rates higher here, it’s best not to linger in the area as a tourist.

 

8. Beltrami

Beltrami, situated in the northern stretches of Minneapolis, is a small neighborhood with concerning crime rates. Gang violence, gunshots, and muggings frequently occur in this isolated residential area. There are not many attractions drawing tourists here in the first place. But if passing through, avoid side streets where you’re more vulnerable to crime. Given Beltrami’s lack of tourist sites and high instances of crime, travelers should steer clear of this neighborhood for their own safety.

 

9. Seward

Most tourists flock to the Seward neighborhood for its arts, cultural sites, and restaurants near the Mississippi River. However, the parts of Seward farther inland tend to be higher-crime areas to avoid. Gang violence and drug use are problems along streets like East 22nd Street. And the sense of isolation and sparse foot traffic inland can make you an easy target. When visiting Seward, stick to the busier zones like East Franklin Avenue. But avoid going too deep inland where risks for travelers increase away from crowds. Use caution and limit time in those stretches of Seward.

 

10. Elliot Park

Elliot Park is a downtown Minneapolis neighborhood popular with sports fans for its proximity to stadiums and arenas. However, the area also has some crime hotspots tourists should look out for. Certain corners and alleys have issues with drug trafficking and violence. And the crowded streets around sporting events pose risks of muggings and thefts. Enjoy the games, but exercise precautions in Elliot Park – being aware of your surroundings and not lingering on isolated streets. Parts of this neighborhood are fine but use discernment to keep yourself safe.

 

11. Lind Bohanon

The Lind Bohanon neighborhood lies along the western edge of Minneapolis. This residential area has experienced issues with gang violence, gun crimes, and drug trafficking over the years. Tourists have little reason to visit Lind Bohanon and may wind up in unsafe areas unintentionally. It’s recommended to avoid this isolated neighborhood and stick to safer tourist zones. While likely fine along busier roads, you still risk your well-being lingering in an unfamiliar neighborhood like Lind Bohanon. Better to play it safe and avoid this area.

 

12. Webber Camden

Webber Camden is a north Minneapolis neighborhood with ongoing crime problems that should warrant caution from tourists. Gang shootings, drug trafficking, prostitution, and assaults pose risks throughout Webber Camden. Visitors who stray from busier roads could find themselves potential targets for criminals. It’s advisable not to linger in Webber Camden for longer than necessary. And avoid altogether at night when the area becomes more dangerous. For your own safety, limit time spent in Webber Camden during your Minneapolis visit.

 

13. North Minneapolis

In general, north Minneapolis has a reputation for higher crime than other parts of the city. Neighborhoods near North and Willard Hay rank among the most dangerous and highest violent crime rates per capita. Issues with shootings, robberies, and gang violence are rampant across many northside neighborhoods. As a tourist, you will stand out traveling through north Minneapolis and could attract attention from criminals seeking easy targets. While not every block is bad, it’s best to avoid north Minneapolis overall during your visit for your personal safety.

 

Are the places to avoid in minnesota included in the tourist safety guide for the state? It is crucial for visitors to be aware of potential areas that may pose safety risks. However, it is recommended to consult the official safety guide for Minneapolis, Minnesota, to find out if information about specific places to avoid is included. Staying informed can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Conclusion

Minneapolis is an amazing city with much to offer visitors in terms of arts, parks, events, and more. However, as with any major city, Minneapolis does have some high-crime areas travelers would be wise to avoid. I hope this guide gives you a helpful breakdown of the main areas to avoid in Minneapolis so you can plan your trip accordingly. Just remember – stay vigilant, trust your instincts, stick to safer areas, and you’ll have a great time experiencing the best of Minneapolis! Let me know if you have any other questions about navigating this wonderful Midwest city. With proper precautions, you can enjoy all the highlights of Minneapolis without needing to spend time in concerning neighborhoods on this list.