One of the first questions people ask when they book a longer stay downtown is a practical one: do I actually need my car here? If you’re staying with us at Oaklands on 9th for a few weeks or a few months, the honest answer is usually no. Downtown Minneapolis is built for getting around on foot, by skyway, and by train, and once you settle in you may be surprised how rarely you reach for the keys. Here’s how it works, plus what to do if you do bring a car along.
The short answer: probably not
Oaklands on 9th sits at 215 South 9th Street, right in the heart of downtown. From the front door you’re walking distance to Target on Nicollet Mall, the Armory, U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Center, Target Field, and Orchestra Hall, and you’re close to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. When the places you need are this close together, a car often becomes more of a parking puzzle than a convenience.
Getting around without a car
The Skyway
The Minneapolis Skyway is the city’s not-so-secret weapon, especially in winter. It’s a climate-controlled network of enclosed, second-floor walkways linking roughly 80 downtown blocks over about nine and a half miles, so you can reach offices, restaurants, pharmacies, the gym, and the grocery store without stepping outside in January or August. If you’ve never used a skyway system before, the Meet Minneapolis skyway guide is a friendly place to get oriented before you arrive.
Light rail and buses
When you want to go a little farther, Metro Transit’s METRO light rail makes it easy. The Blue Line runs from downtown out to the airport (MSP) and the Mall of America, while the Green Line connects downtown Minneapolis to the University of Minnesota and downtown St. Paul, so a day trip across the river takes no planning at all. Regular fares run about $2 to $3.25 depending on the time of day, and short hops that stay within the downtown zone are just 50 cents. If you’re here a while, a 7-Day Pass (around $24) covers unlimited rides on buses and the METRO lines. You can check current routes, schedules, and fares and passes on the Metro Transit site, and pay with the Metro Transit app or a Go-To Card.
On foot (and on two wheels)
Plenty of downtown errands are simply a short walk away, and in the warmer months the riverfront, the Mill District, and Nicollet Mall are genuinely pleasant to stroll. Bike and scooter share stations are scattered around downtown too, and rideshare is always a tap away when the weather turns or you’re carrying more than you’d like. For ideas on what’s worth the walk, Meet Minneapolis keeps a current rundown of neighborhoods and things to do.
If you do bring a car
Sometimes a car makes sense, especially if your work or family takes you out to the suburbs. The easiest option is right here: when you book a room at Oaklands on 9th, parking is available just steps from the back door in our own private lot, so you’ll always have a spot waiting and won’t have to circle the block. If you’d rather not park on site, downtown also has plenty of ramps and lots, and the ABC Ramps Mobility Hub on the edge of downtown offers some of the largest parking capacity in the core, with daily and monthly options. For longer stays, a monthly ramp contract is often far cheaper and less stressful than feeding a meter every day. Either way, just ask us and we’ll help you sort out parking for the length of your stay.
When friends or family come to town
One of the perks of staying car-light downtown is how easy it is to show visitors a good time without anyone having to drive. The owners of Oaklands also run a few spots worth knowing about: 300 Clifton, a historic bed & breakfast in nearby Loring Park that’s perfect for a romantic weekend, and the Pillsbury Club, a speakeasy-style club inside a grand old mansion. And for a relaxed, no-driving way to see the city, Minneapolis Trolley Tours runs vintage trolley sightseeing tours right downtown.
Settle in and leave the keys behind
For most guests, a furnished studio downtown means fewer logistics and more time actually enjoying the city. If a walkable, no-fuss home base in downtown Minneapolis sounds right, we’d love to host you. You can check rates and book online, or call us at (612) 314-5124 with any questions about parking, transit, or finding the right studio for your stay. Whether it’s a night, a week, or a few months, Oaklands on 9th makes it easy to get around.