One of the first things guests ask when they settle into a studio at Oaklands on 9th is whether they’ll need a car. For most stays downtown, the happy answer is no. Our corner of South 9th Street sits in the middle of one of the most walkable, well-connected pockets of the city, and once you learn a few local habits, getting around without a parking spot or a rental becomes second nature. Here’s how we’d suggest doing it.
Walk the Skyway, especially in winter
If you’ve never experienced it, the Minneapolis Skyway is a small marvel. It’s the largest continuous network of enclosed, second-floor pedestrian bridges in the world, stretching about nine and a half miles and linking roughly 80 city blocks. That means you can cross much of downtown, grab lunch, pick up groceries, or get to an appointment without ever stepping outside, which is a genuine gift in January and a pleasant shortcut in July. From near the Oaklands you can follow the climate-controlled corridors toward Nicollet Mall, the office towers, and the arenas. It does take a little practice to read the turns, so don’t be shy about asking a passing local or checking the posted maps. Half the fun is figuring out your own favorite route.
Light rail to the airport, the ballparks, and beyond
When you do want to leave the core, Metro Transit’s light rail makes it easy. The Blue Line runs from Target Field straight through downtown to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and on to the Mall of America, so you can arrive at MSP, hop on the train, and skip the rideshare line entirely. The Green Line links downtown Minneapolis to the University of Minnesota and downtown St. Paul, which is handy if your work or visits take you across the river. Trains run frequently from early morning to around midnight. Schedules occasionally shift for seasonal track maintenance, so it’s worth a quick glance at metrotransit.org before you head out the door.
Everything you need is already close by
A lot of the appeal of staying downtown is how little distance sits between you and the things that fill a day. From Oaklands on 9th you’re within walking distance of the Armory, US Bank Stadium, Target Center, and Target Field, so a concert or a game can be an after-dinner stroll rather than a logistics project. Orchestra Hall and the shops and restaurants along Nicollet Mall are an easy walk too. For travel nurses and medical staff, both Hennepin County Medical Center and the University of Minnesota Medical Center are nearby, which makes a car-free commute realistic even on early or late shifts. And because every studio comes with a full kitchen, a quick walk to a downtown market is often all the “errand” you’ll need.
A few tips for car-free days
Layer up in the colder months and you’ll find the walk-plus-skyway combination covers most of your needs without ever feeling like a chore. Keep a reusable bag handy for grocery runs, since you’re close enough to shop little and often rather than hauling a big trip home. If you’re heading somewhere the trains don’t reach, rideshares and taxis are plentiful downtown and the wait is usually short. And if you do bring a vehicle, that’s fine too; just plan ahead for a nearby ramp, since street parking downtown is limited.
The truth is, most of our guests are pleasantly surprised by how rarely they reach for their keys. Living downtown means trading the search for parking for a short walk in the fresh air or the warm skyway, and that simple shift tends to make an extended stay feel a lot more relaxed.
If a flexible, month-to-month studio in the heart of walkable downtown sounds like the right fit for your next stay, we’d love to host you. Check availability and book anytime at our booking page, or give us a call at (612) 314-5124 and we’ll help you find the right room.