Minneapolis, part of the renowned Twin Cities, is known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning lakes, and progressive spirit. As one of the largest cities in the Midwest, Minneapolis offers a diverse landscape with both urban areas and quieter outskirts, making it a great place to hone your manual driving skills. Whether you’re looking to master shifting gears or refine your clutch control, Minneapolis and its surrounding areas have plenty of open parking lots where you can practice without the pressure of busy traffic.
For this list, we’ve gathered eight of the best locations around the greater Minneapolis area, each featuring large, open spaces perfect for practicing manual driving.
1. Mall of America Parking Lot
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
The parking lots at Mall of America, one of the largest malls in the United States, are vast and often quiet during weekdays, especially in the outer areas. These wide-open spaces offer the perfect setting for practicing manual driving without many distractions.
2. Fort Snelling State Park Parking Lot
101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Located just south of Minneapolis, Fort Snelling State Park offers spacious parking lots that are usually not too crowded, particularly during off-peak hours. The serene environment makes it a peaceful place to practice.
3. Southdale Center Parking Lot
10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435
This shopping center in Edina has a massive parking lot that is relatively empty on weekday mornings. It’s a great place to focus on gear shifting and getting comfortable behind the wheel of a manual car.
4. Lake Harriet Band Shell Parking Lot
4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
The Lake Harriet area is well-known for its scenic beauty, and the parking lot near the Lake Harriet Band Shell is typically less crowded during the weekdays, especially outside of event times. The picturesque setting adds a calming element while you practice.
5. Ridgedale Center Parking Lot
12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Ridgedale Center in nearby Minnetonka provides another excellent option for manual driving practice. The large parking lots are usually quiet during non-peak shopping hours, offering ample space to refine your driving skills.
6. Bde Maka Ska Parking Lot
3000 E Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Bde Maka Ska, one of the most popular lakes in Minneapolis, has parking lots that are perfect for practicing during the early mornings or weekdays. The beautiful lakefront scenery makes it an enjoyable place to learn to drive stick shift.
7. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Cell Phone Lot
2000 Post Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55450
The cell phone waiting lot at MSP Airport is typically a quiet space, particularly during less busy travel times. This open area is great for practicing gear shifts, starting, and stopping without heavy traffic distractions.
8. Minnesota State Fairgrounds Parking Lot
1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds, located in neighboring St. Paul, have expansive parking lots that are mostly empty outside of fair season. This makes it an excellent spot for manual driving practice, offering both space and peace.
Conclusion
Practicing manual driving in Minneapolis is easier when you know where to go! These eight locations across the greater Minneapolis area offer large, open parking lots where you can focus on mastering your stick shift skills in a safe and relatively quiet environment. If you’re looking to take your driving skills to the next level with professional instruction, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy here.
