After cruising in the Mediterranean Sea, she visited Kronstadt, Russia, 13 May to 19 June, as flagship of Rear Admiral Thomas O. Selfridge Jr., representing the United States at the coronation of Czar Nicholas II.

[4] Upon outbreak of the Spanish–American War, Minneapolis was assigned to the Northern Patrol Squadron operating along the north Atlantic coast of the United States.

[4] She decommissioned at Philadelphia 18 August 1898 and remained in ordinary in League Island Navy Yard until recommissioned as a receiving ship, 23 April 1902.

[4] Minneapolis arrived New London, Connecticut 23 May 1905 to participate in the unveiling of the John Winthrop Monument, then was assigned to a Special Service Squadron with collier Caesar and screw steamer Dixie, under the command of Rear Admiral Colby Mitchell Chester, to make astronomical and other scientific observations off the coast of Spain and Africa.

[4] Recommissioned 2 July 1917, Minneapolis got underway from Philadelphia 15 September for Hampton Roads, and departed that base 26 October for Colon, Panama Canal Zone, where she joined British transports Arawa and Corinthia.

During the next 8 months, she made four escort voyages, departing New York and sailing to ocean rendezvous where the convoys were turned over to British destroyers.