| It's said that Mark Twain was the first to call Minneapolis and St Paul the 'Twin Cities,' owing to their proximity (less than a dozen miles apart) along the Mississippi River. Despite the 'Twin' moniker, the two cities are quite distinct from each other. Minneapolis, with its broad boulevards, easily navigable grid layout, and modern downtown architecture, has been referred to as the 'first' (i.e. furthest east) city of the American West. Indeed, from its urban Sculpture Garden to the world famous Mall of America, Minneapolis boasts an abundance of unique sights. Throughout the city, neighborhoods house unique shops and ethnic eateries, while the Mississippi River and more than 20 lakes within the city limits add to the landscape. During your stay, you will find no shortage of leisure activities in the area, including cultural events, professional sports - the Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves and the Vikings – as well as festivities galore. The city boasts several world-class museums like the Weisman Art Museum, the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Aside from its museums Minneapolis is know for its theatres. Actually Minneapolis has more theatres per capita than any other city outside of New York. Be sure to check out the Guthrie Theater, the Walker Art Center, the Theatre de la Jeune Lune and the Pantages Theatre while in town. Despite the abundance of theatres culture is not the only pastime for people in Minneapolis.
A string of lakes along the west side of town features many old, large and expensive homes nestled amid more comfortable middle- and working-class residential neighborhoods. A drive or walk around The Lakes, from Cedar Lake with its public and 'Hidden' beaches in the north, around Lake of the Isles with its bird sanctuary island, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet in the south, emptying into Minnehaha Creek, will reveal some of the most picturesque houses with spectacular views of the lakes. Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles could be called the most popular in the city-thousands of people can be found walking, biking, running, swimming, skating and boating on and around them.
Minneapolis is also famous for its most famous prodigy, Prince. Along with Prince artists like: the Replacements, Garrison Keillor and others have helped make First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry venues of choice for both artists and audiences over the years. Other famous Minneapolis firsts include the filmmaking Coen brothers, and Jesse 'The Body' Ventura. Your opportunity to see and experience one of the cultural and entertainment capitals of the United States is close at hand, stop by Minneapolis and see what everyone is talking about.
Which state has over 10,000 lakes, is located on the shore of Lake Superior and is the starting point of the great Mississippi River? The answer is none other than Minnesota, whose name derives from the Dakota Indian word meaning “sky-blue waters.” In addition to every form of water recreation imaginable, Minnesota offers so much more. There is literally something for everyone. With Minnesota’s abundance of woods, wildlife and preserves, there are eco-friendly activities where you can travel without leaving an environmental footprint. For those of you who seek adventure and thrills, take a trip to Moose Mountain, Lutsen and explore some of the most rugged and challenging mountain biking trails. The St. Louis River is perfect for whitewater kayaking and Lake Superior offers a great scuba diving experience. And for the extreme skier, don’t forget White Bear Lake. Minnesota also offers fun and exciting family adventure. Take a trip to Hastings and visit the Afton Apple Orchards. Visit the International Wolf Center in Ely, where you can get an up-close and personal look at wolves in their wild habitat. As if the Mall of America isn’t reason enough to visit Minnesota, make sure you visit The Park at the Mall of America, which includes Legoland and a giant underground aquarium. Finally, if you are feeling a little crazy, visit the SPAM Museum. Learn everything there is to know about SPAM and even try your hand at making it. Minnesota truly does have something for everyone! Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Mississippi River, Moose Mountain, St. Louis River, Afton Apple Orchards, White Bear Lake, International Wolf Center, Mall of America, SPAM, SPAM Museum, twin cities, University of Minnesota, fishing, hunting, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Midwest, Hudson Bay, Red River, Chippewa National Forest, Hastings, F. Scott Fiztgerald, Prince, Bob Dylan, hockey, NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NCAA, Fargo, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Wild, World Series, Minnesota Lynx, women’s professional sports, Big Ten, 2006 Winter Olympics, water sports, ice fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, camping, state parks, Land of 10,000 Lakes, North Star State, Gopher State, Land of Sky-Blue Waters, Bread and Butter State Guthrie Theater, Walker Art Center, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, golfers, Riverfront District, Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Prince, The Replacements, Garrison Keillor, Coen brothers, Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, 'Twin Cities,’ Mark Twain, Mall of America, Mississippi River, Weisman Art Museum, Pantages Theatre, Lake of the Isles, The Lakes, Cedar Lake, Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Creek, City of Lakes, Mill City, 7th Street Entry, First Avenue, American Swedish Institute, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minnesota Timberwolves, Target Center, Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls. |
