Travel Guides > Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Travel

Dubbed the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul are much more than cold Midwestern cities with a great mall. Once the flour milling capital of the world, modern Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to one of the best theater districts west of Manhattan, boasts excellent professional sports teams, and are full of diverse neighborhoods, exceptional restaurants, and over-the-top shopping experiences.

Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul, located on opposite sides of the Mississippi River, were settled by scores of Germans and Scandinavians and their influence is still evident today in many of the city's unique neighborhoods. You'll find droves of German/Swiss bakeries and restaurants that offer the best in Scandinavian cuisine as well as shops that carry specialties that are native to both ethnic groups.

The number one attraction for today's visitors to Minneapolis-St.Paul is the nearby Mall of America. Located in Bloomington, just a 20-minute drive from downtown, this noted "shrine to American consumerism" encompasses a total of more than 500 specialty stores, department stores, restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and much more. Kids will love Camp Snoopy, the largest indoor amusement park, and even adults will thrill to the NASCAR Experience, a simulated stock car racing adventure. There's even an aquarium and an amazing LEGO™ display.

In the museum department, the Twin Cities are rich. There are five art museums in Minneapolis alone, each a little different. The Weisman Art Museum houses a wonderful 20th century collection and the Walker Art Center is also a modern art gallery. There's also a museum of American art and one that focuses on Russian pieces as well as the well-rounded Minneapolis Institute of Art, with a diverse collection from several periods and countries.

Mill City Museum chronicles the area's flour milling industry and the Minnesota History Center gives guests insight on the state's colorful history, from the days of the early settlers to the present.

The theater scene here is legendary. As a matter of fact, Minneapolis boasts more theater seats per capita than any other American city, except for New York. If you prefer music to theater, grab some tickets to the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, or the Minnesota Opera.

In the warm summer months, the 22 lakes that are contained within the cities' borders are alive with boaters and avid anglers. Golfers can choose from more than 150 courses in the greater Minneapolis-St.Paul metropolitan area. The abundant park system here also features tons of biking and hiking paths, beautiful gardens, and nature preserves.

For a unique dining opportunity, nab a local and ask him where his favorite restaurant is located. Chances are that he'll direct you to one of the city's quirky neighborhoods like Eat Street, packed with ethnic restaurants and cafes; Lyn-Lake with its brew pubs, or 50th and France, where the restaurants are quite posh and the food extremely delicious.