Did you know that Minneapolis is where Scotch tape, the bundt pan, Bisquick and pop-up toasters were invented? Even a healthy natural wonder, like the Honeycrisp apple, was conceived by a program at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The most populous city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is known for its parks and lakes and many cultural landmarks like the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, famed for Claes Oldenburg’s “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture. St. Paul, its sister city and the state’s capital, has a historic feel with classic architecture, neighborhoods, and traditions. The Port of Minneapolis, the northernmost port on the Mississippi River System, is 17 nautical miles upriver of St. Paul. Minnesota’s state motto is “The Land of 10,000 Lakes” and Minneapolis is without question the “City of Lakes.” In warmer months, locals, and visitors head to one of the 13 sizable lakes in the city’s borders for kayaking, paddle boating, sailing, and swimming. However, the city’ thriving art scene and outdoor culture – even in winter – make this Midwest metropolis a desirable place to explore year-round. In fact, it’s nicknamed the “Mini-Apple” because it has a New York City vibe with a host of museums and art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment venues. With a finite time to experience the city, visitors can wander galleries at the Institute of Art, admire the cityscape from a atop the Guthrie Theater, uncover local history at the Mill City Museum and still find time to stroll along the Mississippi.
