Though neighboring cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul each have their own distinct culture and identity. Located on opposite banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, this twin city metropolis gives visitors double the opportunities for midwest fun. This blog post explores the highlights of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Get ready to enjoy art museums and parks, sample local cuisine, cheer for sports teams, and immerse yourself in “Minneapolitan” culture. With so much to do across this vibrant urban area, you may just have to visit twice to experience it all!
Minneapolis – The City of Lakes
Nicknamed the “City of Lakes”, Minneapolis boasts 22 lakes within city limits, including the peaceful Chain of Lakes. Some top attractions include:
- Walker Art Center – Cutting-edge contemporary art alongside the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture.
- Minnehaha Park – Picturesque park with hiking trails and a stunning 53-foot waterfall.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – Impressive collection with over 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years.
- North Loop Neighborhood – Hip area with chic shops, breweries, art galleries and the landmark Farmer’s Market.
St. Paul – Minnesota’s Cosmopolitan Capital
Founded as Minnesota’s capital city, St. Paul has an old-world historic vibe matched with modern diversity. Top spots include:
- Cathedral of St. Paul – Iconic church and shining city landmark.
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – Free zoo and tropical plant conservatory.
- Science Museum of Minnesota – Massive museum with dinosaur exhibits, an Omnitheater and more.
- Summit Avenue – Historic street lined with gorgeous preserved mansions.
Green Spaces Galore
Both cities offer fantastic green spaces to enjoy the outdoors. In Minneapolis, meander along the Chain of Lakes or walk the trails at Theodore Wirth Park. St. Paul highlights include scenic Como Park, bucolic Cayuna Lakes, and the gateway to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Fantastic Food Scene
The dining options stretch far beyond the Juicy Lucy burgers and walleye fish fries Minnesota is known for. Foodie highlights include:
- Upscale dining – Renowned restaurants like Spoon and Stable, Demi, and Restaurant Alma.
- Global cuisines – Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Japanese, and African dining reflect the area’s diversity.
- Local specialties – Try cream cheese-stuffed lefse (potato flatbread) or traditional Native American fare like bison, wild rice and frybread.
Arts And Culture
The Twin Cities thrive with creativity and culture. See Tony-winning shows at the Orpheum Theater, or hear the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall. Peruse one-of-a-kind finds at art fairs or emerging local galleries. Don’t miss First Avenue, the iconic concert venue featured in Purple Rain. Funky public art installations add whimsy around town.
Sports Town Spirit
Minneapolis-St. Paul offers major league action for sports fans. See the NFL’s Vikings battle at U.S. Bank Stadium, or catch an MLB baseball game watching the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Hockey lovers can watch the NHL’s Wild compete on ice. Smaller venues host basketball, soccer, and other pro sports too.
Two Cities, Double the Fun
Spanning two unique cities connected by the Mississippi River, Minneapolis-St. Paul delivers a double dose of midwestern hospitality, culture, dining and fun. Art and parks, sports rivalries, great food and outdoor adventures give visitors plenty to do across this twin city destination.
Whether you spend time in just one city or explore both, the Twin Cities offer countless ways to enjoy the urban vibe paired with midwestern charm that makes Minnesota special. Discover it all in one unforgettable getaway!
