Minneapolis, along with its sister city St. Paul, make up the largest metro area in Minnesota.
Minneapolis and St. Paul might be called twins, but they are certainly not identical. Minneapolis claims the greater number of attractions and businesses, while St. Paul functions as the state capital. Founded 20 years and 10 miles apart, the cities have been friendly rivals, but over the years they have shared equally in the riches the region has to offer.
The area has gained additional fame in recent years with the opening of the mammoth Mall of America in nearby Bloomington. Where else in the country can you find over 500 stores, an amusement park, an aquarium, a dance club and countless restaurants all in one vast, climate controlled space?
Minneapolis has many significant museums and historic sites that can engage the interest of a visitor for days and even weeks. Go back in time to visit a working farm from the mid 1800s, take a tour of the home of the first governor of the territory, or wander across an 1880s stone bridge. Numerous cultural and arts offerings can be found every day of the year.
The Walker Art Center is internationally known for its sometimes controversial exhibits of contemporary art. Its spacious sculpture garden has Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's pop-art fountain, Spoonbridge and Cherry, among its treasures. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a superb collection of classical art from every continent.
More than 90 performing-arts organizations are based in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Orchestra performs year-round at elegant Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis; the prestigious St. Paul Chamber Orchestra plays September-May at the Ordway Music Theater; performances by the Minnesota Opera are also held at the Ordway.
The Guthrie Theater is the longstanding home of one of the nation's best regional repertory companies. It produces Broadway-quality productions year-round. More specialized theaters produce works that range from Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion to innovative African-American plays.
Minneapolis is home to major league baseball's Minnesota Twins and the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings. So before you the leave the Twin Cities, try to take in a game. Make sure, though, that you are prepared for cold weather walking when you set out to watch the Vikings in the Dome, because highs in January average only 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the midst of lakeside resorts, farm communities and river towns, Minneapolis and St. Paul form a vibrant metropolis rich with Fortune 500 companies, a thriving art and theater scene and professional sports teams. Bitter winters don't slow residents. They bundle up and enjoy what the city has to offer, including the climate controlled enclosed skywalks that connect most of the downtown shopping and business district. These elements of industry, culture and recreation have shaped the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolis into one of America's most livable urban areas.
Alexander Ramsey House 265 S. Exchange Street Paul, MN 55102 651-296-8760 Take a tour of this exquisite Victorian home, the former residence of the first governor of the territory, Paul Ramsey.
Bell Museum of Natural History University Ave. SE and 17th Ave. SE 10 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-624-7083 The most popular spot in the museum is the Touch and See Room. Here you can try on deer antlers and sheep horns. Anything you want to know? Just ask one of their knowledgeable staff. The mission of the museum is to educate about natural history using their collections and research.
Folsom House 272 West Government Street Taylors Falls, MN 55084 651-465-5535 A former home of a state representative and senator, this charming house is a wonderful example of New England architecture.
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum 333 East River Road Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-625-9494 In 1934, Lotus Coffman, the former president of University of Minnesota envisioned:"This is a dream of long-standing on my part... I would have every student at the University of Minnesota and every individual in this community, exposed as frequently as possible to the things that make life worth living, to the cultural inheritance of the human race." Completed in 1993, Mr. Coffman's dream had come true. The Weisman Art Museum is now home to the largest collection of American painters Marsden Hartley and Alfred Maurer. Also on display are works by Georgia O'Keefe and Max Weber among others.
Historic Fort Snelling Fort Snelling History Center St. Paul, MN 55111 612-726-1171 Back in the 1800's, Fort Snelling was the last of the United States outposts. Now you can experience life the way it was in 1827: talk with some soldiers or even help mend clothes.
James J. Hill House 240 Summit Ave. St. Paul, MN 55102 651-297-2555 Amazing! This house measures 36,000 square feet over 5 floors. Mr. James J. Hill was the man who developed the railroad system that connected the Canada to the Rocky Mountains and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. The secret of his success? "Work, hard work, intelligent work, and then more work".
Mall Of America 60 East Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425-5550 800-879-3555 or 612- 883-8843 This shoppers' destination has been open for a few years and is a great place for the whole family. With so much to do and see, everyone will be pleased with this choice. However, there's lots more to do than just go shopping including nightclubs, restaurants, movies and more. The best way to find out is to go see for yourself!
NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway 352 South Avenue Bloomington, MI 55425 612-854-7700 Ever wanted in the same "NAS-CARs" as the real ones? With the most sophisticated technology, that's just what is happening here. Now you can be the driver and race against others, just as real races are done, except there is no danger of accidents. You will feel the car jolting and the motion of spinning around but you can't get hurt. What could better?
Golf Mountain This 18-hole course overlooks the Camp Snoopy (the amusement park) and is intertwined with seven waterfalls and two running streams.
Camp Snoopy This amusement park is in the Mall of America and is open year round. There are 8 places to eat, more than two dozen rides, a rock-climbing wall and, of course, the weather is constant year round. Hop on the ferris wheel, or take a carousel ride, but don't miss this one.
Under Water World This one-of-a-kind aquarium is like no other with four primary water exhibits in the Mall. In this aquarium, the fishes and water surround you. Look up and see water just like scuba diving. The aquarium is home to over 350 different species including Lake Sturgeons, Alligators and even Sharks.
LEGO Imagination Center It's free! All the kids have to do is have fun. Build a tower, build an airplane, or let their imaginations run wild -- the sky's the limit. Look around and get some great ideas on what to build from the many giant Lego sculptures already constructed.
Great Cars and Great Trucks Design your own Chrysler car, take a virtual test drive, check out the concept cars of the future and stop by the souvenir shop for unique memories of your visit.
Minneapolis Planetarium 300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-630-6150 See the stars as clear as can be! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the tour of the heavens.
Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. St. Paul, MN 55102 651-296-6126 A wonderful place for the whole family, the History Center lets you and your family learn everything "From A to Z" about Minnesota. There's also a tour through the museum and hands-on exhibits for all to enjoy.
Minnesota State Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-2881 Take tours of the Capitol Building, its art and architecture, learn about Minnesota's women in government and the Civil War. After you're finished touring, watch how a bill becomes a law.
Minnesota Institute of Arts 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 888-MIA-ARTS The doors opened in the autumn of 1914 bringing culture to the newly founded Minneapolis. Almost 75 years later, a re-grand opening of the museum displayed 74 galleries containing 4,000 objects. Today, visitors find everything from Africa and the Pacific Islands, to Asia and the Americas. There is even a family center that includes children sized bathrooms, playing area and an eating area.
Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd. Apple Valley, MN 55124 612-432-9000 Get your safari hat out and take a tour of the 2,300 animals from around the world. Explore the ocean for sharks, escape to the rain forest for a glimpse of the leopards, hike on the trail to observe the wolves. Afterwards, visit the IMAX theatre to let your imagination run wild in its comfortable seats.
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Oliver H. Kelley Farm 15788 Kelley Farm Rd. Elk River, MN 55330 612-441-6896 Learn how to farm! Experience working in the fields, plowing and planting seeds, as it was in the 1860s. Discover how technology changed the agricultural industry.
Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, Minnesota 55102 651-221-9444 The grand re-opening in 1999 invited visitors to a newly improved building that overlooks the Mississippi River. At the Human Body Gallery, you'll see what makes up a human being. Other exhibits include dinosaurs and fossils, a laser show and even an Omnitheatre. With so much to do and see, the whole family is sure to be pleased.
St. Anthony Falls 25 Main St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-627-5433 Take a 2-mile self-guided tour of the riverfront. You'll see the only major waterfall on the Mississippi and discover the area's heritage of geography and industry.
Sibley Historic Site 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy. Mendota, MN 55150 651-452-1596 Explore the home of the first governor of the state of Minnesota. Built in the 1830's, the site shows how Mr. Sibley, along with his neighbor Jean Baptiste, helped define what Minnesota and St. Paul have become today.
Late January: St. Paul Winter Carnival. A gala winter festival—the nation's oldest and largest—that encompasses ice-carving and snow-sculpting contests, a chili cook-off, snow volleyball, parades and the coronation of a carnival king and queen. For more information, call 651-223-4700, 763-566-5108, or toll-free 800-488-4023.
February
Early February: St. Paul Winter Carnival. A gala winter festival—the nation's oldest and largest—that encompasses ice-carving and snow-sculpting contests, a chili cook-off, snow volleyball, parades and the coronation of a carnival king and queen. For more information, call 651-223-4700, 763-566-5108, or toll-free 800-488-4023.
March
Mid March: Winter Jazz Fest. Twelve hours of jazz on five stages from more than 100 regional and national guitarists, singers and performers of bop, blues, big band, salsa, swing, chanteuses, and funk. Millennium Hotel, 1313 Nicollet Ave. For information and tickets, call 612-288-2060.
Mid-Late March: Cities Festival of Jewish Film. Screenings of contemporary international films with Jewish themes, including documentaries, shorts and feature-length films. Dolly Fiterman Theater, Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, Oak Street Cinema, 309 S.E. Oak St., Minneapolis, and other venues. For information, call 952-381-3554 or 952-381-3400.
April
Early-Mid April: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival. The largest festival of its kind in the Upper Midwest attracts at least 120 entries from more than 50 countries. Screenings at various cinemas. For information, call 612-627-4430 or 612-627-4431.
Late April: Festival of Nations. Minnesota's largest ethnic event showcases approximately 100 different groups with international food, dance performances by more than 75 groups, cultural exhibits, folk-art demonstrations and an international bazaar with gifts from 50 regions around the world. RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. For information, call 651-647-0191. Continues through early May
July
Early-Mid July: Taste of Minnesota. The state's largest outdoor festival features several stages with top national musicians performing, food from across the state, fireworks, children's activities, the Bridging the Arts festival and more. Harriet Island and along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. For information, call 651-772-9980.
Mid-Late July: Aquatennial. The "Official Civic Celebration of Minneapolis" draws more than 800,000 visitors with numerous concerts, a torchlight parade, block party, water-ski show, dancing, sporting events (including regattas, a triathalon and tennis and beach volleyball tournaments), culminating in one of the largest fireworks shows in the country. Various venues throughout the city. For information, call 612-331-8371.
Mid- August: Twin Cities Black Film Festival.
In the Twin Cities' busy film-festival schedule, this annual festival focuses on films of African-American interest, screening feature-length and short narratives, documentaries, experimentals and animations. Various cinemas.
August
Early-Mid August—Minnesota Fringe Festival. Cutting-edge and innovative performing and visual arts, theater and comedy take center stage with at least 750 performances at 20 venues throughout downtown Minneapolis. For information, call 612-872-1212. For tickets, call 612-604-4466.
Early August: Metris Uptown Art Fair. Ranked among the top 50 art shows in the country, this annual event showcases works by more than 385 artists, nighttime entertainment, 20 food vendors and other activities. Uptown neighborhood, Minneapolis. For information, call 612-823-4581.
Late August: Minnesota State Fair. One of the largest fairs in the country, complete with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a lumberjack competition, horse show and simulated NASCAR racing. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. For information, call 651-642-2200. For tickets, call 651-288-4467. Continues through early September.
October
Mid- October:Central Standard Film Festival. This film festival presents independent films that reflect the geographical diversity of American regional filmmaking. Screenings of more than 50 features and shorts at various cinemas in Minneapolis and St. Paul. For information, call 612-338-0871.
November,
Mid-Late November: Minneapolis/St. Paul LGBT Film Festival. Screenings of features, shorts and documentaries about life and issues surrounding the gay and lesbian community. Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St., Minneapolis, and other venues. For information, call 612-627-4430 or 612-627-4431. For tickets, call 612-331-3134.
Mid-Late November: Broadway in Minneapolis brings popular Broadway musicals to the Twin Cities. Historic Orpheum Theater, 910 Hennepin Ave. For information and tickets, call 612-673-0404, or toll-free 800-859-7469. Continues through early August
December, Early-Late December: Hill House Holidays
. The James J. Hill House is dressed for the season, with dramatizations of family and servant life during circa-1900 holiday preparations. Weekends throughout December. 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul. For information, call 651-297-2555.
Spectator Sports Twin Cities' sports fans are rewarded with pro teams in baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Tickets to Vikings games are usually sold out in advance, and Wild tickets are somewhat harder to get. Seats for the Timberwolves and the Twins are often easier to come by.
Baseball Minnesota Twins Major League baseball April-early October in the Metrodome. 501 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. Phone 612-375-1116 or 612-338-9467 for tickets. Toll-free 800-328-9467.
Basketball Minnesota Timberwolves The T-Wolves play November-April in the Target Center. 600 First Ave. N, Minneapolis. Phone 612-337-3865 or 612-339-4695.
Football Minnesota Vikings The NFL's Vikings play October-December in the Metrodome. Most games are sold out. 501 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. Phone 612-338-4537.
Hockey Minnesota Wild The Wild's season runs October-mid April with games in the Xcel Energy Center. For tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 651-989-5151 or visit the Minnesota Wild box office Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm. 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Phone 651-602-6000
Minneapolis is in the Central Time Zone and observes daylight saving time from late April-late October. When it is 12:00 noon in Minneapolis, it is 1:00 PM in New York City.
Average weather in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Averagetemp.(°F)
13.0
20.0
32.0
46.6
59.2
68.3
73.0
70.4
61.0
48.8
32.5
18.5
Hightemperature(°F)
21.9
28.4
40.7
57.1
70.1
78.9
83.1
80.3
71.2
58.6
40.1
26.3
Lowtemperature(°F)
4.2
11.5
23.3
36.0
48.3
57.6
62.7
60.6
50.8
38.9
24.7
10.7
Precipitation(in)
1.1
0.8
1.9
2.4
3.4
4.5
4.2
4.2
2.8
2.2
2.0
1.0
Normal climate around Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dayswithprecipitation
9
7
10
10
11
12
10
10
10
8
8
9
Windspeed(mph)
10.5
10.4
11.3
12.2
11.1
10.4
9.4
9.2
10.0
10.6
11.0
10.4
Morninghumidity(%)
76
76
76
74
75
78
81
84
84
80
80
78
Afternoonhumidity(%)
69
67
64
55
55
58
59
61
63
61
68
71
Sunshine(%)
53
59
57
58
61
66
72
69
62
55
39
42
Daysclearofclouds
8
8
7
7
7
7
10
10
10
10
5
6
Partlycloudydays
7
7
7
8
9
10
12
11
8
7
6
6
Cloudydays
15
14
17
15
15
12
9
10
12
14
18
18
Snowfall(in)
10.7
8.1
10.5
2.8
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
7.8
9.4
Weather
The Twin Cities enjoy fairly warm temperatures and low humidity in the summer. Summer thunderstorms are occasionally severe. July tends to be the sunniest month. Winter is long and hard with snow is a distinct possibility anytime between November and April. Winter-sports enthusiasts can expect nearly 40 inches of snow to fall during the season.
Major Holidays:
New Year's Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year's Eve Dec. 31
Voltage Requirements:
110 volts.
Telephone Codes:
612, area code for Minneapolis; 763 and 952, area codes for Minneapolis suburbs.
Transportation
Driving is probably the best way to see all the major sights in Minneapolis and St. Paul: Both cities are laid out in easy-to-navigate patterns. Traffic can be a problem, although the cities suffer from traffic slowdowns rather than traffic jams. The only trouble spot might be the juncture of I-35W and I-94, just south of downtown Minneapolis and I-494, where you might encounter delays any time of day.
Even in the dead of winter, walking through downtown in both cities is comfortable, thanks to a compact and ingenious system of 60 skyways: enclosed, climate-controlled elevated walkways. They connect more than 45 blocks (4.7 miles) in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Air
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is clean, efficient and easy-to-navigate. The airport recently underwent major renovations and now offers more shopping and dining options. Located just 10 mi/16 km southeast of downtown Minneapolis, bordering the cities of Bloomington, Richfield and Minneapolis. Under normal driving conditions, the airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive from both downtown areas and five minutes from the Mall of America.
Connecting Transportation
Super Shuttle Minnesota runs from the airport to the downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There are departures every half-hour 6 am-11 pm. Door-to-door residential service is also available.
Public buses run from the airport to both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. Catch Bus 7 for Minneapolis, Bus 54 for St. Paul.
Taxi stands are located on the lower level. Major rental car companies have branches at the airport.
Bus
Greyhound Bus Terminal St. Paul's Greyhound terminal. 166 West University Ave., St. Paul. Phone 651-222-0507. Toll-free 800-229-9424. http://www.greyhound.com.
Minneapolis Bus Terminal This new terminal in downtown Minneapolis serves both Jefferson Lines, which provides service to Rochester, and Greyhound. 950 Hawthorne Ave., Minneapolis. Phone 612-371-3325.
Car
Two interstate highways, I-94 and I-35, serve the Twin Cities: I-35W runs north-south through Minneapolis, I-35E runs north-south through St. Paul. I-94 is the major east-west artery that connects the two downtowns. A beltway that circles Minneapolis and St. Paul is known as I-494 in the south and I-694 in the north. I-394 runs from Minneapolis to the western suburbs.
Garage parking is abundant in both downtown areas.
Public Transportation
Metropolitan Council Transit Commission
560 Sixth Ave. N., Minneapolis. Phone 612-349-7000. The MCTC runs the local bus system in both cities. Especially useful are the express buses (Routes 94B, 94C and 94D) that connect the two downtown areas in a quick 20-minute trip. Buses operate 24 hours, but not all routes run all night. Be sure to consult a schedule.
Taxi
It's best to order a taxi by phone or to find one at a hotel. Taxis can be hailed, but drivers are not accustomed to it.
Airport Taxi Phone 952-928-0000.
Yellow Cab Phone 612-824-4444.
Train
Amtrak The depot is in the St. Paul Midway area. 730 Transfer Road (about 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and 10 minutes from downtown St. Paul), St. Paul. Toll-free 800-872-7245.
Bell Museum of Natural History University Ave. SE and 17th Ave. SE 10 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-624-7083 The most popular spot in the museum is the Touch and See Room. Here you can try on deer antlers and sheep horns. Anything you want to know? Just ask one of their knowledgeable staff. The mission of the museum is to educate about natural history using their collections and research.
Historic Fort Snelling Fort Snelling History Center St. Paul, MN 55111 612-726-1171 Back in the 1800's, Fort Snelling was the last of the United States outposts. Now you can experience life the way it was in 1827: talk with some soldiers or even help mend clothes.
Mall Of America 60 East Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425-5550 800-879-3555 or 612- 883-8843 This shoppers' destination has been open for a few years and is a great place for the whole family. With so much to do and see, everyone will be pleased with this choice. However, there's lots more to do than just go shopping including nightclubs, restaurants, movies and more. The best way to find out is to go see for yourself!
NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway 352 South Avenue Bloomington, MI 55425 612-854-7700 Ever wanted in the same "NAS-CARs" as the real ones? With the most sophisticated technology, that's just what is happening here. Now you can be the driver and race against others, just as real races are done, except there is no danger of accidents. You will feel the car jolting and the motion of spinning around but you can't get hurt. What could better?
Golf Mountain This 18-hole course overlooks the Camp Snoopy (the amusement park) and is intertwined with seven waterfalls and two running streams.
Camp Snoopy This amusement park is in the Mall of America and is open year round. There are 8 places to eat, more than two dozen rides, a rock-climbing wall and, of course, the weather is constant year round. Hop on the ferris wheel, or take a carousel ride, but don't miss this one.
Under Water World This one-of-a-kind aquarium is like no other with four primary water exhibits in the Mall. In this aquarium, the fishes and water surround you. Look up and see water just like scuba diving. The aquarium is home to over 350 different species including Lake Sturgeons, Alligators and even Sharks.
LEGO Imagination Center It's free! All the kids have to do is have fun. Build a tower, build an airplane, or let their imaginations run wild -- the sky's the limit. Look around and get some great ideas on what to build from the many giant Lego sculptures already constructed.
Great Cars and Great Trucks Design your own Chrysler car, take a virtual test drive, check out the concept cars of the future and stop by the souvenir shop for unique memories of your visit.
Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. St. Paul, MN 55102 651-296-6126 A wonderful place for the whole family, the History Center lets you and your family learn everything "From A to Z" about Minnesota. There's also a tour through the museum and hands-on exhibits for all to enjoy.
Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd. Apple Valley, MN 55124 612-432-9000 Take a tour of the 2,300 animals from around the world. Explore the ocean for sharks, escape to the rain forest for a glimpse of the leopards, hike on the trail to observe the wolves. This is among the top 10 zoos in the country. Afterwards, visit the IMAX theatre to let your imagination run wild in its comfortable seats.
Oliver H. Kelley Farm 15788 Kelley Farm Rd. Elk River, MN 55330 612-441-6896 Learn how to farm! Experience working in the fields, plowing and planting seeds, as it was in the 1860s. Discover how technology changed the agricultural industry.
Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, Minnesota 55102 651-221-9444 The grand re-opening in 1999 invited visitors to a newly improved building that overlooks the Mississippi River. At the Human Body Gallery, you'll see what makes up a human being. Other exhibits include dinosaurs and fossils, a laser show and even an Omnitheatre. With so much to do and see, the whole family is sure to be pleased.
