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.

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. 

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.

Population: 382,618
Time Zone: Central Time
Language: English

Average Temperatures:

The Twin Cities enjoy fairly warm temperatures and low humidity in the summer. Summer thunder storms 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.

National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January, President’ Day, the third Monday in February, Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, Independence Day, July 4, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25, New Year’s Eve, December 31

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.

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.

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.

January

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.

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.

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.