Welcome to the Twin Cities, the home of 10,000 lakes! Minneapolis/St Paul is an adorable town right in the middle of the country, who despite being under snow most of the year, has managed to carve out a fantastic personality, a blend of midwest friendly & city pride. Full of music, sports, nature, & more, Minneapolis is a truly lovely place to find yourself in & to spend time exploring.

Getting around Minneapolis is impressively easy. The city offers a well-connected public transportation system, including light rail, buses, and commuter trains operated by Metro Transit. The light rail, known as the METRO Blue and Green Lines, provides efficient connections to popular destinations such as downtown, the Mall of America, and the University of Minnesota. Minneapolis also has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, making cycling a popular choice for commuting and exploring the city via Nice Ride, a bike-share program in the city for only $10/day! Lyfts & taxis are readily available for those who prefer driving. But the most interesting & fun way to explore is by foot without ever touching the ground! Minneapolis is known for its extensive skyway system, which provides a unique way to navigate the city, especially during colder months. The skyways are a network of enclosed pedestrian bridges that connect various buildings and landmarks throughout downtown Minneapolis, spanning over 9 miles in total! This elevated pathway allows residents and visitors to stroll between buildings, shops, restaurants, and offices without having to step outside, providing shelter from inclement weather. The skyways are not only a practical means of getting around, but they also offer a vibrant atmosphere with numerous shops, eateries, and services along the way!

Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. A ride-share or taxi will usually run you $30-35 and you’ll be in Downtown in about 20 minutes, or you could start exploring right away and hop on public transportation! The METRO Blue Line of the LRT connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis. The northbound journey to downtown takes approximately 25 minutes, and there are several stops in downtown Minneapolis, including U.S. Bank Stadium, Nicollet Mall, and Government Plaza.

The region was originally inhabited by Dakota Sioux tribes, who lived off the abundant resources provided by the nearby Mississippi River. The area's European settlement began in the mid-19th century with the establishment of a sawmill at Saint Anthony Falls, a powerful waterfall on the Mississippi River. The presence of the falls fueled the rapid growth of Minneapolis as a milling and industrial hub, attracting immigrants from around the world. Flour mills, the timber industry, and railroads contributed to the city's prosperity, earning it the title of "Mill City." These mills started both General Mills & Pillsbury & soon MSP became a hub for many major companies. Now MSP has the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the country! Economic prosperity helps grow social consciousness & the arts, which led to MSP playing a significant role in the labor and civil rights movements and investing in the arts and culture, like landmarks such as the Guthrie Theater & the Walker Art Center. Today, Minneapolis thrives as a vibrant metropolitan center known for its thriving arts scene, diverse communities, and picturesque setting.

How can we not love the town that gave us Prince, Mary Tyler Moore, & Bill Murray?! This city boasts a flourishing arts scene with world-class theaters, museums, and galleries. The picturesque setting along the Mississippi River provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and it has an extensive park system with green spaces to relax and explore. There’s also a diverse culinary scene! So during a trip to MSP you can enjoy nature, beer, music, and art, all with that quintessential midwest charm. Plus - The Mall of America. Need we say more?

Winters in Minneapolis are cold & snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Average highs range from the teens to the 30s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common, creating a winter wonderland, and on the fun side offering opportunities for winter sports and activities! Summers in Minneapolis are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 90s Fahrenheit. It's an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city's parks and lakes. Honestly, the month of August is often a perfect month of clear skies & perfect temperatures, making it a vacation hot spot!

A trip to Minneapolis isn’t complete without a Juicy Lucy - a mouthwatering burger filled with molten cheese that oozes out when you take a bite! Another local favorite is the hot dish, a comforting casserole often made with ingredients like tater tots, ground meat, and vegetables, perfect for cold winter nights. Minneapolis is also renowned for its Scandinavian heritage, with dishes like lefse (a thin potato flatbread) & Swedish meatballs making their mark on local menus. The city's farmers' markets showcase fresh and seasonal produce, while craft breweries and coffee shops offer unique brews and cozy atmospheres. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or looking to explore international flavors that rival the larger coastal cities, MSP has something to satisfy every palate!

Minnetonka moccasins, Nut Goodie candy bars, Sugar Sugar candies, locally harvested wild rice & Scandinavian sausages are some of the unique things to bring home from Minneapolis.

The style of Minneapolis is often described as a blend of urban chic & Midwest sensibilities. Minnesotans wear thermals & flannel in the winter, but spring & autumn are pleasantly crisp & cool, so layering is key! Most Minnesotans go for comfort first, lots of cozy clothes and comfortable walking shoes. And when the sun comes out, so do the summer outfits — they don’t get to wear them for long, so they get into the spirit when they can!

Minnesotans are smart - in fact Minneapolis is the most literate city in America! They obviously used those smarts to build more than 50 miles of walkways to avoid the cold. The skyways are brilliant but easy to get lost in - so don’t hesitate to look up directions first or ask for help from a friendly Minnesotan!