Built on two winding curves of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis-St. Paul—aka the Twin Cities—has become a cultural juggernaut. With one of the best theater scenes in the nation, several universities, professional sports teams, and a booming craft beer scene (not to mention a mall so big it houses theme parks), it’s no wonder this Midwestern hotspot is now home to some 3 million people. When you’re here, get ready for gorgeous green spaces, fantastic food, and a long list of artistic things to do.
While summer is the high season in Minneapolis-St. Paul—think kayaking the lakes and rivers, attending music festivals like Twin Cities Summer Fest, and cheering on the Twins at Target Field—fall is many locals’ favorite season. School’s back in session, temperatures are less humid, the trees are gathering their fall colors along the Mississippi, and, best yet, it’s an apple-picking season.
If you want to hit up the suburbs or lakes, you’ll probably want a private vehicle. But if you’re planning to stay around Minneapolis-St. Paul, you could forgo the rental car. The Twin Cities have a robust metro system, which links both cities, the airport, and the Mall of America, in Bloomington. Of course, there are also taxis, rideshares, and a solid bikeshare program.
You might not have come to Minneapolis for the art, but you should. Be sure to scope out the Walker Art Center, home to art in almost every medium imaginable; walk over to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where you’ll find the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry installation; and then catch a concert at First Avenue or a show at the Guthrie Theatre, one of the best theaters in the nation.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CDT (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 3 | Tours 62 | Reviews 610 |
Whether St. Paul or Minneapolis is better to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Minneapolis is the quintessential “city,” with a sleepless nightlife scene, endless entertainment options, and the crowds that come with it. St. Paul, by comparison, is quieter, and more about history and charm.
...MoreYes, St. Paul is absolutely worth visiting. As the state capital, it has oodles of history; check out the Minnesota History Center, the Minnesota State Capitol, or Historic Fort Snelling to get started. There’s also the fabulous Rice Park—a public park downtown with a packed calendar of events—and even caves to explore underground.
...MoreSt. Paul is known for being the capital of Minnesota—it’s one of the oldest cities in the state, and spots such as the St. Paul Cathedral bring that history to life. It’s also known for its access to the Mississippi River as it has the longest shoreline of any city on Ol’ Muddy.
...MoreYes, Minneapolis is absolutely worth visiting—it has one of the country’s most vibrant arts and culture scenes, half a dozen professional sports teams, and rivers and lakes galore. From the incredible Guthrie Theatre to Vikings games, from the redesigned Warehouse District to Mall of America, there are a million reasons Minneapolis is worth visiting.
...MoreYes, it’s generally safe to walk around downtown Minneapolis—it tends to be well-lit and well-trafficked, and tourist areas are typically safest. That being said, petty crime exists everywhere, especially in bigger American cities; keep your personal items with you at all times and stay reasonably alert to your surroundings.
...MoreYes, Minneapolis is mostly a walkable city. If you count the city’s Metro system, then absolutely; it serves dozens of stops in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and nearby Bloomington (the Mall of America). Come winter, there’s also the Minneapolis Skywalk, which is nearly 10 miles (16 kilometers) of elevated, heated walkways between buildings.
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