Study Overseas

The communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are friendly places, featuring world-class attractions, recreation and events. Collectively, they're known as the Twin Cities, holding a metropolitan area that is home to more than 100 vibrant suburbs. Minneapolis and St. Paul share a location, Minnesota's sports teams, a dynamic image and lots to do - but each city retains its own personality and style.

St. Paul is 159 years old, and the city reflects this proud heritage. You can step back in time and discover historic European charm along Summit Avenue, a drive that features the St. Paul Cathedral and the longest stretch of Victorian architecture in America, including the James J. Hill House, F. Scott Fitzgerald's home and the Governor's Mansion.

St. Paul is also a leader in higher education, and is home to many colleges and universities, including Concordia University, St. Paul, the College of St. Catherine, Hamline University, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas.

Minneapolis is the height of haute culture, with glass office towers, trendy neighborhoods, an urban sculpture garden and modern art museums. The Chain of Lakes, connected by 45 miles of winding parkways and hiking and biking trails, are natural retreats in the middle of the bustling city. During the summer, you'll find people swimming, picnicking, or relaxing in the sun.

The Mississippi River, which runs between both cities, brings together the present and the past. Minneapolis's riverfront is lined with historic mills, and at the many area restaurants, you can dine on a cobblestone patio overlooking the Mighty Mississippi. On the St. Paul side of the river, you can see the sites from aboard an old-fashioned paddleboat, or enjoy the view from the No Wake Café, the Mississippi's only floating restaurant bed and breakfast.

The sports enthusiast will find no shortage of exciting athletic contests in the Twin Cities. In the spring, baseball takes center stage with the three-time World Series Champion Minnesota Twins playing in the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, and the spirited minor league St. Paul Saints playing outdoors in Midway Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings football team takes over the Metrodome in the fall, and fans can enjoy games indoors no matter how cold the weather. Professional basketball now boasts both a men's and women's team, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. St. Paul has also been headquarters for the Minnesota Wild since 2000 when they entered their new arena downtown.

If you head further north of the cities to Blaine, you'll find the National Sports Center, a four-season, state-of-the-art sports facility with the world's 16st soccer field, an outdoor stadium, indoor arena and cycling velodrome. Some of the cities' best golf courses, including Edinburgh USA and Bunker Hills, are located in the north metro.

If culture is what you're looking for, you'll find it in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis is home to the world-renowned Minnesota Orchestra led by Oji Oue, and St. Paul has a stupendous Chamber Orchestra. The Twin Cities have many theaters, including the Ordway in St. Paul and the Guthrie in Minneapolis, which have hosted Tony-award-winning plays and Shakespeare classics. Other smaller theaters also feature outstanding performances.

Die-hard shoppers will love the Mall of America in Bloomington. The 4.2 million-square foot shopping mecca opened in 1992 with department stores Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's and Sears, and more than 520 national and regional specialty shops. When the shopping is done, take a ride on one of Knott's Camp Snoopy's 50 attractions, enjoy a glimpse of life below the sea at UnderWater World or sate your hunger at one of the many restaurants.

The southern metro area is home to some of the cities' best attractions. The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley has exotic tigers and marine life. Alternatively, if you like outdoor amusement parks, then Valleyfair in Shakopee is the place to be. Step back to another era at the Renaissance Festival in Shakopee with jousting, comedy, music and medieval feasts fit for a king. Outdoor fun is the feature of the western suburbs, several of which border beautiful Lake Minnetonka, the 16st lake in the Twin Cities. You can take in the lake view on a cruise aboard a luxury yacht or historic steamboat, and see elegant mansions owned by some of the Twin Cities most notable residents.

The excellent outdoor scenery also stretches to the east with gorgeous St. Croix River views in Stillwater. Century-old brick and limestone buildings now house antique shops, antiquarian book dealers, restaurants and specialty shops. The quaint town of Hastings has more than 60 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and was named one of Minnesota's 'Best Day Trips' by the Twin Cities newspaper City Pages. Wherever you travel throughout the Twin Cities, you'll find plenty to explore and experience. You'll also discover that special quality known as 'Minnesota nice.'

For more information, contact the Greater Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association by visiting the website at www.minneapolis.org and the St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau online at www.stpaulcvb.org.

Author
Tim Utter
Concordia University
Saint Paul