Exploring the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

The vibrant metro area collectively referred to as the Twin Cities in Minnesota encompasses the state’s two largest cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul. Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, the Twin Cities offer a mix of urban amenities and Midwestern charm across their many unique neighborhoods. Both business and leisure travelers will find plenty to see and do when visiting the Twin Cities.

Major Attractions in Minneapolis

As the largest and most populated Twin City, Minneapolis is home to many top attractions including:

• The Walker Art Center - Renowned contemporary art museum with 40,000 works and an adjoining sculpture garden
• The Minneapolis Institute of Art - Extensive fine art collections including Asian, African, Native American and European pieces
• Minnehaha Falls - Scenic 53-foot waterfall and surrounding city park near the Mississippi River
• The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - 11-acre urban garden with giant sculptures from artists like Claes Oldenburg
• U.S. Bank Stadium - Ultra-modern stadium hosting the NFL’s Vikings with unique roof design

Outdoor Activities in Minneapolis

Minneapolis boasts the nation’s #2 park system with over 200 parks. Popular outdoor attractions include:

• The Chain of Lakes - Five connected lakes with trails, beaches, gardens, and water recreation
• The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway - 50-mile interconnected parkway circling the city
• Minnehaha Park - 193 acres with limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and biking paths
• Lake Calhoun - Part of the Chain of Lakes, popular for boating, swimming and cycling
• The Midtown Greenway - 5.5 mile bike highway through the city center

Top Sights to See in St. Paul

As the smaller Twin City, St. Paul has its own unique character and landmarks including:

• The Cathedral of Saint Paul - Iconic church and mother church of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
• The Minnesota State Capitol - Landmark government building with iconic Quadriga sculpture on its dome
• The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – Top zoo with 1,700 animals and stunning gardens under glass
• Science Museum of Minnesota – Hundreds of interactive exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to sports
• The Landmark Center - Historic former federal courts building now a cultural center

Outdoor Recreation in St. Paul

From urban wilderness to neighborhood pathways, St. Paul offers many outdoor spaces including:

• Como Park - Massive 400+ acre park with zoo, conservatory, pools, and baseball fields
• The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary - Secluded natural area along the Mississippi River bluffs
• The Indian Mounds Park – Features 6 preserved burial mounds built by indigenous tribes
• The Sam Morgan Regional Trail - Scenic 19-mile recreational trail network
• The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line – Vintage streetcars accessing parks and gardens

Top Neighborhoods to Explore

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul comprise diverse neighborhoods and commercial districts, each with their own local flair.

Minneapolis Neighborhoods

Top neighborhoods in Minneapolis include:

• Northeast – Artsy area with breweries, clubs, and boutique shops
• Downtown – The city center with corporate HQs, sports venues, and the lively North Loop
• Uptown – Trendy neighborhood populated by millennials with boutiques and cafes
• Lyn-Lake – Dense commercial and residential corridor adjacent to Uptown
• Whittier – Historic tree-lined residential area housing artists and creatives

St. Paul Neighborhoods

Top areas in St. Paul include:

• Cathedral Hill – Historic religious and cultural sites near the Cathedral of St. Paul
• Lowertown – Trendy warehouse district with cafes, bars, and art galleries
• West 7th – Shopping, dining, and nightlife along West 7th Street
• Summit-University – Diverse neighborhood with African American roots and Rondo Commemorative Plaza
• Como – Leafy residential area surrounding Como Park and regional trail network

With world-class museums, dining, recreation, and funky local neighborhoods, the Twin Cities offer