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.
