Serving the Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
History of Minneapolis
Minneapolis was first settled in the early 19th century around the waterfalls of the Mississippi River, which provided power for sawmills. By the 1870s, Minneapolis had grown into one of the world’s largest flour milling centers. The city continued to expand into the 20th century as a major business and transportation hub. Key moments in Minneapolis history include:
- 1819 – Fort Snelling established near the falls of St. Anthony Falls (later Minneapolis)
- 1854 – Minneapolis incorporated as a city
- 1874 – Minneapolis Millers baseball team formed, now the Minnesota Twins
- 1883 – Minneapolis Grain Exchange established
- 1886 – First indoor shopping mall opens in Minneapolis
- 1892 – University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus established
- 1905 – Ten thousand workers strike in Minneapolis, lasting six weeks
- 1967 – Minneapolis Lakers basketball team moves to Los Angeles
Minneapolis Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Minneapolis had a population of 429,954 people. Key demographics include:
- 63.8% White, 19.3% Black, 9.7% Hispanic/Latino, 5.9% Asian
- Median age of 33.4 years old
- Estimated median household income of $55,184
Minneapolis is growing in diversity and saw a population increase of 8% from 2010 to 2020.
Government & Politics
Minneapolis has a mayor-council system of government. The mayor serves 4-year terms along with a 13-member city council. Current mayor Jacob Frey took office in 2018. Minneapolis politics lean strongly Democratic).
Key municipal government offices:
- Mayor’s Office – (612) 673-2100
- City Council – (612) 673-2200
- City Clerk – (612) 673-2216
Major Companies & Economy
Major companies headquartered in Minneapolis include:
- Target – Retail giant, Fortune 500 company
- U.S. Bancorp – Banking and financial services
- Xcel Energy – Electric and gas utility serving multiple states
- Ameriprise – Investment advising and asset management
- Thrivent – Fortune 500 insurance and financial services
- General Mills – Global food manufacturer and marketer
The metro economy generates around $243 billion in GDP annually. Major industries include finance, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and food processing. The Minneapolis Fed also oversees banking in five different states.
Colleges & Universities
Minneapolis is home to several universities and colleges including:
- University of Minnesota – Leading public research university ranked in the top 150 nationally with over 52,000 students across 5 campuses. Main campus is in Minneapolis. umn.edu
- Augsburg University – Private liberal arts college founded in 1869, enrolls around 3,000 students. augsburg.edu
- Minneapolis College – Public two-year community college, part of the Minnesota State system. minneapolis.edu
- Dunwoody College of Technology – Private not-for-profit applied technical college offering certificates and associate’s degrees. dunwoody.edu
Over 15 colleges and universities are located in the Twin Cities metro area, providing education opportunities to over 200,000 students.
Transportation & Public Transit
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Major airport and Delta Air Lines hub serving the region. mspairport.com
- Metro Transit) – Network of light rail, buses, and commuter trains serving the Twin Cities area. metrotransit.org
- Nice Ride Minnesota – Bike rental system with over 200 stations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. niceridemn.com
The Metro area is a transportation hub with rail lines, major highways, and the Mississippi River also facilitating transportation.
Sports Teams & Venues
Minneapolis is home to several professional and college sports teams:
- Minnesota Vikings – NFL football team playing at U.S. Bank Stadium. vikings.com
- Minnesota Twins – MLB baseball team playing at Target Field. mlb.com/twins
- Minnesota Timberwolves – NBA basketball team playing at Target Center arena. nba.com/timberwolves
- Minnesota Wild – NHL hockey team playing at Xcel Energy Center. nhl.com/wild
- Minnesota United FC – MLS soccer team playing at Allianz Field. mnufc.com
- NCAA Division I teams competing in hockey, football, basketball, and more.
The Twin Cities area boasts 7 major professional teams across 5 major leagues. Minneapolis also hosts marquee sporting events like the Super Bowl, Final Four, X Games, and more.
Arts & Culture
- Guthrie Theater – Leading regional playhouse hosting over 700,000 visitors annually. guthrietheater.org
- Walker Art Center – Renowned contemporary art center founded in 1927. walkerart.org
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – World-class art museum housing over 90,000 works of art. artsmia.org
- First Avenue) – Iconic music venue and nightclub that helped launch Prince’s) career. first-avenue.com
- Northrup King Building – Vibrant arts community with galleries, studios, and event venues. northrupkingbuilding.com
The Twin Cities area is regarded as one of the most vibrant Midwest arts scenes. Other major landmarks include the Minnesota Orchestra, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and Children’s Theatre Company.
Parks & Outdoors
- Chain of Lakes – Popular venue for biking, running, paddling, and other recreation connected by parkways.
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – 11-acre urban oasis featuring the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. walkerart.org/garden
- Minnehaha Regional Park – Features 53-foot Minnehaha waterfall, limestone bluffs, and biking trails. minneapolisparks.org/park_care__improvements/park_projects/current_projects/minnehaha_park_improvements_project
- Loring Park – “Gateway to Minneapolis” park dating back to 1883 with gardens, art, and an Off-Leash dog area. loringpark.org
The “City of Lakes” lives up to its nickname with 22 lakes, wetlands, creeks, and the Mississippi River offering recreation. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connects major parks and green spaces throughout the city.
Famous Minneapolis Landmarks
- Stone Arch Bridge) – Historic bridge over the Mississippi River and iconic Minneapolis landmark.
- Mary Tyler Moore statue) – Honors the 1970s sitcom set in Minneapolis.
- Spoonbridge and Cherry – Famous sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen representing the Mississippi River and a cherry on a spoon.
- Foshay Tower – Distinctive art deco skyscraper built in 1929 as the tallest building west of the Mississippi.
- U.S. Bank Stadium – Futuristic home stadium for the Minnesota Vikings featuring a transparent roof.
Where to Stay in Minneapolis
As the largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis offers extensive lodging options from global hotel brands to quirky boutique hotels. Top neighborhoods to stay in include:
Downtown Minneapolis – Closest to business, sports venues, and major attractions. Luxury hotels like W Minneapolis Foshay and Four Seasons Minneapolis anchor downtown. More affordable options like Hampton Inn Minneapolis Downtown and AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown are also available.
North Loop – Trendy warehouses turned into hip hotels and restaurants. Options include Hewing Hotel, Renaissance Minneapolis Downtown Hotel, and Moxy Minneapolis Uptown. Close to Target Field.
University of Minnesota-Dinkytown – Neighborhood packed with university culture, restaurants, and nightlife. Try Graduate Minneapolis or Days Hotel University Ave SE near campus.
Uptown – Vibrant commercial district with boutiques, eateries, and entertainment. Great for experiencing Minneapolis culture. Le Meridien Chambers and W Minneapolis The Foshay provide high-end stays.
Minneapolis Arts District – Close to museums, theaters, and music venues. Stay at artful destinations like Le Méridien Chambers and Elliot Park Hotel.
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) oversees public education for over 29,000 K-12 students across nearly 40 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 7 high schools, and numerous alternative schools. MPS operates with an elected school board and superintendent. Some top-performing public schools based on test scores include Anthony Middle School, Burroughs Elementary, and Southwest High School. MPS also offers magnet school programs with focuses like language immersion, International Baccalaureate, and more.
In addition to district schools, Minneapolis hosts over 35 charter schools throughout the city. Minneapolis graduation rates average around 80%.
Additional Local Resources
- Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
- Meet Minneapolis
- Mpls Downtown Council
From sports stadiums to parks, world-class museums to theater productions, Minneapolis offers an incredible array of attractions and amenities. Though cold in the winter, its lush summers and friendly residents make Minneapolis a vibrant Midwest hub.
Mississippi River Fort Snelling St. Anthony Falls Minneapolis Millers Minnesota Twins Minneapolis Grain Exchange University of Minnesota Minneapolis Lakers Mayor-council system Jacob Frey Democratic Party (United States)) Target Corporation Fortune 500 U.S. Bancorp Xcel Energy Ameriprise Financial Thrivent General Mills [Gross domestic product](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_
St. Paul, Minnesota
History of St. Paul
St. Paul was founded in the 1840s as a trading settlement along the Mississippi River by pioneers like Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant. It quickly grew into an important commercial hub and Minnesota’s capital city. Key moments in St. Paul history include:
- 1838 – Pig’s Eye Parrant establishes a tavern that becomes the origins of St. Paul
- 1841 – Father Lucien Galtier builds first chapel, leading to the name St. Paul
- 1848 – Minnesota Territory established with St. Paul named the capital
- 1860 – St. Paul incorporates as a city
- 1880s – Railroad expansion transforms St. Paul into a major rail center
- 1917 – Minnesota State Capitol building completed
- 1930s – Many Works Progress Administration buildings constructed in St. Paul
- 1967 – Minnesota North Stars NHL team debuts in St. Paul (later Dallas Stars)
St. Paul Demographics
As of the 2020 census, St. Paul had a population of 311,527 residents. Key demographics include:
- 50.8% White, 15.7% Black, 9.3% Asian, 9.2% Hispanic/Latino
- Median age 34.4 years old
- Estimated median household income of $57,757
St. Paul saw a population increase of over 8% between 2010-2020 and continues diversifying.
Government & Politics
St. Paul has a mayor-council system. The mayor is elected to 4-year terms along with 7 ward city council members. Current mayor Melvin Carter took office in 2018. St. Paul leans strongly Democratic) politically.
Key St. Paul government offices:
- Mayor’s Office – (651) 266-8510
- City Council – (651) 266-8560
- City Clerk – (651) 266-8688
Major Companies & Economy
Major companies headquartered in St. Paul include:
- Ecolab – Global provider of hygiene and energy technologies
- Securian Financial – Diversified financial services company
- Travelers – Major insurance and investment management firm
- 3M – Multinational conglomerate operating in St. Paul since 1910
- Land O’Lakes – Fortune 500 dairy cooperative and food company
The metro area generates around $243 billion in GDP annually. Main industries are manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and information technology.
Colleges & Universities
St. Paul is home to several higher education institutions including:
- University of St. Thomas) – Private Catholic university with over 10,000 students. stthomas.edu
- Concordia University) – Private Lutheran liberal arts college. csp.edu
- McNally Smith College of Music – Specialized college focused on music industry career training. mcnallysmith.edu
- St. Paul College – Public two-year community and technical college. saintpaul.edu
The Twin Cities metro area provides education opportunities to over 200,000 students across many public and private institutions.
Transportation & Public Transit
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Services both Minneapolis and St. Paul. mspairport.com
- Metro Transit) – Extensive bus and light rail system. metrotransit.org
- Amtrak – Passenger train services at Union Depot) station. amtrak.com
- Nice Ride Minnesota – Bike sharing system. niceridemn.com
Major interstates, bus systems, and the Mississippi River also facilitate transportation in St. Paul.
Sports Teams & Venues
St. Paul is home to:
- Minnesota Wild – NHL hockey team playing at the Xcel Energy Center. nhl.com/wild
- St. Paul Saints – Independent league baseball at CHS Field. saintsbaseball.com
- Minnesota United FC – MLS soccer team playing in St. Paul before moving to Minneapolis. mnufc.com
- St. Thomas Tommies_Tommies_and_Oles) – NCAA Division I teams in hockey, basketball, and more. tommieathletics.com
The Twin Cities metro area has 7 major league professional teams and various college programs.
Arts & Culture
- Ordway Center for Performing Arts – Home to theater, dance, music, and more. ordway.org
- Minnesota Museum of American Art – Focused on American art and artists. mmaa.org
- Science Museum of Minnesota – Massive science museum spanning natural history, technology, and exhibits. smm.org
- Cathedral of Saint Paul) – Iconic cathedral known for stunning architecture. cathedralsaintpaul.org
- Fitzgerald Theater – Historic theater hosting concerts and live radio shows. fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org
St. Paul has a thriving arts community across music, visual arts, museums, and performing venues.
Parks & Outdoors
- Como Park Zoo – Free zoo with gorillas, polar bears, seals, and more. comozooconservatory.org
- Indian Mounds Park) – Features 6 prehistoric Native American burial mounds. stpaul.gov/indian-mounds-park
- Hidden Falls Regional Park – Trails across rugged Minnesota landscape and the Mississippi River. stpaul.gov/hidden-falls-regional-park
- Cathedral Hill Park – Downtown park with gardens, an amphitheater, and sledding.
- Summit Hill Neighborhood – Iconic historic homes and Governor’s Residence.
St. Paul has over 170 parks ranging from small neighborhood spots to the 1,500+ acre Como Regional Park.
Famous St. Paul Landmarks
- Cathedral of Saint Paul) – Distinctive cathedral overlooking downtown.
- Minnesota State Capitol – Granite dome state capitol building. mn.gov/admin/capitol
- Landmark Center) – Historic former federal building now event/cultural center. landmarkcenter.org
- James J. Hill House – Mansion of railroad magnate James J. Hill. mnhs.org/hillhouse
- Como Park Zoo – Home to beloved Sparky the sea lion.
Where to Stay in St. Paul
St. Paul accommodations range from historic inns to luxury hotels. Top areas include:
Downtown – Close to Xcel arena and attractions. Options like the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, Hyatt Regency, and Holiday Inn.
Cathedral Hill – Next to the stunning St. Paul Cathedral. Boutique hotels like the Covington Inn.
Summit Hill – Near historic mansions with hotels like The Saint Paul Hotel.
West Side – Neighborhood along the Mississippi River. Unique stays at Hotel 340.
Near the Airport – Ideal for a first or last night. Brands like Best Western Plus.
St. Paul Public Schools
The St. Paul Public School District oversees public education for around 34,000 K-12 students across more than 60 schools. The district is run by a superintendent and elected school board. Top-rated schools include Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet, St. Paul Music Academy, and Como Park Senior High. St. Paul graduation rates average around 80%.
There are over 35 charter schools in St. Paul as alternatives to district schools. St. Paul also participates in integration programs with Minneapolis Public Schools.
Additional Local Resources
From the majestic Cathedral to Como Zoo, world-class museums and diverse neighborhoods, St. Paul offers a great blend of history, art, and recreation. Though small, Minnesota’s capital city shines bright.
Mississippi River Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant Lucien Galtier
Minnesota Territory Minnesota State Capitol Works Progress Administration Minnesota North Stars Dallas Stars Mayor-council system Melvin Carter Democratic Party (United States)) Ecolab Securian Financial Travelers 3M Land O’Lakes Gross domestic product University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)) Concordia University (Saint Paul)) McNally Smith College of Music Saint Paul College Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Metro Transit (Minnesota)) Amtrak Union Depot (Saint Paul)) Nice Ride Minnesota Minnesota Wild Xcel Energy Center St. Paul Saints CHS Field Minnesota United FC St. Thomas (Minnesota) Tommies_Tommies_and_Oles) Ordway Center for Performing Arts Minnesota Museum of American Art Science Museum of Minnesota Cathedral of Saint Paul) [Fitzgerald Theater](https://en.wikipedia.
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Prodly Servicing Minnesota:
Minnesota is a midwestern U.S. state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center, a modern art museum.