I visited the city of Minneapolis back when I was checking out graduate programs. The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis was a very strong contender, and I remember how thrilled I was with the city itself. What I loved about Minneapolis was that it had a big-city feel to it, without feeling like a big city. Does that make sense? Minneapolis is no Chicago or New York, but it’s an urban center to be sure, and there are plenty of things to see and do in this mid-west town. It certainly provides a great cheap vacation destination. Yes, the biggest claim to fame in the Twin-Cities area may be the Mall of America, and this place is certainly a force to be reckoned with. However, there is so much more to this region than a 500-store shopping mall.
There is a thriving cultural arts scene in Minneapolis-St. Paul and for theatre and visual art lovers, you will not be disappointed. In addition to theatre and concert events at the University, Minneapolis boasts the Guthrie Theatre, one of the most renowned regional theatres in the country. For over 40 years, the Guthrie has presented both new and classic works and has won major awards for its work in theatrical presentations as well as educational outreach.
The city is easy to navigate whether you rent a car or use public transportation. Bus, light rail and taxis help the traveler find their way around the area. The best time of year to visit Minnesota is typically spring and summer since the winters can be unusually harsh and if you are not used to driving in the snow you may want to rethink how you will get around town. If it’s the fall colors you are looking to see, visit in September and October when the weather can be mild and the leaves begin to change.
There are plenty of events, festivals and activities throughout the year, so plan your trip accordingly. Obviously, with the weather being unpredictable in this part of the country, the majority of events occur in the summer months. Some of these activities include:
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
- Valleyfair Family Amusement Park opens in May
- Flint Hills International Children’s Festival (June)
- Taste of Minnesota (Occurs June through July)
- Uptown Art Fair (August)
- Minneapolis Fringe Festival (August)
- Renaissance Fair (Occurs August through September)
- Minnesota State Fair (September)
- Afton Apple Orchard and Corn Maze (Occurs September through October)
If you haven’t experienced this part of the country, you will be pleased to meet locals who are warm and welcoming and there is a lot of hometown charm. Stay warm and dry on your visit to this Northern City, but you will no doubt enjoy yourself in this region of the country.
Photo via Alex.Noriega
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