Minneapolis – “City of Lakes” The largest city in Minnesota lies on both banks of the Mississippi River, just north of the river's confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Saint Paul, the state's capital. Known as the Twin Cities, these two cities form the sixteenth largest metropolitan area in the United States, with about 3.2 million residents. The city is abundantly rich in water with lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi riverfront, creeks and waterfalls, many connected by parkways. Minneapolis was once the world's flour milling capital and a hub for timber, and today is the primary business center between Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle, Washington. America's most literate city, Minneapolis builds cultural organizations that draw creative people and audiences for theater, visual art, writing and music. www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/

Mall of America World class shopping in a 4 story complex. 4.2 million sqr. ft. hold over 520 stores and more than 200 kiosks within this mega complex. Entertainment, amusement park and over 50 restaurants to occupy your day. www.mallofamerica.com

Walker Art Center The Walker Art Center is a contemporary art center in Minneapolis which was founded in 1879 and was the first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest. The museum's focus on modern art began in the 1940s, when a gift made possible the acquisition of works by important artists of the day, including sculptures by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, and others.The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a collaboration between the Walker and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, is a sculpture park on the north side of the Walker campus. www.walkerart.org/

Metropolitan School District Education is extremely important to the people of Minnesota and the Metro area features some of the best schools in the state. Our educators strive to make use of available resources to help kids succeed in their journey of furthering their education. www.mnplan.state.mn.us/maps/SchoolDistricts/

Boundary Waters (BWCA) The BWCAW is a unique area located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately 1.3 million acres in size, it extends nearly 150 miles along the Boundary between the Canadian and Minnesota border as well as Voyageurs National Park. Over 1200 miles of canoe routes, 15 hiking trails and approximately 2000 designated campsites allows people to enjoy and experience true wilderness. www.bwcaw.org/