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/

Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) Ranked as one of the top fine arts museums in the US, MIA houses more than 80,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history. It is located in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis on a campus that covers nearly 8 acres. The Institute does not charge an entrance fee, except for special exhibitions, and allows photography of its permanent collection for personal or scholarly use. www.artsmia.org/

Music, Theater and Dance Home to Broadway shows and other traveling productions, the metropolitan area has many beautiful vintage theaters that host grand productions and musical acts. Whether it is music, theater, ballet, comedy or opera, you will find it all here. On the average Twin Cities' weekend, you can choose between dozens of plays, dance performances, pop music concerts, jazz concerts, major art exhibits, gallery shows and comedy acts. The following list names a few options: Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Orpheum Theater, Old Log Theater, Guthrie Theater, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Stages Theater Company (for children), Minnesota Comedy Club, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Schubert Club, Twin Cities Jazz Society, Mystery Café, Childrenís Theater, James Sewell Ballet, The Dakota Jazz Club, etc. www.twincitiestours.com/

Skyway System Downtown Minneapolis has the largest continuous network of skyways in the world, spanning over 7 miles and linking nearly 69 blocks. These climate-controlled, pedestrian walkways are owned by individual buildings in Minneapolis. The system is so large that you need a map to get around! The skyways connect the second and third floors of various office towers to hotels, banks, corporate and government offices, restaurants, and retail stores in addition to the Nicollet Mall shopping district, Block E Entertainment District, the IDS Center and Foshay Tower, The Target Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center. www.minneapolis.org/

Metro Transit Light Rail The Twin Cities 12-mile Light Rail corridor offers fast, frequent service between the airport, downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul and Mall of America. Each of the 18 stations along the route are designed in a unique architectural style reflective of each stationís surrounding community. Travel time is roughly two minutes between most stations. www.metrotransit.com/

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/