Minneapolis & St. Paul

Minnesota's "Twin Cities" definitely are not identical. Minneapolis, the larger of the two, leans toward commerce and culture. Although Saint Paul also has a cultural bent, its principal occupations are government and industry. The stars in Minneapolis's cultural firmament include the Tyrone Guthrie Theater, since 2006 located in splendid new quarters on the banks of the Mississippi. The Walker Center for the Performing Arts, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and four dance companies, including the nationally acclaimed James Sewell Ballet also shine. Oldest of the city's cultural attractions, the world-renowned Minnesota Orchestra got its ...

Minnesota's "Twin Cities" definitely are not identical. Minneapolis, the larger of the two, leans toward commerce and culture. Although Saint Paul also has a cultural bent, its principal occupations are government and industry. The stars in Minneapolis's cultural firmament include the Tyrone Guthrie Theater, since 2006 located in splendid new quarters on the banks of the Mississippi. The Walker Center for the Performing Arts, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and four dance companies, including the nationally acclaimed James Sewell Ballet also shine. Oldest of the city's cultural attractions, the world-renowned Minnesota Orchestra got its start as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1903. Both downtown areas are architecturally impressive: Minneapolis with its contemporary skyscrapers blended with Art Deco; St. Paul as an example of superlative urban renewal. St. Paul landmarks include Rice Park established as a public square in 1849, the 1910 Saint Paul Hotel, and the City Hall and Ramsey County Court House with its 36-foot statue Vision of Peace in the Memorial Hall. Downtown's relative newcomers, such as the Xcel Energy Center and Ordway Center, add dashes of pizzazz to the elegant old-timers. The State Capitol Building, on a hill northeast of downtown, is considered one of the nation's most beautiful.

About the Expert

Connie Emerson is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Cheapskate's Guide to Branson, Missouri and Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guide – Las Vegas.