Minneapolis is home to twenty
four lakes, which are collectively called the Chain of Lakes. Connected by
several pathways, these lakes also offer various recreational activities
including fishing, swimming and boating. Besides water sports, Minneapolis is
also known for offering other tourist activities such as shopping, sightseeing
and cultural exhibitions. Not to mention, the city is decked with abundant
greenery in the form of verdant parks, which are also considered to be the best-designed
and best-maintained parks in entire America.
Image Courtesy Scenicplaces at Panoramio.com
History of Minneapolis
The origin and development of
Minneapolis revolves around its proximity to the first US military fort – Fort
Snelling and Saint Anthony Falls, which was known to provide power for flour mills and sawmills.
Until the French arrived in
1680, Dakota Sioux were the sole residents in this area. When the United States
government began pressurizing them to sell their land, several people from the
East started settling here. In 1856, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature
authorized Minneapolis as a town, located on the western banks of Mississippi
River.When land became available,
two towns – Minneapolis and Saint Anthony were founded on either side of the
Saint Anthony Falls. In 1867, Minneapolis was officially incorporated as a city
as the rail service between Chicago and Minneapolis commenced. However, in
1872, Minneapolis and Saint Anthony were merged as one city.
Minneapolis is known for its
sawmill and flour mill industries. These developments lead to the construction
of banks, railroads and the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. Through various
advancements in technologies, Minneapolis became the ‘Mill City’ and the
leading producer of flour. Even though most of the sawmills and flour mills have
long been eradicated, Minneapolis still remains prominent in banking and industry.
Important Locations in Minneapolis
Minneapolis and St. Paul, the twin cities on the Mississippi River, form the largest city in the American state of Minnesota. Minneapolis is the perfect example of a brilliant contemporary American city. It is home to several well-maintained verdant parks and green squares and is also the largest commercial farming center in USA.
With a plethora of beautiful landmarks, lakes, waterfalls, parks, gardens and cultural centers, one can never get bored over here. Here are some places one must explore in Minneapolis:Minnehaha Park: Located at the southern end of the city, on the banks of Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park is known for its 55-foot Minnehaha Falls along with the beautiful Hiawatha and Minnehaha statues. Spread over an area of 193 acres, this park is one of the most ancient, stunning and popular parks in Minneapolis. To know more about this park, click here.Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 612-230-6400Minneapolis Institute of Arts: It is known for its wide collection of artworks from all over the world including paintings by European artists like Rembrandt and Rubens. Some collections over here depict cultures that are more than 5000 years old. Other works on display include various prints, photographs, textiles, sculptures and drawing by many renowned artists. To know more, click here.
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-870-3000Walker Art Center: Constructed in 1971 and renovated in 2005, Walker Art Center is known for its beautiful works of contemporary art. It is also famous for its film screenings, visual and performing arts and several other events. The center is also home to a theater, galleries, lounges, cinema and eating outlets. Click here for more information on Walker Art Center.
Address: 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-375-7600Guthrie Theater: Founded in 1963, Guthrie Theater is well known for its classical and contemporary productions but it is actually renowned for its Shakespeare plays. The theater was re-constructed in 2006 with a new building that displays huge images of the past performances on the outside. Read more.
Address: 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-377-2224
Mill City Museum: Constructed in 1880, the Mill City Museum is one the most popular attractions of Minneapolis. A ruinous fire in the year 1991 reduced the building to rubble, however it was re-constructed in 2006 and currently features a stunning eight-floor structure with a glass frontage, which gives the museum a historic yet modern look. To know more about this museum, click here.
Address: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-341-7582Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Spread over 11 acres, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden showcases gorgeous sculptures from the Walker Art Center. Besides sculptures, the park also consists of Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor, Cowles Conservatory and Flower Garden. To know more about the seasonal displays in the garden, click here.
Address: Loring Greenway, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-375-7600Children's Theatre Company: Even though this theater company showcases plays for all ages, it is specifically known to inspire the youth. Most of the productions over here are based on classics from children’s literature. It also has a Theater Arts Training program for the children. To know more about it, click here.
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-874-0400
People and Culture of MinneapolisAccording to the 2010 Census
of United States of America, Minneapolis had a population of 382,578. This city
is a dwelling for several racial compositions including White (70.2%), African
American (17.4%), American Indian (1.7%), Asians (4.9%), Hispanic (9.2%) and
other races (5.8%). English is the major language spoken here, while other
languages such as various Asian and European languages are also prominent.
Minneapolis is known for its
diverse culture, which attracts several people from all walks of life to the
city for music, dance, theater and visual and performing arts. Walker Art
Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Weisman Art Museum and The Museum of
Russian Art are some outstanding art museums that every art lover must visit.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of MinneapolisMinneapolis is in the Central Standard Time Zone (UTC – 6). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Central Daylight Time (UTC − 5).
Standard Time Zone: UTC/GMT – 6 hours
Daylight Saving Time: GMT/UTC – 5 hours
Daylight Saving Time: 1 hour
Time Zone Abbreviation: CST, CDT
Phone Codes of Minneapolis
Minneapolis Area Code: 612
International Country Code: 1Best Time to Visit MinneapolisSince there are no large
water bodies or mountains to regulate the climate, Minneapolis experiences
extreme weather conditions. While summers can be hot and humid, winters are
very cold with a heavy snowfall. Rainfall is usually accompanied with
thunderstorms that can occur during spring, autumn and summer also.If you do not like cold
winters, May to October would be the best time to visit Minneapolis, when the
weather is quite pleasant. However, winters can also be very enjoyable with the
comfortable Skyway System available.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Minneapolis
March to May
Art in Bloom (May)
Heart of the Beast Theatre May Day Parade (May)
Art-A-Whirl (May)
June to August
Pride Festival & Parade (June)
Stone Arch Bridge Festival (June)
Northerns Park (June)
Midsommar at American Swedish Institute (June)
Minneapolis Aquatennial (July)
Minnesota Fringe Festival (August)
Loring Park Art Festival (August)
Uptown Metris Art Fair (August)
Powderhorn Festival of Arts (August)
Lake Hiawatha Neighborhood Festival (August)
September to November
Minneapolis Monarch Festival (September)
Twin Cities Marathon (October)
December to February
Minneapolis Holiday Market (December)
City of Lakes Loppet (February)Minneapolis Map
