A Tale of Two Cities

Known as the “Twin Cities”, the vibrant Minneapolis/Saint Paul area is the entertainment and cultural center of the Upper Midwest, highlighted by world-class theater and museums, professional sports, and incredible dining and nightlife. The scenery here is a visual contrast of contemporary skylines and historic architecture against greenways of parks, lakes and the Mississippi River.

Saint Paul is Minnesota’s historic capital city with a storied past of immigrants, railroad barons, gangsters, tycoons and famous authors. Relive the past with a costumed and guided gangster tour (optional), sample the ethnic foods at the many bars and restaurants, shop the unique boutiques on famed Grand Avenue, take a step back into history by strolling along Summit Avenue - the longest remaining stretch of residential Victorian architecture in the United States.

Directly across the Mississippi River lies Minneapolis, with a modern backdrop of sparkling glass and steel buildings. Recently named the US “Design City 2006”, Minneapolis features six new arts facilities including the Walker Art Center, Guthrie Theater and Minneapolis Institute of Arts, all designed by internationally acclaimed architects. Nicollet Mall is a pedestrian thoroughfare and the center of shopping and dining with over 350 restaurants in the downtown area alone. nightlife is abundant with live theater in the Hennepin Avenue theater district, along with the Warehouse District and riverfront areas showcasing a variety of music in an eclectic collection of nightclubs.