Minneapolis' metropolitan story didn't really begin until 1867, when the rail line between it and Chicago was completed. At the same time, industrious millers began to contrive ways to harness the power of Saint Anthony Falls on the Mississippi. By the 1870s, more than a dozen sawmills worked relentlessly to process the timber pulled from the dense Minnesota forests. And as the next century rolled around, companies like Pillsbury and General Mills helped make Minneapolis one of the country's leading processors of flour.
Obviously, today's economy is much more diversified, and Minnesota's largest metro perennially ranks among the nicest places to live in the US. Juxtaposing the city's sleek phalanx of glass, concrete, and steel is an outstanding public park system that seeks to preserve and showcase the region's natural beauty via extensive trail networks, bird sanctuaries, and scenic overlooks - great for MPLS travel-goers. Moreover, stunning renovations of buildings like the Central Library and Walker Art Center make Minneapolis trips Mecca-like experiences for those studying architecture and design.
Throughout its history, Minneapolis has been a politically and socially progressive city, and under the leadership of folks like Hubert H. Humphrey, it addressed issues ranging from civil and worker's rights to urban revitalization and historic preservation. Over the years, this climate of enlightenment spilled over into other aspects of life and gave way to a deep love affair with the arts. Indeed, Minneapolis travel guides boast one of the country's largest and most impressive theater scenes, headlined by legendary venues like the Hennepin Center for the Arts and the Guthrie Theatre. Museums, too, figure prominently into the cultural feast thanks to institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum.
Like other large Midwestern cities, Minneapolis doesn't shy away from supporting its sports teams. The NBA's Timberwolves squad continues to be a great source of pride for title-crazy hoops fans and is a major part of Minneapolis tourism. On the gridiron, the purple-clad Vikings are always a big draw, especially when the Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers visit the Metrodome. And then, of course, there's the Twins, whose all-time roster includes such immortals as Kirby Puckett, Harmon Killebrew, and Rod Carew. Despite playing in a smaller market than rivals in Chicago, Boston, and New York, the Twins have pulled off two World Series titles and more than a few scrappy playoff runs over the years. For collegiate fans, the big draw is the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota.
The city's amazingly diverse culinary sphere may surprise you during your travels to Minneapolis. In fact, in recent years local chefs have emphasized the concept of farm-to-table dining, and it's not uncommon for top restaurants to feature produce and other ingredients grown by small, family-run farms. Meanwhile, on the nightlife front, live music is as big a fixture for Minneapolis vacations and regular nightlife as it's ever been, and time-tested spots like the Dakota Jazz Club and First Avenue are must-visits no matter who you are.
