Minneapolis is a Prominent Center for Midwest Business and Recreation
The United States Census defines twelve states in the north central part of the country including the State of Minnesota as constituting the Midwest. One of the most prominent and prosperous areas in the Midwest is the metropolitan statistical area of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington. While suburban growth has been critical to this increase, the city of Minneapolis serves as the centerpiece of the region’s business community and recreational activities.
Background of Minneapolis Area
It would have been difficult to foresee in America’s early days that the lands and numerous lakes bordering the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers would become a popular settlement destination for Lutheran immigrants and other peoples from Scandinavia, Germany and Eastern Europe, and produce a major city. Although the area has a climate like northern Europe with long cold winters and hot summers, the region was initially part of New France and New Spain. It was populated by native peoples from the Dakota and Chippewa tribes, fur traders, and some soldiers and missionaries. Obtained by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Zebulon Pike loosely designated land near St. Anthony Falls as a location for a future fort and trading post called Fort Snelling which was completed in 1825. Succeeding decades saw large lumber businesses, a flour-milling center, farmers, and other agricultural uses prosper in the region and by 1872 the city of Minneapolis was incorporated on both sides of the Mississippi. By the beginning of the 20th century, Minneapolis was an important railroad center for the shipment of grain, flour, lumber, and other manufactures across the country, and for passengers connecting with destinations to the east and west.
Despite urban decay and a large decrease in manufacturing jobs in other midwestern cities, Minneapolis has fared quite well in recent decades. The strengths of the community such as its respected health care providers, rail and trucking centers, diversified manufacturing and food processing industries, educational institutions and recreation options provided a foundation for a slow and steady revitalization of the region’s economy in the 21st century. The region’s population has increased by over 50% since 1988, has become more diversified, and now exceeds three million people. Equally important, the metropolitan area has a moderate cost of living and a median household income of approximately $88,000 which exceeds the nation’s median household income by over 25%.
There are many different experiences that visitors can enjoy during a trip to Minneapolis. Here are four to start with:
EXPLORE THE RIVERFRONT ROOTS OF THE CITY
Exploring the waterfront along the Mississippi River is an excellent way to see the city and learn about the impact of Minnesota’s unique water resources. There are public and private tours of the river, St. Anthony Falls, and the historic mills and bridges that once covered the area. St. Anthony Falls is the only major waterfall between Minnesota and New Orleans on the entire Mississippi, and it lured entrepreneurs to the city who used the water to power the sawmills and flour mills there. Many people enjoy walking around the 1.8-mile-long St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail which begins at the Lock and Dam Visitors Center run by the National Park Service on the West River Parkway. In addition to the Mill Ruins Park containing various remnants of the city’s industrial past and hydropower structures, people often stop at the adjacent Washburn A Mill Complex built within the ruins of large flour mill which operated from 1880 to 1930. From there, you can cross the river on the 2000-foot-long Stone Arch Bridge built as a railroad pathway in the 1880s. It provides excellent views of the downtown, the waterfall, and the river. On the other side, there are a series of public parks and waterworks jutting into the river and a popular entertainment and residential area called St. Anthony Main Street to enjoy.
EXPERIENCE THE LAKES AND PARKS OF MINNEAPOLIS
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board oversees an urban park system of over 7000 acres of land and water with extensive trails networks as well as gardens, playing fields, and recreation facilities. But the nickname of Minnesota is “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and there are twenty-two of them in the city. Lake of the Isles Park, located about four miles southwest of the downtown, is one of a chain of lakes in the city. It receives over 5.5 million visitors each year and features boating, canoeing, and fishing activities in summer along with ice skating and hockey in winter. Another enjoyable lake because of its oval shape and 3-mile pathways for biking and running is Lake Nokomis which also boasts the most popular swimming beaches in the city.
VISIT THE MALL OF AMERICA
Many cities have tried to establish downtown shopping centers or suburban malls with entertainment options to appeal to families and lure shoppers. Changing habits have bankrupted some large projects and forced others to upgrade and enhance their attractions. However, the Mall of America has been a success ever since it opened in nearby Bloomington in 1992 only ten miles south of city near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The Mall of America draws over forty million visitors each year to its more than 520 shops and restaurants, is the country’s largest enclosed indoor shopping center, and is the 12th largest shopping mall in the world. Some experts attribute its success to the more than four hundred events held each year at the facility which include music and dance concerts, celebrity appearances, fashion displays, light shows, children’s specials, and merchandise events. In addition, the Mall boasts a 7-acre indoor amusement park called Nickelodeon Universe, an aquarium, comedy club, LEGO store, a gaming casino, and two attached hotels. Its accessibility is enhanced by the twelve-mile light rail system that links the Mall and the airport with Target Field in the downtown.
RELAX AT DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS
With pedestrian walkways, the light rail system, an elegant City Hall and County Courthouse, and open spaces, downtown Minneapolis is a popular place to work, browse or enjoy cultural and outdoor events. One unique feature of the city is its skyway system in the downtown, central and gateway districts which provide climate controlled, enclosed footbridges that connect buildings in eighty full city blocks on the second floor. Sports also bring fans of the city’s NFL, NBA, MBL, MLS and WNBA professional teams downtown throughout the year. With a critical mass of such facilities available, Minneapolis can host other major events such as the X games and NCAA championships. For cultural activity, the city offers the multidisciplinary Walker Art Center, the Guthrie Center for theater performances and training, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the American Swedish Institute with exhibits on Swedish history and culture in the United States.