Twin Cities Travel Guide (Minnesota/Midwest/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Twin Cities
List of Places to Visit in Twin Cities
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Twin Cities: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Twin Cities
Best Things to Do in Twin Cities: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Twin Cities
Food and Drink Scene of Twin Cities
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Twin Cities: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Twin Cities: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Twin Cities
Best Time to Visit Twin Cities
Do’s and Don’ts of Twin Cities
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Twin Cities
- Health in Twin Cities
Getting to Twin Cities: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Twin Cities
Where to Go Next from Twin Cities: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Twin Cities

Twin Cities is a beautiful metropolitan area located in Minnesota, in the Midwest region of the United States. It is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore the historical, cultural, and natural attractions of the United States. Twin Cities comprises two cities - Minneapolis and St. Paul, and both offer unique experiences to travelers. The area is known for its beautiful lakes, outdoor activities, bustling food scene, rich cultural heritage, and friendly residents.

List of Places to Visit in Twin Cities

There are numerous places to visit in Twin Cities. We have classified them into two categories- Culturally Important Attractions and Natural Attractions of Twin Cities:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Minneapolis Institute of Art: It is one of the best art museums in the country, known for its vast collection of American, Asian, and European art.
Mill City Museum: Mill City Museum is a National Historic Landmark, and a must-visit place to learn about Minnesota’s history and architecture.
Walker Art Center: Another must-visit attraction for art lovers, Walker Art Center showcases contemporary art and design.
Science Museum of Minnesota: A great place for science enthusiasts and kids, Science Museum of Minnesota has interactive exhibits and a collection of fossils.
The Minnesota History Center: Minnesota History Center features the rich history of Minnesota and has a vast collection of exhibits and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Twin Cities: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Chain of Lakes: The Chain of Lakes comprises five beautiful lakes, and it is a perfect place for outdoor activities like jogging, biking, fishing, and sightseeing.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area: The Mississippi River runs through Twin Cities, and the National River and Recreation Area offer scenic views, hiking trails, boating rides, and fishing spots.
Minnehaha Regional Park: Minnehaha Regional Park is another perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, bike routes, and picnic spots.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has a vast collection of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, and more. The park also features beautiful gardens and a conservatory.
Midtown Greenway: Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile bike trail that connects Twin Cities’ lakes and rivers and offers scenic views, artwork, and a blend of urban and natural architecture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Twin Cities

Twin Cities is known for its vast network of biking and hiking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Below are some of the popular ones:

Luce Line State Trail: Luce Line State Trail is a 63-mile limestone trail that extends from Plymouth to Cosmos. It is a perfect place for hiking and off-road biking.
Cedar Lake Trail: Cedar Lake Trail runs through the scenic park surrounding the lake and is a perfect place for leisurely bike rides and jogging.
Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail: This beautiful trail runs through the Minnesota River Bluffs and offers scenic views of the river and forests. It is a perfect place for hiking, trail running, and biking.

Best Things to Do in Twin Cities: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of things to do in Twin Cities. Here are some of the best things to do in Twin Cities:

Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: The sculpture garden features many contemporary and modern art sculptures and is a perfect place for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Visit The State Capitol: The State Capitol is a beautiful building that houses the Minnesota State Legislature, Governor’s and Attorney General’s offices, and other government officials. You can take a guided tour to explore the captivating architecture and historical artifacts.
Take a Segway Tour: Segway Tours are a fun and unique way to explore Twin Cities. You can take a tour of Minneapolis’s Riverfront, Stone Arch Bridge, and St. Anthony, or explore St. Paul’s picturesque neighborhoods and historic landmarks.
Try Local Craft Beer: Twin Cities has an incredible craft beer scene, with breweries like Surly Brewing Company, Summit Brewing Company, and Fulton Brewing Company.
Take a Food Tour: Twin Cities is known for its fantastic food scene, and there are many food tours available that offer a glimpse of the local food culture. Try Bitter Minnesota Brewery Tour or Twin Cities Food Tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Twin Cities

To explore Twin Cities in its entirety, it is best to plan a week-long itinerary. Below is a suggested itinerary for travelers to Twin Cities:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit Minneapolis Institute of Art and Sculpture Garden
Day 2	Explore Chain of Lakes and Mill City Museum
Day 3	Visit Science Museum of Minnesota and Walk Along Mississippi River
Day 4	Visit The Minnesota History Center and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Day 5	Take a Segway Tour or Bike along Midtown Greenway
Day 6	Take a Food Tour and Try Local Craft Beer
Day 7	Visit The State Capitol and Explore Downtown St. Paul

Food and Drink Scene of Twin Cities

Twin Cities has a bustling food and drink scene that is a must-try for foodies. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Juicy Lucy: A popular Minnesota delicacy, Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger with the cheese inside the patty.
Wild Rice Soup: Wild Rice Soup is an iconic local dish and is made using wild rice, chicken, cream, and veggies.
Tater Tot Hot Dish: Tater Tot Hot Dish is a classic Minnesota comfort food made with tater tots, ground beef, and veggies.

Local Beverages

Summit Beer: Summit beer is a local favorite and is available in many different flavors.
Vikre Gin: Vikre Gin is a locally brewed gin available in many flavors. You can visit The Vikre Distillery to taste different varieties.
Bloody Mary: The Twin Cities is known for its Bloody Marys, and many restaurants and bars offer their unique versions.

Where to Stay in Twin Cities: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Twin Cities has many accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in Twin Cities are:

Loews Minneapolis Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Minneapolis and offers an upscale experience.
The Saint Paul Hotel: A historic hotel located in the heart of St. Paul and offers a blend of vintage architecture and modern amenities.
The Freehouse Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and is popular among solo travelers.
Avalon Guest House: A cozy and comfortable guesthouse located in the scenic Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul.

What to Buy in Twin Cities: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Twin Cities has many local products and souvenirs that are perfect for travelers to bring back home. Some of the popular ones are:

Wild Rice: Minnesota is known for its wild rice, and it is a popular souvenir to bring back home.
Local Art and Crafts: There are many local artists and crafters in Twin Cities, and their artwork is a perfect souvenir.
Honey: Minnesota is known for its delicious honey, and there are many local honey producers in Twin Cities.

Local Culture and Customs of Twin Cities

Twin Cities is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, who embody Minnesota Nice. The culture of Twin Cities is diverse and is reflected in its food, art, and music scene. Some of the customs to keep in mind while visiting Twin Cities are:

Be polite and courteous to locals, as Minnesotans are known for their kindness and friendliness.
Dress appropriately for the weather, as Twin Cities has chilly winters and hot summers.
Tipping is customary in Twin Cities, and tipping between 15-20% in restaurants and bars is standard.

Best Time to Visit Twin Cities

The best time to visit Twin Cities is during the summer (June-August) when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. Fall (September-November) is also a good time to visit, as the trees change color, and the weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Twin Cities

Do:

Do try local dishes and craft beers to experience the rich food culture of Twin Cities.
Do explore the Chain of Lakes and walking along the Mississippi River for an outdoor adventure.
Do dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Don’t:

Don’t litter, as Twin Cities is known for its clean streets and parks.
Don’t smoke in public places, as smoking is prohibited in many public areas in Twin Cities.
Don’t forget to tip in restaurants and bars, as tipping is customary in Twin Cities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Twin Cities

Twin Cities is considered a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate. However, it is advisable to take the following precautions:

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets.
Use licensed taxis and ride-share services.

Health in Twin Cities

Twin Cities has many good hospitals and medical facilities, and it is advisable to carry travel insurance before visiting. Tap water in Twin Cities is safe to drink.

Getting to Twin Cities: Transportation Options and Logistics

Twin Cities is accessible by air, road, and rail. Here are some transportation options and logistics to help you plan your trip:

Airports Near Twin Cities

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport: It is the main airport serving Twin Cities and is located in Bloomington, 10 miles south of Minneapolis.

Bus Stations Near Twin Cities

Greyhound Terminal, Minneapolis: Located in downtown Minneapolis and serves many regional and national bus routes.

Other Options

Light Rail Transit (LRT): Light Rail Transit is a convenient and affordable way to travel around Twin Cities.
Amtrak: Amtrak operates frequent train services to Twin Cities, and the Union Depot in St. Paul is the main Amtrak station.

How to Get Around in Twin Cities

The best way to get around in Twin Cities is by public transportation, biking, and walking. Light Rail Transit, Metro Transit Buses, and bike-sharing services are readily available.

Where to Go Next from Twin Cities: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Twin Cities is a great base to explore the nearby destinations. Some of the popular ones are:

Duluth: Duluth is a beautiful port city located on the shores of Lake Superior and is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and historic architecture.
Mall of America: Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States, and it is a perfect place for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Wine Country: The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Wine Country is located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley and is known for its wineries and scenic drives.

Conclusion

Twin Cities is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the United States. With a plethora of attractions, outdoor activities, food scene, and friendly locals, Twin Cities is a must-visit destination for all travelers. Follow this comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Twin Cities, and make the most out of your visit.