Destination Minnesota

Minnesota is the twelfth largest state of the U.S. and it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the state's name comes from a Dakota word for "sky-tinted water". It is known for its four distinct seasons, natural beauty, active sports and arts communities, and outstanding colleges and universities. The waters, together with forests, parks, and wilderness areas, offer residents and tourists a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Minnesota is a true sports destination. Multiple organized recreational activities are held annually including the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival, the Twin Cities Marathon and the U.S. Pond Hockey championships. Minnesotans take great advantage of these athletic opportunities and are among the most physically fit in the country.

And it's a cycling destination. Minneapolis ranks second in the nation for the highest percentage of commuters by bicycle and was named “America’s #1 bike city” by Bicycling Magazine in 2010. An estimated 10,000 cyclists use the bike lanes in the city each day with many riding in the winter.

Minneapolis grabs the gold for biking

Minnesota is also known for being "MInnesota Nice"- said to be the nicest people you will meet in the US! So come and meet us...You will also see why Minnesotans have a reputation for being one of the best "volunteer states", great volunteers are waiting to make your event unforgettable.

Nearly 60% of Minnesota's residents live in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area known as the Twin Cities, the center of transportation, business, industry and education, and home to an internationally known arts community. The Twin Cities are the most populous urban area in Minnesota featuring 186 cities and townships and the country’s 16th largest metropolitan area. Despite being so populous, Forbes ranks MSP the world’s fifth cleanest city.

Minneapolis is the larger city whereas Saint Paul is the capital of the state.

Minneapolis: One of the Top 10 summer trips for National Geographic

"A pedestrian-and-pedal-friendly downtown and welcoming Midwestern vibe make it easy for first-time visitors to quickly feel at home in Minneapolis. Snow can fall here from October to April, so the arrival of warm weather launches a full throttle, June-August celebration of arts, music, and cultural festivals (check out the Minneapolis Aquatennial, July 16-24); farmers markets (17); and fan-friendly Minnesota Twins baseball (played downtown at Target Field—ranked the top sports stadium in North America by ESPN The Magazine). Survey the vibrant scene from the new CRAVE restaurant rooftop patio near the State Theatre, then grab a bike at the nearest Nice Ride Minnesota kiosk ($5 plus trip fees) and cruise all or part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 50-mile urban trail loop. With 22 city lakes and the mighty Mississippi, playing on, in or near the water always is an option. Indoor activities center on the city’s 57 museums and the 4.2 million-square-foot Mall of America housing 520 plus stores and Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor family theme park."