Divided by the great Mississippi River are Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The cities have been known as the Twin Cities since the late 1800s. The name comes from the proximity of the two cities and not from similarities. They are pretty different, but together make for a nice place to visit.
Here are just some of the great sites in the Twin Cities:
Mall Of America
The most visited mall in the world, Mall Of America, is one of the largest in size in the world. This 4-story mall receives over 40 million visitors a year. The mall has activities for the entire family. From shopping, to dining, to enjoying an amusement park, Mall Of America is a must on your list when visiting the Twin Cities.
Basilica of St. Mary
The building was officially completed in 1926, when Pope Pius XI named it the first Basilica in the United States. The Basilica was designed in the beaux-arts style by French architect, Emmanuel Masqueray. The Cathedral has a beautiful main altar with a baldachin which was built in Italy. It also holds 13 Shrines to different saints.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
If you enjoy the outdoors or art, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a great place to go. This 11-acre park features some interesting sculptures including its most famous piece, the Spoonbridge and Cherry. This is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy a great summer afternoon.
St. Anthony Falls
The spot of the Upper Mississippi River’s only major natural waterfall, St. Anthony’s Falls has since been replaced with locks and dams. The location is a great photo spot to capture the Minneapolis skyline and the 3rd Avenue bridge.
Mill Ruins Park and the Mill City Museum
Mill Ruins Park and the Mill City Museum serve as a place to remember the foundations of the cities. These adjacent properties honor the work of the largest Flour mill in the world. The Mill has long been destroyed, but the park and museum have preserved the remaining portions. The Museum also holds concerts and events.
Cathedral of St. Paul
Also designed by French Architect, Emmanuel Masqueray, the Cathedral of St. Paul was begun in 1907, but work was not completed until 1958.Financial troubles delayed the process along the way, but the final project was a beautiful Cathedral that the city of St. Paul is proud of. The Cathedral also features a baldachin and several chapels devoted to saints.
Minnesota State Capitol Building
St. Paul is the Capitol of the state of Minnesota. It’s beautiful Capitol building was completed in 1905. It was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In fact, the marble dome is only second to St. Peter’s in size of unsupported domes in the world. You can get a tour of the building and see the dome up close, as well as the House and Senate Chambers and the State Supreme Court’s.
Target Field
Home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field is a modern ballpark that was opened in 2010. The ballpark has a spectacular view of the Minneapolis skyline, down the right field line. It is the home of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on July 15, 2014. Tours of the ballpark are available on select days. You can check the Twins website,www.mntwins.com, for tour information.
