MINNEAPOLIS CITY GUIDE
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Minneapolis City Guide – Cold Weather, Warm Community If you’re a sport’s fan, you’ll have a lot of variety living in Minneapolis since it is home to four professional sports teams. If you’re a basketball fan, there’s the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA). If you like baseball, there are the Twins and if you like football, there are the Vikings. For other entertainment, Minneapolis also has over 30 theaters and a large shopping mall with a mile of stores connected by overhead passageways. And if something in Minneapolis is too crowded, or sold out, just head to its twin city, St. Paul, located just 8 miles east. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts This renowned institute was established in 1883 and the museum opened in 1915, with various additions added on throughout the years. The museum is home to over one hundred thousand pieces of art and artifacts, including major exhibits in Ancient art, African art, and Asian Art. Their collection has medium types of painting and modern sculpture, photography, prints and drawings, textiles, architecture, design, decorative arts, craft and sculpture. The institute is also family-oriented and even has a room specifically for children. The Family Center is on the first floor of the museum and offers snacks, computer games and activities and private changing and nursing stations. The Institute is open every day except for Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Fourth of July. General admission to the institute is free; however, some special or traveling exhibits might require a donation or fee. Visit www.artsmia.org for information on current exhibitions. Mercado Central The Mercado Central is a traditional Mexican market in Minneapolis. There are over 20 merchants selling Mexican items like clothing, jewelry, blankets, music, and musical instruments. There are also restaurants and snack stands with authentic Mexican fares. Drop by Reyna de los Jugos, “Queen of the Juices,” for flavored aguas in pineapple, strawberry, mango, papaya or lime. Minnehaha Park Stone Arch Bridge For a good look at St. Anthony Falls, head to the Stone Arch Bridge. Made from limestone and granite found near Minneapolis, the bridge is a central figure in the city’s skyline. It was built in 1883 by railroad mogul, James J. Hill. With 23 arches, it is the only stone arch bridge that crosses over the Mississippi River. In 1994, it was restored and today, the River City Trolley uses the bridge. Stacy Hinojosa |