Minneapolis, City of Lakes | Minneapolis Friend since 1939 |
Minneapolis is America's Upper Midwest center of commerce, high tech industry, higher education, world-class medical research facilities, medical school education and high tech biomedical industries such as being the heart pacemaker manufacturing capital of the world. The pulse of the city is measured, however, by the outdoor four-season water sports and other sports that abound. Originally known for grain silos, flour mills, railroad hubs, cereal production and beer brewerys, Minneapolis is today a changed city with a youthful spirit.
The Walker Art Center, (possibly America's best contemporary art museum according to Newsweek magazine), Minneapolis Sculpture Center, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, ( a Twin City hotspot according to The New York Times), the American Swedish Institute and the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra appeal to many visitors as well as residents.
Blessed by many lakes within the city limits, the meandering Minnehaha Creek that flows through some of them on the way over the Minnehaha Falls to the mighty Mississippi River, and surrounded by a state with the motto "Land of 10,000 Lakes", (uncounted are some 5,000 smaller lakes); the city is a vibrant, bustling destination for fun, relaxation, shopping, water activities and sports activities. Home to the Minnesota Twins American League baseball club, the Minnesota Vikings professional football club, the Minnesota Timberwolves professional basketball club, the Minnesota Wild professional ice hockey team and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers teams, one does not have to go far to find sports entertainment. The summer July Aquatennial celebration for many years has recognized and capitalized on Minneapolis' abundant water and city parks heritage.
The city lakes are Wirth Lakes, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Loring Lake, Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Powderhorn Lake, Diamond lake, Lake Nokomis and Lake Hiawatha. These variously offer swimming, diving, sailing, iceboating, sledding or tobogganing in winter and fishing year around. Yes, ice fishing is popular in Minnesota. And yes, it does get cold in the winters. Dress for winter weather, and in layers, scarves, mittens and sweaters to prevent frostbite. Minneapolis has temperature extremes.
Returning after a long absence, I was struck with how green the city still was and how large the trees had grown, making tranquil leafy archways shading over residential streets. There had not yet been a killing frost, which turns the leaves of the trees into a riot of colorful reds, yellows and browns. The so-called "Indian Summer" after the first frost is a special time here.
The entire downtown has been reborn with an extensive network of Interstate freeways, many new tall commercial buildings and a redeveloped downtown waterfront focussing on the Mississippi River for high rise condo living and smart shops, fine dining and parkway vistas. The Mall of America in suburban Bloomington is a World draw, also. A new, quiet, electric rail system now links the downtown, the international airport and the Mall of America with modern, rapid and cheap transportation.
I recall the Minneapolis of old in the 1940s before the freeway construction had a population of over 492,000; now it is about 368,300+, and is completely surrounded by and hemmed in by suburbs, which have become cities in ther own right.
The State of Minnesota offers big game hunting and world class lake and stream fishing. With a deer population of 1,200,000; last season 260,600 deer were taken in a short hunting season. The deer kill for venison steaks this year is expected to be even greater. There are black bear in the northern woods, so be careful when hiking. Pheasant, duck and grouse hunting is also popular and offers excellent eating. Minnesota also has a large Bald Eagle population, America's national bird. Minnesota ranks 4th behind California, Florida and Michigan in the number of registered boats. Minneapolis is the natural arrival place and planning place for your further trips throughout the North Star State. |
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