Twin Cities

The Twin Cities region covers the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro and the surrounding ring of suburban-and-exurban counties, the most populous part of Minnesota. The terrain shifts from the urban core along the Mississippi River through the chain of glacial lakes that gives Minneapolis its identity (the city has 13 named lakes within its limits) to the rolling agricultural country of Wright and Carver counties at the western edge. The Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers all converge near the center of the metro. Eight counties cover the region. Hennepin holds Minneapolis; Ramsey holds Saint Paul (the state capital); Dakota holds Burnsville, Eagan, and the Mall of America in Bloomington (the largest mall in the U.S.); Anoka holds the northern suburbs; Washington holds Stillwater (a historic St. Croix river port); Carver holds Chaska and Chanhassen; Scott holds Shakopee and Valleyfair; Wright holds Buffalo. The Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area are among the major attractions. Most trips here run urban and shopping-focused. Minneapolis runs the lakes-and-restaurant itinerary; Saint Paul handles the State Capitol, Cathedral, and Summit Avenue Victorian district; Mall of America anchors a multi-day shopping itinerary; Stillwater pulls weekend river-town visitors.