Minneapolis - St. Paul Flights And Sights

Minneapolis and St. Paul may be twin cities, but they aren't identical. Old money and political power have shaped St. Paul into a dignified combination of marble Minnesota State Capitol buildings, colonnaded manses, tweed suits and fine Scotch. Minneapolis is the edgier of the two, attracting modern artists to the Walker Art Center, pulsing with martini bars and lighting up the night sky with the Theatre District's marquees. When warmer weather appears, locals relax at outdoor cafes by the Mississippi River, a watery ribbon uniting the two.

Things to Do

In Minneapolis, Mill City Museum reminds visitors of the Twin Cities' role in the production of flour for an entire continent in the 19th century. The glittering glass façade and ultramodern works on display at the Walker Art Center, however, reflect the city's increasingly strong position in the nation's contemporary arts scene. Across the Mississippi River, the marble dome of the State Capitol towers over St. Paul, the center of Minnesota politics. Ride the river and explore both cities on the Minneapolis Queen paddle wheeler.

Shopping

The mother of all shopping destinations, the Mall of America draws thousands of bargain hunters to the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington. Glittery jewelry stores and specialty toy shops, purveyors of denim and haute couturiers, handbag and sporting goods stores all find their place among the 520 stores in this shrine to consumerism. Quieter surroundings prevail at the independent boutique shops of St. Paul's Grand Avenue: wristwatch specialists, emerging designers, kitchen shops and a bakery for pet treats.

Nightlife and Entertainment

No American city outside of New York entertains more theater patrons than Minneapolis. Shakespeare and experimental plays take center stage at the gleaming, blue Guthrie Theater. The neon-lit Hennepin Theatre District features pop music, comedy, and children's theater on four stages. Minneapolis' Warehouse District's energetic nightclubs pump dance tunes and pour fruity cocktails late into the night. Settle in for a hearty dose of Minnesota entertainment at St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theater, home to Garrison Keillor's quirky radio show A Prairie Home Companion.

Restaurants and Dining

Minnesota-grown wild rice and produce find their way onto menus in Minneapolis' Warehouse District, where sharply-dressed diners head for pre-theater dinners and post-theatre cocktails. Uptown, trendy boutiques are interspersed with spicy Latino cafes, gourmet ice cream shops and French bistros such as Barbette. Across the river, enjoy a thick steak over linen and crystal at the elegant St. Paul Grill, and watch for the city's power brokers making deals at neighboring tables.

With American Airlines flights to Minneapolis, it's easy to get acquainted with the many facets of this distinctive city. Take your pick of things to do in Minneapolis, from shopping in the largest complex in the country to hiking and biking on the more than 200 miles of recreational paths throughout the metropolitan area. Both indoors and out, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained while in Minneapolis - St. Paul.

One of the most popular activities in Minneapolis has to be its unrivalled shopping scene. Minneapolis - St. Paul was the first place in the world to enclose a shopping center, creating the mall concept that we are all familiar with today. Perhaps the winter weather was the inspiration? Regardless, this is a shopper's paradise. It's home to the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the country, the Mall of America. It features more than 520 stores along with family-friendly fare such as miniature golf, a movie theater and more than 20 sit-down restaurants. This mall is so big, it has its own zip code! In addition to the Mall of America, Minneapolis has several neighborhood shopping districts with independent, locally owned shops. We enjoy strolling through Linden Hills, near Lake Harriet, and the historic Lake Street. Wander down Franklin Avenue for art galleries.

Once your yen for shopping is satisfied, there are a number of other things to do in Minneapolis, such as exploring the great outdoors. The city has more than 22 lakes and 170 parks (St. Paul has another 160 parks). You'll find green spaces aplenty, along with paths for hiking and biking. The city is so welcoming of outdoor pursuits, it was the first in the country to build a bicycle freeway. Called the Cedar Lake Regional Trail, it stretches for nine miles.

Touring the city's myriad museums is another one of our favorite activities in Minneapolis -- there are nearly 60 from which to choose. See contemporary art at the Walker Art Center on Hennepin Avenue and the adjoining Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where you can view Claes Olenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's Spoonbridge and Cherry. That iconic work of art has come to be a recognizable symbol of Minneapolis - St. Paul. Pay respects to the city's flour-milling heritage at the Mill City Museum on South 2nd Street (which features an in-house baking lab). See an incredible collection of artifacts at the Science Museum of Minnesota on West Kellogg Boulevard. And architecture lovers won't want to miss the Weisman Art Museum on East River Road, the only art museum designed by Frank Gehry.

Whether you're excited about the shopping, nature trails or museums, American Airlines makes it easy to fly to Minneapolis so you can explore to your heart's content. Book your trip today.