Minneapolis is a clean, green and modern metropolis -- a place where families can take a city vacation without all the smog, the angry taxi drivers, the traffic or, well, the attitude. (Most Minneapolis residents tend to offer a courteous smile when asked for directions.) The environmentally-friendly city is criss-crossed with miles of safe biking trails. Lakes abound. There are more than 22 silver lakes pooled within city limits, offering hundreds of miles of shoreline. And the picturesque mighty Mississippi River, on which families can take historical paddle-boat cruises, cuts through downtown Minneapolis and cascades into churning foam at St. Anthony Falls. Basically, the city offers some of the best perks of a suburb or small town -- expansive green spaces, bike trails and sparse crowds -- with the culture, arts and attractions of a big city.
If culture's what you're after, a trip to one Minneapolis's many theaters is a great place to start. Minneapolis has more theaters per capita than any other U.S. city save New York, with 30 theater venues. Families in particular will love the Minneapolis Children's Theater Company, which is the only just-for-kids theater to have ever won a Tony Award. Many of the bigger theaters are located downtown in the Hennepin Theatre District, where Broadway-style productions take place. But smaller boutique theaters can be found in various Minneapolis neighborhoods. (Bryant-Lake Bowl, a hybrid bowling alley/theater, is nestled in the Lyn-Lake section of the city.)
Minneapolis is a city of distinctive, vibrant neighborhoods. There's Central Downtown, where miles of skyways links restaurants, stores and buildings to each other. (In winter, the skyway system allows pedestrians to walk all over the city without stepping foot outside.) The trendy Warehouse District is where you'll find the remnants of Minneapolis's flour mills, plus hip restaurants and art galleries. And of course, further afield, there's Saint Paul, capital of Minnesota and Minneapolis's historic sister city.
Minneapolis Family Vacations
Minneapolis Family Vacations
Families will love:
- More theaters per capita than any other U.S. city, save New York City
- Shoreline along the Mississippi River and 22 silver lakes
- The Mall of America, a destination in of itself, with roller coasters, aquarium, and water parks
Written by Caroline Costello
Read more about Minneapolis Attractions
Best Minneapolis Family Hotels
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