Meet Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a vibrant city that beautifully blends culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. The name Minneapolis reflects the city’s deep connection to water, with “mni” meaning “water” in Dakota and “polis” meaning “city” in Greek. This unique fusion captures the essence of the community, where the Mississippi River and 22 beautiful lakes shape the lifestyle, providing both leisure and economic opportunities for generations.
You’ll often hear the phrase “Minnesota Nice” in many languages. Since its founding in 1867, Minneapolis has welcomed people worldwide, enriching the culture with diversity and a strong commitment to social justice. Today, nearly half a million residents call this city home, drawn by Fortune 500 companies, a robust public university system, and neighborhoods bursting with character, along with a shared passion for biking, local breweries, and the famous “Jucy Lucy” burgers (and yes, it is spelled “jucy,” but you’ll have to visit Matt’s Bar to learn why!).
​Minneapolis boasts an array of award-winning restaurants, captivating performances, thrilling sporting events, and picturesque parks, ensuring your visit is filled with endless entertainment. Visit Minneapolis.org to start planning your trip to the City by Nature!
Travel
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The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport (MSP) is within a 3-hour flight from almost everywhere in the U.S. The airport is only 12 miles from downtown Minneapolis and offers rideshare options, taxi service, and a Light Rail system.
The METRO Blue Line Light Rail is the cheapest option ($2.00–$2.50) for getting downtown and takes approximately 25 minutes. The trains run every 12–15 minutes, starting at roughly 4:00 AM and ending at 11:30 PM.
Getting Around
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Minneapolis prides itself on having a compact downtown and offers many options for getting you where you need to go.
The Minneapolis Skyway System is the largest contiguous system of enclosed, second-level bridges in the world—composed of over 10 miles of pathways connecting around 80 city blocks, including the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Buses are available with fares ranging from $2.00–$3.25, depending on the time of day. To ride a few blocks in the Downtown Zone, the fare is only $.50, and the “Free Ride” buses will take you along the Nicollet Mall.
The METRO Light Rail connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America, Saint Paul, and 43 other stations. Visit Minneapolis.org for more information on getting around the city.
Things to Do
From best lakes to must-visit restaurants, Meet Minneapolis has tailored itineraries to make your PLA 2026 as memorable as possible. Discover where to eat, explore, and more at Minneapolis.org.