Ports of Call - USA - Minnesota - Minneapolis / Saint Paul
Nestled atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River, the port city of St. Paul and its twin Minneapolis are frequent hosts to the cruise passengers of Majestic America Line riverboat passengers.
They may be 1,300 miles inland, but the Twin Cities harbors provide access to a massive inland waterway system to the Gulf of Mexico and the world.
Saint Paul, Minnesota's beautiful Capital City, has something for everyone, whether it's art or architecture, museums or music, a ride on a riverboat, or shopping at the Mall of America nearby in Bloomington.
The State Capitol, built on a hill overlooking downtown Saint Paul, has free, guided tours. Saint Paul's other architectural masterpiece is The Cathedral of Saint Paul (modeled after Saint Peter's in Rome). No visit would be complete without a journey across the Mississippi River to Historic Fort Snelling, a stone fortress where you can relive the outpost life of early Minnesota.
Visitors will find loads of must-sees in Minneapolis among the city's diverse offerings like The Spoonbridge and Cherry, Minneapolis' giant signature sculpture. The 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden includes more than 40 works of art. It's just across the street from the renowned Walker Art Center.
From four-star luxury to affordable and family-friendly motels and hotels and historic inns, the Twin Cities offer a variety of lodging possibilities.
Photo: Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors. Courtesy Explore Minnesota Tourism
Main attractions in Minneapolis / Saint Paul include:
Mall of America
State Capitol
Cathedral of Saint Paul
Landmark Center
Target Center
Minnesota Museum of American Art
Science Museum of Minnesota
Water Park of America
Historic Fort Snelling
Harriet Island
Minnesota Children's Museum
Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Walker Art Center
Minnesota Zoo
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
Lake Calhoun
St. Anthony Falls
Stone Arch Bridge
Theaters
Casinos