The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are thriving, both culturally and economically. The success of this metropolitan area of 2.2 million people is due in large part to the nearly unique juxtaposition of state government, public university, and healthy, modern industry (Control Data, 3M, and Honeywell are just a few of the companies headquartered in the Twin Cities area).

The Twin Cities are renowned for the quality and diversity of their cultural institutions, including the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Guthrie Theater and a host of smaller innovative professional companies, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Music and theater in the Twin Cities are surprisingly affordable. Northrop Auditorium at the University offers many concerts and performances by visiting artists throughout the year, including an especially distinguished dance program.

So much for culture--what about comfort? Mention Minnesota, and some people imagine an arctic plain with howling winds and vast expanses of whiteness. In fact, the Twin Cities lie on the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The Twin Cities' climate is officially designated as "temperate continental," characterized by the presence of four distinct seasons. Yes, winters are cold, but there are compensating advantages.

The climate of Minnesota, along with the more than 14,000 lakes and 25,000 miles of rivers and streams, provides an ideal environment for year-round recreational activities. Many of the wild areas of Minnesota are close to the Twin Cities.

You need not even venture outside the city limits to enjoy the outdoors. Minneapolis itself has 13 lakes, several with swimming beaches. The lakes are connected by a parkway system extending over thirty-five tree-lined miles, with separate bicycle trails and running paths. Most city parks have skating rinks in winter, and some parks have several miles of cross-country ski trails as well. Both cities and the University have sports leagues in which you can sign up to play softball, volleyball, soccer, or other sports. And those who enjoy spectator sports also have a lot to cheer about in the Twin Cities. Local professional teams include major league baseball's 1987 and 1991 World Champion Minnesota Twins, the football Vikings, the NBA Timberwolves and the minor league baseball team St. Paul Saints. And of course the University fields teams in many sports.



Check out my weather if you dare!