Ten fun facts about Minneapolis

1. The Magnificent Minneapolis

The bustling city of Minneapolis is the largest in Minnesota, situated on both banks of the mighty Mississippi River, just north of its confluence with the Minnesota River. With a population of over 425,000, Minneapolis is a vibrant and diverse city, offering a wealth of cultural and recreational activities. From its iconic skyline to its renowned theater district, Minneapolis is a city that has something for everyone.

Also → Minnesota: A State of Contrasts

2. Innovation in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city of innovation, having been the birthplace of some of the most iconic inventions of the 20th century. From the invention of Scotch tape in 1930 by 3M, to the creation of Bisquick in 1931 by General Mills, to the invention of the iconic Bundt pan in 1950 by Nordic Ware, Minneapolis has been the source of some of the most iconic inventions of the modern era.

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3. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: A City of Art and Culture

Minneapolis is a city of culture and art, boasting the largest urban sculpture garden in the US, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. With over 40 permanent sculptures and a variety of rotating exhibitions, the garden is a must-see for any art enthusiast. Additionally, Minneapolis is the third largest theater market in the US, falling just behind New York and Chicago. With a wide variety of theater companies, from the Guthrie Theater to the Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis is a great destination for theater-goers.

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4. The History of Minneapolis' Innovative Toaster

Minneapolis has a long history of innovation, with the first Better Business Bureau founded in 1912 and the first pop up toaster introduced in 1926 by McGraw Electric Company. This revolutionary toaster was a game-changer for the kitchen appliance industry, and it's no surprise that it was born in Minneapolis, a city that has always been at the forefront of progress.

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5. Minneapolis is the Most Literate City in the United States!

Minneapolis is a city of readers! According to a recent study, Minneapolis is tied with Seattle as the most literate city in the United States. This means that Minneapolis residents have a higher rate of book readership, library usage, and newspaper readership than any other city in the country. With a plethora of bookstores, libraries, and newspapers, Minneapolis is a great place to be for those who love to read.

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6. A City of Water

Minneapolis is a city of water, with the mighty Mississippi River running through it and numerous other lakes, creeks, wetlands, and waterfalls dotting the landscape. From the tranquil beauty of Lake of the Isles to the thundering roar of Minnehaha Falls, the city offers a wealth of aquatic attractions for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll along the riverbank or an adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting adventure, Minneapolis has something for everyone.

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7. Minneapolis Public Library's Kid-Friendly Story

In 1889, Minneapolis Public Library made history by becoming the first library to separate their children's books from their adult's books. This groundbreaking decision was a major step forward in recognizing the importance of providing age-appropriate materials for young readers. The library's commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment for children has continued to this day, with a wide selection of books, magazines, and other resources available for children of all ages.

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8. The Convenient Skyway System of Minneapolis

In the bustling downtown area of Minneapolis, you can experience the convenience of the skyway system, which allows you to shop, work, eat, and even live without ever having to step outside. This system of enclosed walkways connects buildings, making it easy to move around the city without having to brave the elements. With over 8 miles of skyways, you can explore the city without ever having to worry about the weather.

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9. The Mall of America - The World's Largest Mall

The Mall of America, located in Minneapolis, is renowned for its immense size - a whopping 9.5 million square feet! It's one of the largest malls in the world, with over 500 stores, 50 restaurants, an indoor amusement park, and a full-sized aquarium. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering something for everyone.

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10. Golf in A golfer's paradise

Minneapolis is a golfer's paradise, boasting more golfers than any other city in the United States. With over 200 golf courses in the metro area, golfers of all skill levels can find a course to suit their needs. From the lush fairways of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's courses to the challenging layouts of the private courses, Minneapolis has something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find plenty of opportunities to practice your swing in Minneapolis.

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