With the dog days of summer quickly approaching, there are few better places to visit than this month’s Memorable City. Minneapolis is a great city to escape the hot and humid mid-west summer days. With its cool days, and cooler nights (the average summer time temperature is 82 degrees), Minneapolis is a great place to go to enjoy fall-like climate in the summer.
A few things that most people don't realize about Minneapolis (at least I didn’t) include the fact that the state boasts over 90,000 miles of shoreline. That’s a lot of beach space! And that one in six people own a boat (with all those beaches, it only makes sense). And per capita, Minneapolis has more golfers than any other U.S. city. For all you dieters out there, you can thank (or blame) Minneapolis for giving birth to rice cakes (yum!).
A few more facts about Minneapolis include:
- The birthplace of the modern Better Business Bureau (1912)
- Home to 19 Fortune 500 companies
- Home to third largest theatre market in U.S. (behind New York and Chicago)
- The Mall of America is the size of 78 football fields (wear some comfortable shoes)
- The unique skyway system connects 52 blocks of downtown, making it possible to live, eat, work, and shop without ever having to go outside (Thank goodness. The winters are a bit on the chilly side with average temperatures in the twenties)
Now, for those of you interested in seeing a list of activities to enjoy . . .
100 Free Things to Do in Minneapolis and St. Paul
By Clara James of About.com
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Looking for free things to do in Minneapolis? Here's a list of over 100 free things to do in Minneapolis and St. Paul. In no particular order, here are 100+ free events, activities, sights to see, and things to do in Minneapolis.
- Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. A phenomenal collection of art and historical objects. Free to all every day, closed on Monday.
- A huge variety of free classes, club meetings, presentations and events at the library - most all Twin Cities metro area libraries have free events.
- See a cutting edge art show at the Altered Esthetics Gallery in Minneapolis.
- Hang out at one or more of Minneapolis' chain of lakes - Lake Calhoun, Harriet, Isles and Cedar. Each has its own distinct character.
- Learn how to make maple syrup at local parks, and taste some samples. Spring.
- Go on a free tour of Surly Brewing in Brooklyn Park, and enjoy free samples of Surly beer. Or, tour Summit Brewing or Flat Earth Brewing in St. Paul.
- Watch one of the cross country ski races during the City of Lakes Loppet, particularly the beautiful nighttime Luminary Loppet. Late January or Early February.
- Hudson Hot Air Affair is a celebration of hot air balloons. The multitude of bright color balloons against the white snow are a great sight. Early February.
- See cloth and fabric in an entirely new way at an exhibition at the Textile Center in Minneapolis.
- Cinco de Mayo Festival in St. Paul's west side has a car show, music and entertainment. Early May.
- Tour the Minnesota State Capitol - free tours every hour most days of the week, including the golden horses on the roof if weather permits.
- Free music at the 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis - indie, folk and rock acts almost every night, and never a cover.
- Ride to the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival with bike events and races, incluiding thr awe-inspiring Uptown Minneapolis Criterium. June.
- Lake Harriet Kite Festival. Watch the pros flying, or fly your own kites on Frozen Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. January.
- Minnesota Sinfonia offers free concerts for adults and for children and families around the Twin Cities.
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