Minneapolis, Minnesota boasts being the land of 10,000 lakes and land of 10,000 things to do. With five official months of serious winter, think snow, sports, sleds, skis and skyways. Skyways? A series of futuristic enclosed glass and steel skyways connect hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment in the downtown Minneapolis. No need to brave winter chill or rainy days on the sidewalks, travel through most of downtown Minneapolis in comfort no matter what the weather.

For the hale and hardy who know how to make the most of winter and don’t mind a little frostbite, there’s plenty to do outdoors in Minneapolis. Over 30 ice rinks offer invigorating days on the ice figure skating or playing ice hockey and broomball. Snowboarding, snow tubing, ice fishing and cross country skiing are popular outdoor activities.

Indoors, there’s something for everyone at the Mall of America, the largest indoor mall in the country. Over 500 stores bring new meaning to the expression “shop ‘til you drop.” Take a break at dozens of restaurants and bars. There’s even a full-scale amusement park that includes a roller-coaster and an incredible walk-through aquarium. GameWorks is packed with populars games like Indy 500, Dance Dance Revolution, Las Vegas Rock and blacklite bowling. Block E is a mammoth entertainment complex with restaurants, clubs, a 14-screen movie theater and an arcade under one roof. Watch polar bears and whales swim underwater at the Como Park Zoo. Tour the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The 64,000 seat in-door domed stadium hosts over 300 games, concerts and special events each year. Along the Riverfront District, the Mill City Museum was once the largest flour mill in the world. Step back in time with intriguing stories of the people who worked in the mill and learn why flour played such an important role in the history of Minneapolis. St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a 1.8 mile scenic trail that traces the city’s riverfront history and provides a great view of St. Anthony Falls. Continue on to the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam for a great view of the locks that provide safe passage for boats and barges plying the Mississippi River. Indoors or outdoors, Minneapolis holds many surprises as a travel destination.

Written by: Lynne Christen