The Twin Cities . . . The Coolest Place on Earth!

Population: The Twin Cities Metro Area has a population of nearly 3 million (having experienced a 9.6% growth rate since 1990). Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are situated along the scenic Mississippi River—with the population distributed among the Twin Cities’ downtown areas and numerous sprawling suburban municipalities.

Recreation: The home of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota offers nearly 200,000 acres of inland waterways and is the birthplace of the mighty Mississippi River. It also boasts more than 133 golf courses (that’s more than 2,160 holes!) for summer sports enthusiasts and numerous ski areas for those cold weather lovers. Outdoor fans can enjoy a statewide network of biking/cross country ski trails and eight state parks (19,283 acres in all!) year-round.

Business & Industry: Minnesota’s economy is good, having experienced 16% growth in employment from 1990 to 1997. According to the Printing Industry of Minnesota, Minnesota’s printing industry, with annual sales of $6 billion, is the State’s second largest manufacturing employer. And, did you know...a whopping 70% of all print communication produced in Minnesota is shipped out-of-state?

Climate: Minnesota is well-known and celebrated for its extremes! Hot and balmy summers, incredible displays of fall color and hearty winter temperatures.
• Average temperatures: 34 days 0° or below and 15 days 90° or above
• Annual precipitation: 28.3 inches (69% average humidity)
• Annual snowfall amounts: 49.5 inches – just over 4 feet!

Sports: Minnesota has a professional sports team for nearly any sports enthusiast, including Vikings football, Timberwolves men's basketball, Lynx women’s basketball, Wild hockey and Twins baseball. The University of Minnesota also is home to several championship Big 10 NCAA sports teams.

Shopping. Minnesota is home to the first fully enclosed shopping mall, as well as the Mall of America, the nation’s largest fully-enclosed retail and entertainment experience. Indoor attractions include more than 500 merchants (including Bloomingdales and Macy’s), an aquarium and an amusement park.