Minneapolis spans both banks of the Upper Mississippi River, directly west of Saint Paul, the state capital. Together, they form the Twin Cities metropolitan area, home to about 3.69 million people and extending into western Wisconsin. It’s the third-largest metro area in the Midwest and the 16th-largest in the U.S.
The city began as a center for lumber and flour milling and has grown into a diverse economic hub. Major industries now include trade, transportation, utilities, education, healthcare, and professional services, with smaller sectors in government, manufacturing, hospitality, and finance. As of 2024, the Twin Cities ranked eighth in the U.S. for concentration of major corporate headquarters. Minneapolis itself is home to five Fortune 500 companies: Target, U.S. Bancorp, Xcel Energy, Ameriprise Financial, and Thrivent.
Minneapolis is also known for its cold, snowy winters and for housing the main campus of the University of Minnesota, one of the country’s leading public research institutions.
The city offers a rich mix of culture and recreation, featuring four professional sports teams, a vibrant arts scene with theaters, music venues, and museums, and expansive parkland. The popular “Chain of Lakes” connects miles of trails and provides year-round access to swimming, boating, and fishing.
