Minnesota's twin cities--Minneapolis and St. Paul--lie on either side of the Mississippi River, and both cities are hubs for riverboat traffic all the way up from New Orleans. When the first explorers ventured up the mighty Mississippi, they found the river roaring over an 18-foot precipice here. Today the Falls of St. Anthony are tamed and bypassed by lock and dam.

Minneapolis was first settled by emigrants from New England in 1847, who were soon joined by waves of Scandinavians and Germans. Today the city is home to the University of Minnesota, the famous Guthrie Theater, and miles and miles of a climate-controlled skyway system that enables residents and visitors to do everything from park and shop to work and dine without stepping outdoors in the often-harsh winters.

Although St. Paul has its share of glass skyscrapers and 5 miles of skyways, it has preserved much of its Victorian architecture, and its downtown is a blend of the two styles. Somewhat smaller than Minneapolis, quieter and more conservative, it is also a cultural center with museums, universities, and theaters.