Minneapolis

The very name of Minneapolis is related to the rivers that flow through the city center – Minne is the Dakota word for water, meaning that the actual name of the city translates into modern English as Water City, and this is reflected in the fact that around 6% of the total area of the city is water in the form of small lakes, rivers, and of course, the waterfalls such as those at Saint Antony Falls, which are one of the most famous sights in the city.

Over the centuries since the city was first founded, it has owed its existence to the rivers that flow through it. Before the arrival of the railways and more recently, air travel the Mississippi was the main artery for transportation across the country, and Minneapolis became an important hub for the movement of grain, and turned into one of the wealthiest cities in the country.

This wealth was the basis for the early development of the city, and it grew into a large industrial place that attracted people from all over the country who arrived with the promise of work. Over time, the wealth of the city spread into the investment in the arts that was common at the turn of the century as industrialists reinvested their wealth in the education of their employees. Philanthropy defined the modern Minneapolis, and as the city grew outwards to merge with nearby St Paul’s, it became even more interesting.

The modern city offers plenty of things to see and do, and has a reputation for entertainment and excitement. Although the industrial base has now largely been replaced by other businesses, Minneapolis still has a rough and ready reputation that it is finding hard to shed. The city is a lot more refined than most people expect when they arrive, and thanks to the great shopping and cultural attractions that are on offer in the city, Minneapolis is a great short break destination, and is a place that many people discover on a business trip before returning time and time again in order to experience the many pleasures that it offers.