Every tourist destination has its attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular location to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” However, you may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10″ and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, “Walking Tours” of many of these destinations may be available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

The dynamic city of Minneapolis, along with its neighbor, St Paul, comprise the “Twin Cities” of Minnesota. Of the two, Minneapolis is larger and more modern, with a skyline worthy of a significant metropolitan area. The city made use of its position on the Mississippi River to become a major center for food distribution — Minneapolis is often referred to a “Mill City” because of the preponderance of flour and food mills. Include Minneapolis in your midwestern sojourn for at least the following reasons:

1. Minneapolis’ mills form the basis for the one of the most popular museums in the city, the Mill City Museum.

Mill City Museum

2. A suburb of Minneapolis provides the most popular tourist attraction in the region. The Mall of America, which actually can be found in Bloomington, is the largest mall in the US and attracts visitors from all over the world. The mall includes an entire theme park, the Nickelodeon Universe.

Nickelodeon Universe

3. The Mississippi Locks provide another opportunity for tourists to sample the region’s attractions.

St Anthony Falls & Locks

4. The city of Minneapolis is decorated with numerous pieces of Public Art.

Spoonbridge & Cherry