Most Americans don’t mention Minneapolis in conversations about amazing major cities, but anyone who has actually resided here knows that our home is seriously underrated. We’re the best in the Midwest… and possibly even within the whole country! Minneapolis is gorgeous and has tons of culture events, a rich performance arts scene, and excellent museums, but the city has far more to experience than most people realize! Here are 12 reasons why Minneapolis is the best city:
1. We love our local landmarks!
It's incredibly difficult to find a single Minneapolitan that hasn't snapped a few photos of the Grain Belt Beer sign, The Stone Arch Bridge, or the Gold Medal Flour sign. These iconic spots always make us smile!
2. Charles Schulz, creator of the beloved Peanuts' cartoons, was born in Minneapolis and raised in Saint Paul.
Snoopy and Charlie Brown wouldn't be in our hearts without Schulz' life in the Twin Cities.
3. Minneapolis is proud to remain a sanctuary city.
Despite recent political controversy, Minneapolis has reaffirmed our stron stance as a sanctuary city for all undocumented persons. Some may argue the efficacy of this sentiment, but Minneapolis is working hard to make the city a safe place for everyone.
4. Minneapolis' local music scene is unlike any other.
The Jayhawks (Gary Louris pictured above), The Replacements, Semisonic, and (of course) Prince all started out in Minneapolis. Our diverse music scene has remained strong with acts like Dessa, Allan Kingdom, Chastity Brown, Jeremy Messersmith, and Polica. You can catch any of these great artists at one of our many local music venues!
5. The Walker Art Center hosted the city's first ever Cat Video Festival.
CHS Field, the home to the Saint Paul Saints, now hosts the Cat Video Festival annually. Quirky? Yes. Amazing? Duh.
6. Minneapolis is the third most literate city in the entire country.
We like big books and we cannot lie! As Minneapolis continues to invest in the education of this citizens, we work hard to provide opportunities and improvement for all.
7. Minneapolis is home to nearly 200 parks!
Whether you love beautiful floral gardens (check out Longfellow Gardens in Minnehaha Park!) or are a total history buff (Mill Ruins Park is amazing!), there's something for everyone here.
8. Minneapolis residents are proud to serve their community.
It is estimated that 40% of adults in Minneapolis spend a significant amount of time volunteering, giving the Twin Cities the highest per capita volunteers throughout the entire country!
9. The ever elusive Scott Seekins is practically Minneapolis' Boo Radley.
He wears a white suit in the summer and a black suit in the winter. You might spot him on various bus lines heading from Northeast Minneapolis to Loring Park. He has no online presence other than what other people write about him. He's a marvelously mysterious Minneapolis icon. Have you seen him?
10. Minneapolis job security is one of the strongest in the country.
Target, Best Buy, 3M, General Mills, and many other major companies have their headquarters in Minneapolis and the surrounding area.
11. F. Scott Fitzgerald grew up in our twin city, Saint Paul.
It's rumored that Fitzgerald wrote a majority of 'This Side of Paradise' within the confines of this Saint Paul home before moving to New York and becoming an illustrious author. He may be one of the most infamously drunken authors of all time, but his books are absolute masterpieces.
It’s impossible to deny the fact that Minneapolis is a much greater city than it gets credit for. What do you love about Minneapolis and what makes it the best city in your heart and soul? Let us know in the comments!
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