About
Minneapolis is a city that offers something for everyone. It is a place where critically-acclaimed shows, restaurants and museums mesh with the natural beauty of lakes, trails and parks.
Locals work and play in downtown Minneapolis. They live there, too – 35,000 people call downtown home. That’s because this glittering metropolis is easy to get to, easy to get around and easily one of the most vibrant, engaging cities in America. Hot restaurants, cool shops, festive events and diverse entertainment ranging from professional sports to Broadway shows keep downtown constantly buzzing. Safe, friendly and compact, downtown is a destination and a community in one, which is what your attendees will love about Minneapolis, too.
In fact, Minneapolis is ranked nationally time and time again for cleanliness, safety, health and all sorts of other bests, tops, mosts and more – check out our ever-growing list of accolades to see how we stack up.
Minneapolis/ St. Paul Airport
The Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), voted "Best Airport in America" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, is the country’s 14th busiest travel hub with 34 million passengers passing through each year. Compared to other metro areas, only one other U.S. city serves more nonstop markets per capita. The recent arrival of Southwest Airlines offers greater affordability, and MSP’s central location offers a speedy trip (15 – 30 minutes) to the city.
MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings - the Terminal 1 (Lindbergh, servicing: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and US Airlines) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey, servicing: Air Tran Airlines, Icelandair, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines), each with adjoining parking ramp facilities. Travelers who need to transfer from one terminal to the other use the light rail transit service. Trains operate 24 hours a day between terminals. No fare is required between airport stations. There is no pedestrian access between the buildings.
Weather
Fall weather in Minneapolis
As the air turns crisp and leaves turn to deep golds, oranges and reds, fall is easily one of the most beautiful times in Minneapolis. Visitors can enjoy striking autumn colors and lively outdoor activities in mild temperatures by packing a sweater or a light jacket. Autumn foliage peaks late-September on the North Shore and slowly spreads throughout the state and into the cities by mid-October, making the transition from summer to winter a long and leisurely one.
Average high temperature in January: 22° F
Average high temperature in July: 83° F
Overall: 45° F
Annual precipitation: 27.3 inches
Annual snowfall: 49.5 inches
Getting Around
Minneapolis is compact and easy to get around, no matter what mode of transportation you choose.
Hop on the bus
Metro Transit operates one of the largest public transportation systems in the country. Riding public transportation is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. Fares range from $1.75 to $3.00, depending on time of day. If you're already downtown and need to hop a ride a few blocks, the fare is $.50 in the Downtown Zone. Look for buses marked “Free Ride” and pay no fare when boarding along Nicollet Mall or the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Hail a cab
Cab services are available anywhere in the metro area. Catch a taxi at the Minneapolis Convention Center and any hotel, or call ahead for service.
Catch the train
Zoom around town on the Hiawatha Line! Light-rail transit (LRT) connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America and 18 other stations.
Walk
Experience the history, culture and energy of Minneapolis by traveling on foot. Built around several lakes and the Mississippi River, Minneapolis's urban cityscape surrounds a lush green park system providing the ideal landscape for walking. Skyway Walking Map >>>
Maps
Take a look at our comprehensive set of maps to help find your way around Minneapolis. Maps include the metro area, skyways, parking, individual neighborhoods, trails and more. Click here to find the right map for your visit.
Time Zone
Minneapolis is in the CST - Central Time Zone, which is six (6) hour behind of Greenwich Mean Time, five (5) hours during daylight savings.
Traveling to the U.S.
Most international travelers are required to obtain a visa from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov/.
Attractions
The history, art, culture and beauty of Minneapolis are marvels that must be experienced rather than witnessed. Nature meets skyscrapers, blending together to create unique sights and attractions that can only be experienced in Minneapolis. Tour the city with a knowledgeable guide, or venture into an adventure of your own; either way, the life of this city will unfold before your eyes.
In Minneapolis, spectators become participants, so get ready to immerse yourself in our culture.
For more information, visit Minneapolis.org.
Electricity
The United States operates on 120 volts, compared to the standard 220 volts in Europe.
Tipping
In Minneapolis, it is customary to tip between 15-20 percent depending on the quality of the service.
Information Courtesy of Minneapolis City By Nature