Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area – Understanding the Lay of the Land
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area and surrounding suburbs are collectively known as “the Cities.” Regionally this includes both the Metro and the larger east central MN area, as it encompasses the eastern part of central Minnesota. Minneapolis, St. Paul, metro suburbs and even nearby rural communities are part of this region. It is easy to refer to the area as the Cities, but understanding what quadrant of the Cities various cities or places are located can be helpful. The general quadrant of the Minneapolis/St. Paul suburbs is provided below, although it is hard to draw lines between regions and some communities could easily fit in more than one category.
- South Metro: On the south side is Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Eagen, Apple Valley and Burnsville. This region is home to places like the Mall of America, Ikea the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and the Minnesota zoo.
- West Metro: On the west side is Maple Grove, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Plymouth, Wayzata, and Excelsior. Lake Minnetonka and Ridgedale Shopping Center are some of the destinations.
- East Metro: North St. Paul, Stillwater, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove. The St. Croix River is a scenic river that has big historic paddlewheel boats that depart from Stillwater. Stillwater is also known for its antique shopping.
- North Metro: Blaine, Anoka, White Bear Lake, Coon Rapids, Maplewood, Roseville, Columbia Heights. Blaine is home of the National Sports Center. Rosedale and Maplewood Mall are popular shopping destinations. Como Zoo is technically in St. Paul, but in the northern part of St. Paul.
- St. Paul: The State Capital, Como Zoo and Conservatory, Children’s Museum, Excel Energy Center Arena – home to the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota History Museum, and Ordway Theater are a few places you might want to visit.
- Minneapolis: For sports there is US Bank Stadium – home of the Minnesota Vikings, Target Center – home of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Target Field – home of the Minnesota Twins. The IDS Tower and associated Crystal Court is the tallest building in Minnesota with shopping on the bottom two floors, serving as access to the Minneapolis skyway system. Nicollett Mall is an outdoor pedestrian mall. First Avenue is a live music venue. Peavey Plaza is located next to Orchestra Hall. The Minneapolis Theater District is also popular.
Where do you want to go?
As you can see, there are lots of things to see and do in the Cities. This is just a starting list to help navigate the region and sub-regions.
