Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul
Escape the heat at a lakeside beach
Minneapolis-St Paul may be a long way from the sea, but that mean you can't escape the city heat by hitting the beach. Head to Lake Calhoun (www.minneapolisparks.org), part of the Chain of Lakes, for three great beaches: 32nd, North and Thomas. Both 32nd and Thomas have lifeguards during the summer.
Grab your poles for a spot of cross-country skiing
During the winter, instead of residents waiting for Minneapolis-St Paul to thaw out, they embrace the cold. Cross-country skiing is a popular pursuit, join the hoards as they power through the powder at Wirth Winter Recreation Area (tel: +1 612 230 6528; www.minneapolisparks.org). It has 25km (15 miles) of dedicated trails and offers equipment hire and ski passes too.
Keep your balance on a paddleboard
It may take a few attempts to keep your balance but once you're standing it's easy to fall for paddleboarding. Stand up MN (tel: +1 612 399 6081; www.standupmn.org) are the local purveyors of the sport and offer three paddleboard adventures on the Mississippi River. Plump for the tranquil sunset tour during the summer months.
Lace up your boots and walk to a waterfall
Minneapolis and St Paul have an abundance of lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests and grassy prairies right on their doorstep. The best way to explore the landscape is on foot. Seek out the waterfalls: lying between the twin cities are Minnehaha Falls, which make for a delightful walk down to the Mississippi.
Test your angling abilities with some ice fishing
Surrounded by lakes, Minneapolis-St Paul has plenty of great fishing spots (www.minneapolisparks.org) but it is during the winter months, when the waterways have frozen over, that locals like to challenge themselves. For ice fishing you will need warm clothes, an ice auger and scoop, and you should obey all 'thin ice' signs.
