According to Midwest Living, more than 18 million visitors travel to the Twin Cities every year, with the holidays being an especially busy season. To help tourists experience their journey to the fullest, the editors of Midwest Living compiled a list of 16 high-ranking highlights of Minnesota's biggest cities--Minneapolis and St. Paul.

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The Best Attractions In The Twin Cities According to Midwest Living

1. Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Home of the iconic cherry and spoon. As high schoolers, my friends and I often went to the Walker Art Center. We especially loved the outdoor sculpture garden.

Lydia Venjohn, Unsplash
Lydia Venjohn, Unsplash
Lydia Venjohn, Unsplash

2. Guthrie Theatre

The Guthrie sits right behind Mill Ruins Park, which means the theatre has stunning views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls, as you can see below.

Mike Haupt, Unsplash
Mike Haupt, Unsplash
Mike Haupt, Unsplash

3. Minnehaha Falls Park 

This park sits on 193 acres of land and is one of the most recognizable naturistic staples in the Cities.

Jenna Stensland, Unsplash
Jenna Stensland, Unsplash
Jenna Stensland, Unsplash

4. Mill City Museum 

This popular museum is home to the largest mill in the world, the Washburn A. Mill. In its prime, the mill grounded enough flour in a day to make 12 million loaves of bread.

Joshua Hage, Unsplash
Joshua Hage, Unsplash
Joshua Hage, Unsplash

5. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

If you're looking for a fun, affordable adventure, this is a great pick. This zoo is typically free. Only a donation of $2-3 is requested.

Skylar Jay, Unsplash
Skylar Jay, Unsplash
Skylar Jay, Unsplash

6. Grand Avenue

This street is always buzzing. The avenue covers 30 blocks with jaw-dropping homes and delicious locally-owned restaurants and cafes.

Tomas Jasovsky, Unsplash
Tomas Jasovsky, Unsplash
Tomas Jasovsky, Unsplash

7. State Capitol

It goes without saying. This is a very important building in Minnesota.

Pro-Trump Protesters Gather At State Capitols Across The Nation Ahead Of Presidential Inauguration
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Pro-Trump Protesters Gather At State Capitols Across The Nation Ahead Of Presidential Inauguration

8. Sports Venues

The Twin Cities is home to all three of Minnesota's large sport venues.

  • Target Field--Baseball.
  • U.S. Bank Stadium--Football.
  • Xcel Energy Center--Hockey.
Klemens, Unsplash
Klemens, Unsplash
Klemens, Unsplash

9. Minneapolis Institute of Art

Admission is free, what could be better than that?

Unsplash
Unsplash
Unsplash

10. Mall of America

This list wouldn't be complete without the largest indoor shopping center. The MOA alone gets 40 million visitors each year.

Mall of America
Mall of America Facebook Page
Mall of America

11. Science Museum of Minnesota 

This place is a child's dreamland. I thoroughly love every visit here.

Credit: Science Museum of Minnesota Facebook Page
Credit: Science Museum of Minnesota Facebook Page
Credit: Science Museum of Minnesota Facebook Page

12. Nicollet Mall

An "11-block pedestrian thoroughfare in downtown Minneapolis" is home to everything you could possibly desire.

Super Bowl LII - Previews
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Super Bowl LII - Previews

13. Grand Rounds National Byway

Minneapolis has more parkland acres per capita than any other major city, according to Midwest Living. This 50-mile loop is just one example.

Stephen Embry, Unsplash
Stephen Embry, Unsplash
Stephen Embry, Unsplash

14. Minnesota History Center

I have not been to this attraction, but I hear it is extremely kid-friendly.

Unsplash
Unsplash
Unsplash

15. Minnesota Children's Museum

Kids of all ages will LOVE this Minnesota landmark. Adults probably will too.

JLA, Unsplash
JLA, Unsplash
JLA, Unsplash

16. Ordway Center for Preforming Arts

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera perform here regularly.

CMA Songwriters Series - St. Paul, MN
Getty Images
CMA Songwriters Series - St. Paul, MN

If you have family visiting over Easter, take them to one of these Minnesota staples!

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I can proudly say I have been to over half of the following points of interest. Let us know in the comments below how many you've visited.

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