Minneapolis, along with its sister city St. Paul, make up the largest metro area in Minnesota. Minneapolis and St. Paul might be called twins, but they are certainly not identical. Minneapolis claims the greater number of attractions and businesses, while St. Paul functions as the state capital. Founded 20 years and 10 miles apart, the cities have been friendly rivals, but over the years they have shared equally in the riches the region has to offer.

Alexander Ramsey House 265 S. Exchange Street Paul, MN 55102 651-296-8760 Take a tour of this exquisite Victorian home, the former residence of the first governor of the territory, Paul Ramsey.

Bell Museum of Natural History University Ave. SE and 17th Ave. SE 10 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-624-7083 The most popular spot in the museum is the Touch and See Room. Here you can try on deer antlers and sheep horns. Anything you want to know? Just ask one of their knowledgeable staff. The mission of the museum is to educate about natural history using their collections and research.

Folsom House 272 West Government Street Taylors Falls, MN 55084 651-465-5535 A former home of a state representative and senator, this charming house is a wonderful example of New England architecture.

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum 333 East River Road Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-625-9494 In 1934, Lotus Coffman, the former president of University of Minnesota envisioned: "This is a dream of long-standing on my part... I would have every student at the University of Minnesota and every individual in this community, exposed as frequently as possible to the things that make life worth living, to the cultural inheritance of the human race." Completed in 1993, Mr. Coffman's dream had come true. The Weisman Art Museum is now home to the largest collection of American painters Marsden Hartley and Alfred Maurer. Also on display are works by Georgia O'Keefe and Max Weber among others.

Historic Fort Snelling Fort Snelling History Center St. Paul, MN 55111 612-726-1171 Back in the 1800's, Fort Snelling was the last of the United States outposts. Now you can experience life the way it was in 1827: talk with some soldiers or even help mend clothes.

James J. Hill House 240 Summit Ave. St. Paul, MN 55102 651-297-2555 Amazing! This house measures 36,000 square feet over 5 floors. Mr. James J. Hill was the man who developed the railroad system that connected the Canada to the Rocky Mountains and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. The secret of his success? "Work, hard work, intelligent work, and then more work".

Mall Of America 60 East Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425-5550 800-879-3555 or 612- 883-8843 This shoppers' destination has been open for a few years and is a great place for the whole family. With so much to do and see, everyone will be pleased with this choice. However, there's lots more to do than just go shopping including nightclubs, restaurants, movies and more. The best way to find out is to go see for yourself!

NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway 352 South Avenue Bloomington, MI 55425 612-854-7700 Ever wanted in the same "NAS-CARs" as the real ones? With the most sophisticated technology, that's just what is happening here. Now you can be the driver and race against others, just as real races are done, except there is no danger of accidents. You will feel the car jolting and the motion of spinning around but you can't get hurt. What could better?

Golf Mountain This 18-hole course overlooks the Camp Snoopy (the amusement park) and is intertwined with seven waterfalls and two running streams.

Camp Snoopy This amusement park is in the Mall of America and is open year round. There are 8 places to eat, more than two dozen rides, a rock-climbing wall and, of course, the weather is constant year round. Hop on the ferris wheel, or take a carousel ride, but don't miss this one.

Under Water World This one-of-a-kind aquarium is like no other with four primary water exhibits in the Mall. In this aquarium, the fishes and water surround you. Look up and see water just like scuba diving. The aquarium is home to over 350 different species including Lake Sturgeons, Alligators and even Sharks.

LEGO Imagination Center It's free! All the kids have to do is have fun. Build a tower, build an airplane, or let their imaginations run wild -- the sky's the limit. Look around and get some great ideas on what to build from the many giant Lego sculptures already constructed.

Great Cars and Great Trucks Design your own Chrysler car, take a virtual test drive, check out the concept cars of the future and stop by the souvenir shop for unique memories of your visit.

Minneapolis Planetarium 300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-630-6150 See the stars as clear as can be! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the tour of the heavens.

Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. St. Paul, MN 55102 651-296-6126 A wonderful place for the whole family, the History Center lets you and your family learn everything "From A to Z" about Minnesota. There's also a tour through the museum and hands-on exhibits for all to enjoy.

Minnesota State Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-2881 Take tours of the Capitol Building, its art and architecture, learn about Minnesota's women in government and the Civil War. After you're finished touring, watch how a bill becomes a law.

Minnesota Institute of Arts 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 888-MIA-ARTS The doors opened in the autumn of 1914 bringing culture to the newly founded Minneapolis. Almost 75 years later, a re-grand opening of the museum displayed 74 galleries containing 4,000 objects. Today, visitors find everything from Africa and the Pacific Islands, to Asia and the Americas. There is even a family center that includes children sized bathrooms, playing area and an eating area.

Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd. Apple Valley, MN 55124 612-432-9000 Get your safari hat out and take a tour of the 2,300 animals from around the world. Explore the ocean for sharks, escape to the rain forest for a glimpse of the leopards, hike on the trail to observe the wolves. Afterwards, visit the IMAX theatre to let your imagination run wild in its comfortable seats. More Info

Oliver H. Kelley Farm 15788 Kelley Farm Rd. Elk River, MN 55330 612-441-6896 Learn how to farm! Experience working in the fields, plowing and planting seeds, as it was in the 1860s. Discover how technology changed the agricultural industry.

Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, Minnesota 55102 651-221-9444 The grand re-opening in 1999 invited visitors to a newly improved building that overlooks the Mississippi River. At the Human Body Gallery, you'll see what makes up a human being. Other exhibits include dinosaurs and fossils, a laser show and even an Omnitheatre. With so much to do and see, the whole family is sure to be pleased.

St. Anthony Falls 25 Main St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-627-5433 Take a 2-mile self-guided tour of the riverfront. You'll see the only major waterfall on the Mississippi and discover the area's heritage of geography and industry.

Sibley Historic Site 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy. Mendota, MN 55150 651-452-1596 Explore the home of the first governor of the state of Minnesota. Built in the 1830's, the site shows how Mr. Sibley, along with his neighbor Jean Baptiste, helped define what Minnesota and St. Paul have become today.