The sight of half ton trucks and bands of ice fisherman parked in the middle of Lake Harriet at 6am on a winter’s morning can seem bizarre at first, but it’s quintessential Minneapolis in its demonstration of simpler pleasures; most of the fish that get caught are thrown straight back in.
One end of the sprawling Twin Cities metropolis, you can easily imagine Minneapolis as the setting for Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Quieter St Paul’s has a slightly older feel, having retained more of its heritage, but the charitable attitude and friendly appreciation for the good things in life are just as ever-present.
Renowned for their charitable nature, the three million inhabitants make this far from a small town backwater. There’s a high concentration of universities and colleges and an equally high per capita attendance of theatre, comedy and musical events, in what has long been recognised as the cultural capital of the Midwest.
Where to stay
The simply named Hotel Minneapolis is a trendy establishment with plenty of character and a boutique vibe. Le Meridien Chambers combines a modern, contemporary design with personalised service and an intimate feel.
Where to eat
Hell’s Kitchen has an atmospheric theme matched by a great American seafood menu in a prime downtown location. Lucia’s is more reserved but equally good for food and has a fantastic wine menu that should satisfy even the connoisseurs.
What to see
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an artistically crafted mini paradise typical of the city as a whole. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has more than 80,000 works of sculpture, paintings and photography spanning over four millennia. If you’re there during the winter, head out onto the ice and get a demonstration in ice fishery on the beautifully pristine Lake Harriet.
