The Minneapolis/St. Paul area, more commonly known as the Twin Cities, offers exciting attractions, events, restaurants, shopping, cultural, sports, and entertainment opportunities that are unsurpassed in the Midwest. This major metropolitan area encompasses the seven county region around Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University of Minnesota main campuses are located in the Twin Cities as are several private colleges. The University of Minnesota Academic Health Center trains physicians in a variety of specialties and has a medical school, pharmacy program and nursing school.

The theater and dynamic art community in the Twin Cities have set a national standard for excellence. Nightlife includes everything from comedy to jazz clubs to world-class restaurants and professional sports with the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves. Shopping in the Twin Cities is a unique urban adventure. For exciting recreation, the area offers the Mississippi River, beautiful lakes, and numerous parks. The Minneapolis/St. Paul communities boast their rich heritage through annual events and community celebrations such as the Minnesota State Fair, the best state fair in the nation.

The Twin Cities straddle the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and as such the people in this area hold the outdoors in high regard. The green movement is strong in this area, and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board is rated the #1 Urban Park System in the United States. Plenty of boating, fishing, and winter fun activities are available throughout the Twin Cities area.