Minnesotans may be too nice to claim the Twin Cities as the "Minne-Apple," rivaling New York City, but there's a reason the name stuck. The Cities offer an extensive repertoire of cultural events, putting it on par with other major destinations around the U.S. In fact Minneapolis has more theater seats per capita than any other U.S. city, only beat by the true Big Apple.

The year 2005 ushered in a cultural rebirth for the Twin Cities, beginning with Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron's bold aluminum addition to the acclaimed modern art Walker Art Center. The following year the downtown Minneapolis Central Library opened in a light-filled space designed by Cesar Pelli, and the venerable Guthrie Theater relocated to a dramatic structure on the Mississippi River by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. Not to be left out of the action, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts recently expanded with a Michael Graves–designed new wing.

Whether you're looking for highbrow sophistication or a quiet picnic on the Chain of Lakes, the Twin Cities has something for everyone. The range of possible choices for what to see and do at any given moment is expansive and limited only by your time and interests.