The Mini Apple

View of the Minneapolis skyline over the Mississippi River, the second-longest river in the United States. The longest is the Missouri River, which flows into the Mississippi. Together, they form the largest river system in North America.

An evening view from Stone Arch Bridge of the new Jean Nouvel-designed Guthrie Theater. The Guthrie Theater opened on May 7, 1963 with a production of Hamlet directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie, the theater's founder.

Mall of America's is the nation's largest shopping and entertainment complex. There are more than 520 stores, a 7-acre amusement park, a walk-through aquarium, a 14-screen movie theater and numerous restaurants.

The Metrodome is home to the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, and is serviced by the city's light rail.

Mill Ruins Park the centerpiece of the revitalization of Minneapolis' historic West Side Milling District. The park gives visitors a glimpse into an era when Minneapolis was number one in flour milling; when waterpower ran industry and the labor of immigrants hand built the city.

This gold-leafed copper and steel statuary group, 'Progress of the State,' sits atop the Minnesota State Capital in St. Paul. Sculpted by Daniel Chester French and Edward Potter, the four horses represent the power of nature: earth, wind, fire and water.

The Mighty Midway at the Minnesota State Fair, one of the nation's largest and best-attended agricultural and educational events. The fair consists of 12 days of fun, Aug. 24 to Labor Day, Sept. 4.

A visit to the Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, will treat your eyes to artists including Georgia O'Keefe, Alfred Maurer, Marsden Hartley and many diverse contemporary art pieces.

A view of the Mississippi River. The city is in the southeast portion of the state and sits along the Mississippi River. There are also 24 small lakes in the city.

The Walker Art Center expansion, designed by Herzog & De Meuron, nearly doubles the size of this highly acclaimed museum. Features include new galleries, gardens, performance space, educational facilities, rooftop terraces and a restaurant (20.21) by Wolfgang Puck.

The Minneapolis skyline at sunset with the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in the foreground.