Minneapolis began at the Falls of St. Anthony, the sole waterfall on the
Mississippi River. The cataract, the great hydrological engine,
propelled the city's economic growth and physical expansion, and two
distinct municipal identities emerged. A city of seasons, Minneapolis
celebrates winter flurries and chills with ice skating and hot chocolate
at the annual Holidazzle Festival. In the sultry midsummer heat, the
Aquatennial brings swimmers and boating enthusiasts to the Chain of
Lakes and the river. Landmarks, too, define the topography-Spoonbridge
and Cherry, the Stone Arch and Hennepin Avenue Bridges, the Foshay Tower
and the IDS Center. Join local authors Sherman Wick and Holly Day on a
trip beyond the typical guidebook as they explore the architecture,
parks and historical figures of the Mill City.