Minneapolis among family-friendliest cities

A lot of Midwestern cities have family-friendly attractions like water parks and children’s museums, and Minneapolis is among them. Yet, the family fun here feels more organic.

Activities families might do in this upper Midwestern city — about a seven-hour drive from Chicago — include ice skating, shopping at a world market, fishing on a lake, or chowing down on cheese-infused “juicy lucy” burgers.

A highlight for my family during our recent visit was the Mill City Museum. Sort of a stylized Museum of Science & Industry, it taught us the history of Minneapolis with hands-on activities for the kids and an entertaining elevator ride through one of the old flour mills.

Another unique aspect to Minneapolis is the “green” lifestyle that is so common here. Locally grown and organic foods show up in many restaurants and markets, and it’s not unusual to see people biking (or, in the winter, cross country skiing) to work.

“If I look out the window of my office, I will always see people cross-country skiing in the park,” said Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, during an interview in January.

When talking about Minneapolis, Tennant used words like “active,” “organic” and “a four-season city.”

It’s true that even in the winter, when Minnesota becomes the nation’s icebox, Minneapolis doesn’t hibernate. People just bundle up and head out to do what they like to do. It explains why Minneapolis is regularly named one of the healthiest and most active cities in the country. It’s covered with accessible lakes and parks, providing families with endless options for outdoor fun.

“We’ve become a very, very well known and popular destination for families in all seasons,” Tennant said.