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I Heart The Twin Cities is a collection of personal stories celebrating why people love Minnesota. From meaningful moments to life-shaping experiences, we share how this place has impacted us. Minnesota isn’t just where we live—it’s part of who we are.
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The Twin Cities are definitely considered home to me! The amount of memories that have been made is mind boggling! The way you can drive 15-20 minutes out and see pure beauty in the sky is one of my favorite things. When ever there is a chance of northern lights we hop in the car and go right away. The amount of crazy adventures I've been on just to see the sky is actually pretty funny, but it's definitely worth it! The first thing I would show to a new Minnesotan would be the rare sighting of Northern lights.
I love the vast scenery that Minnesota has to offer from the hills and cliffs on Duluth's north shore, the city skyline of Minneapolis, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the Flatland throughout the center and all the lakes for fun. Being where the mighty Mississippi River starts, how it curves around the state, and the endless parks and nature to be explored even in the cities. You can strike up a conversation anywhere you go!
One of my favorite things about the Twin Cities is the accessibility to nature. No matter where I go it seems I’m not ten minutes from a park or nature reserve. The first place I bring someone new to the twin cities is Minnehaha Falls. Such a great place to explore and even splash around a bit. It’s so cool that we have preserved a waterfall in the middle of the cities. This is just one reason #iheartthetwincities
Minnesota is a beautiful state filled with kind, welcoming people who quickly made our family feel at home. Our kids love running from park to park on neighborhood walks, especially during the pleasant summer months spent exploring nature trails. In the fall, visiting apple orchards has become one of our family’s favorite traditions and memories.
I love that you can drive just a couple of miles to a local hockey spot and play alongside neighborhood families. There’s something special about knowing that local towns, communities, and cities keep the ice fresh all season long. You can head to a nearby rink and meet some of the best people who call the Minneapolis–St. Paul area home. I want to give a huge thank-you to all the volunteers who give their time to keep the rinks smooth and the lights on all winter. My family has spent countless hours playing our best Mighty Ducks–style hockey—the kind that can only be played in Minnesota.
I went Caroling in high school with my choir to the Eidem Historical Farm. It had hot chocolate, a hay ride, and cookie decorating. After we sang, slurped and rode, my boyfriend and I frosted our cookies and devoured them. It was a blast!
The birth of our second son began a journey we never expected. He was born deaf—a complete surprise, with no family history and no pregnancy complications. The Twin Cities is an incredibly accommodating place to be when you don’t know the first thing about what to do next. Before panic set in, we received information from MN Hands & Voices, which helped us understand the services available locally for families with deaf children. We learned about the Deaf community, options for learning sign language, and hearing devices. Ultimately, we decided our son would receive cochlear implants to give him access to sound, alongside using some sign language. Did you know the Twin Cities (Minneapolis–St. Paul) is a major hub for cochlear implant research and surgery? We truly couldn’t be in a better place to receive the best care—and support—for our son.
I love the Twin Cities. After being moved around a lot as a kid, I made Minnesota home just shy of my 19th birthday. I came looking for a fresh start and a community of people pursuing something bigger than themselves—and I found it. While attending the University of Minnesota, I formed even more lasting friendships, and before long, Minnesota became the home I never had.
Not long after, I met who I lovingly call “my Viking,” and we were married in 2023. This past year, we welcomed our daughter, which has only deepened our love for Minnesota and confirmed that this is where we belong. Raising our family alongside a community of friends and loved ones has been a gift. I’m deeply grateful for a place I can call home without a shadow of doubt.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes—Minnesota Nice at its finest. We actually have over 15,000, but no need to brag.
HOPE FOR MINNESOTA
Hand crafted art (by Minnesotans!) to bring hope to the land of 10,000 lakes.
