Do you know why the MMM 2022 Conference logo has a cherry on a spoon on it?

The “Spoonbridge and Cherry,” sculpture is the centerpiece of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, one of the largest urban sculpture garden in the US. The cherry itself weighs 1200 pounds and it was recently given its once-a-decade refurbishment and repainting. You can visit the Sculpture Garden (for free and open daily!) to catch a glimpse of the sculpture that inspired this year’s Conference logo. And if you’d like to see even more amazing contemporary artwork, visit the Walker Art Center, open Wednesday through Sunday.

• Take a self-guided tour of the Sculpture Garden: https://walkerart.org/visit/garden/
• Visit the Walker Art Center: https://walkerart.org/

Did you know that Minneapolis has the largest, contiguous system of enclosed second level bridges in the world?

The Minneapolis Skyway System is the largest, contiguous system of enclosed, second level bridges in the world, composed of 9.5 miles of pedestrian pathways connecting 80 city blocks. This makes it much easier for locals to get around the downtown area during the cold winter months without having to walk outside! You will be able to see many of these skyways crossing over Nicollet, Minneapolis’s main street, a one-mile-long pedestrian-friendly center of bars, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, where traffic is restricted to buses and taxis. Nicollet is just steps from the Hyatt Regency Hotel and a great place to spend some of your free time in the city.

• Guide to the Minneapolis Skyway System: https://www.minneapolis.org/map-transportation/minneapolis-skyway-guide/
• More Information on Nicollet: https://www.minneapolis.org/neighborhoods/downtown/nicollet/

Do you know why Minneapolis was called “Mill City”?

Visit the Mill City Museum to find out why!  The Mill City Museum is built within the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, right on the banks of the Mississippi river. The flour milling industry in Minneapolis was huge in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and Minneapolis became known as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World”. The museum offers the chance to take a look at the milling industry and the impact it had on the city. Visitors can see baking demonstrations, sample fresh bread, observe a model mill explosion, get an amazing view of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, experience the Flour Tower, and watch a film about the city’s history called “Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat!”.)

https://www.mnhs.org/millcity

Did you know there is no sales tax on clothing and shoes in the State of Minnesota?

No wonder why the Mall of America, located 15 miles from downtown Minneapolis, is so popular! Recognized as the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States (it is bigger than 78 football fields!) and one of the most visited tourist attractions on the globe, the Mall of America has about 40 million visitors a year. With more than 520 stores, 60 restaurants, Nickelodeon Universe (a 7-acre indoor amusement park), SEA LIFE Aquarium, a comedy club, world-class gaming and entertainment centers, the LEGO Store, mini-golf and tons of other family attractions and nightlife options, you may want to pencil this in to your visit!

Mall of America Visitors Guide:  https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/shopping/mall-of-america/

Did you know the Stone Arch Bridge is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire length of the Mississippi River? 

One of the most iconic landmarks in Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge was built in the 1880s by famous railroad tycoon James J. Hill. It carried railroad passengers from the east side of the Mississippi river to downtown Minneapolis. The last passenger service passed over in 1978 and in the 1990s it was turned into a pedestrian and cycle bridge, offering some of the best views of Saint Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline. Definitely worth a visit!

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/historical_sites/stone_arch_bridge/