MIDWEST - ALLA SCOPERTA DEL MINNESOTA

Minneapolis stretches along the banks of the Mississippi River in the heart of Minnesota, forming with neighbouring Saint Paul the metropolitan area known as the Twin Cities. Nicknamed the "City of Lakes" for the many bodies of water dotting its urban fabric, it is a dynamic, green city where Nordic culture blends with a lively creative spirit. Its industrial past comes alive at the Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of an old flour mill, and along the Stone Arch Bridge, a historic pedestrian crossing over the Mississippi offering spectacular views of Saint Anthony Falls. The city's artistic soul beats at the Walker Art Center and its sculpture garden, where the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry stands as a recognisable symbol of Minneapolis. The city was the birthplace of Prince, the pop music legend, and preserves one of the Midwest's most vibrant music and theatre scenes. In summer the Bde Maka Ska and Harriet lakes fill with cyclists, canoeists and swimmers, while numerous parks invite long walks. Between craft breweries, markets and a growing food scene, Minneapolis surprises with its quality of life and its balance of nature, culture and modernity.

The birthplace of Bob Dylan, Duluth climbs the shores of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake, the main port of northern Minnesota. The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, the scenic lakefront and the Canal Park district enliven the city, surrounded by cliffs and boreal forests. Giant freighters and historic lighthouses dot the coast. Duluth is the ideal destination for those seeking great lakes, Nordic nature and the authentic port atmosphere of northern Minnesota.

The North Shore Scenic Drive, a scenic road along the western shore of Lake Superior, offers several interesting stops: first, the delightful Twin Harbours, a small fishing village with its own lighthouse; then Gooseberry Falls State Park, where short walks take you to several series of waterfalls; the famous Split Rock Lighthouse, which stands proudly atop a promontory overlooking the lake; Tettegouche State Park, characterised by small bays, beaches and shaded waterfalls; Grand Marais, a delightful place to spend the night on the shores of the lake.

Ely nestles among the forests and lakes of northern Minnesota, at the gateway to the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a vast maze of wild waters on the Canadian border. A small town surrounded by pristine nature, it is the access point for canoe expeditions, wolf watching and exploring the boreal wilderness. The forests and crystalline lakes define every horizon. Ely is the threshold of the wild waters of Minnesota.

Ranier rises in the far north of Minnesota, on the shores of Rainy Lake, right on the Canadian border, at the gateway to Voyageurs National Park. A tiny community facing the waters, it is a base for exploring a park made almost entirely of lakes, islands and forests, a realm of canoeists and wild-nature lovers. The boundless waters and boreal skies dominate the landscape. Ranier is a secluded outpost on the northern lakes of Minnesota.

Bemidji rises on the shores of its namesake lake in northern Minnesota, near the headwaters of the Mississippi River. A town loved for its crystal-clear lakes and boundless forests, it is famous for the statue of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan. Summer draws anglers and canoeists, winter snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. An authentic gateway to the wild nature of the North, among water, timber and tradition.