Feel the Pulse of the Twin Cities
Minneapolis and St. Paul are vibrant hubs of creativity—in fact, we are the nation's sixth most creative metropolitan area. Whether you crave visual arts or theater, music or sports, the Twin Cities have it all. And MCAD is in the heart of them.
Thrive in a Land of Prosperity
The metro area is a thriving business community—only NYC, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and San Francisco are home to more Fortune 500 headquarters. With leading medical, retail, technology, food, and advertising companies, the Twin Cities attract top talent from around the world. The Atlantic has praised Minneapolis as a "national model of affordability, opportunity, and wealth," thanks to an outstanding college graduation rate, high median earnings, and number one employment rate for young adults in the country.
Get Fit without Trying
An unmatched park system connects the Twin Cities' lakes, creeks, and rivers with miles of biking and running paths. Bicycling magazine has named us the nation's best biking city, our mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles has garnered us the third spot in Outside magazine's Best Places to Live in America, and we are behind only Washington, DC, in the American Fitness Index's list of fittest cities in the country.
Live in an Urban Neighborhood
Whittier, MCAD's neighborhood and home to the amazing Minneapolis Institute of Art and famed Eat Street on Nicollet Avenue, is a rich, multi-cultural community.
The Twin Cities/Minnesota are also included on the following lists:
- Happiest State: #1
- Fittest Cities in the U.S.: #1
- Most Romantic City: #1
- Nation's Best Park System: #1
- Most Bikeable: #1
- Best State: #2
- Most Opportunities for College Students and Grads: #3
- Best Cities for Entrepreneurs and Startups: #3
- U.S. Cities Where College Grads Thrive: #3
- Greatest Places to Live in America: #3
- Most Literate Cities: #3
- America’s Most Grad-Friendly Markets: #4
- Most Vibrant Arts Communities in U.S.: #4
- Top Place to Visit in the World: #4
- Most Vegan-Friendly: #4
- Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2018: #9
- Best Place for a Staycation: #12
What Is There to Do?
Whether you're a new transplant from another city, state, or country, or whether you've called the Twin Cities home your entire life, we guarantee there are always new surprises here for you to discover.
Below is a list of some of the best and most unique places to eat, shop, and have fun near MCAD. This list is by no means comprehensive, but hopefully it serves as a jumping point as you explore all that Whittier and the Twin Cities have to offer!
EAT on the famed Eat Street of Minneapolis.
- Black Sheep Pizza
- Glam Doll Donuts
- Gyst Fermentation Bar
- Icehouse
- Jasmine Deli
- Lu's Sandwich
- Pancho Villa
- Pho 79
- Wedge Table
WHAT ABOUT COFFEE? Yep, we've got that too.
SEE impressive things at museums, theaters, and sporting events.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Walker Art Center
- Guthrie Theater
- State, Orpheum, Pantages Theaters
- Ordway Theater
- Roller Girls Roller Derby
- Timberwolves Basketball
- Wild Hockey
HEAR everything from local acts to top artists.
DO something new every season.
- Art-A-Whirl
- Art Shanties
- Basilica Block Party
- May Day Parade
- Music and Movies in Parks
- Renaissance Festival
- State Fair
- Twin Cities Pride Festival
- Valleyfair
BUY clothing, music, and essentials.
