Two Minnesota Cities Now Ranked Top Recreation Spots Nationwide

Exciting news for the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

WalletHub conducted a thorough analysis of the 100 largest U.S. cities to determine the best places for recreation in the country, and two Minnesota cities have earned high marks in the national study.

Now, what makes these rankings so special? WalletHub didn’t just pull these numbers out of a hat. They delved deep, using 47 key metrics encompassing everything you’d want in a top-tier recreational spot.

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They looked at the availability and cost of recreational activities, the quality of parks, and even the weather—because "the best cities for recreation have a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities," WalletHub says. That's why places like movie theaters, music venues, and coffee shops are also important to the recreational ranking of a city.

So, which two cities in Minnesota made the cut?

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Twin Cities Make List of Best Places For Recreation in the U.S.

That's right, our beloved Minneapolis landed at #32 on the list of best cities for recreation, while neighboring St. Paul shined even brighter at #26.

Minneapolis is known for its vibrant park system, including gems like Minnehaha Falls and the Chain of Lakes. The city’s commitment to maintaining these green spaces is a big part of why it scored so well. Plus, with abundant trails and activities that won't break the bank, it's clear why Minneapolis made the list.

St. Paul, on the other hand, blends historic charm with modern recreational offerings. The city’s park system includes the beloved Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. With plenty of affordable options for fun, from ice skating rinks in winter to splash pads in summer, St. Paul provides year-round enjoyment.

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Here's to you, Minneapolis and St. Paul! 🍻 Way to make us proud! 😁

The top 10 cities on the list for best recreation in the country are:

1. Las Vegas, NV

2. Orlando, FL

3. Tampa, FL

4. Cincinnati, OH

5. Honolulu, HI

6. Scottsdale, AZ

7. San Diego, CA

8. St. Louis, MO

9. Atlanta, GA

10. New Orleans, LA

See the full list here.