Which river acts as the boundary between St. Paul and Minneapolis?

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The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are two of the largest cities in the state of Minnesota. These two cities are located close to each other and are separated by a river that acts as the boundary between them. In this article, we will take a closer look at which river acts as the boundary between St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The Twin Cities

The Twin Cities is a term used to refer to Minneapolis and St. Paul. With a population of over 700,000 people, Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, while St. Paul is the second largest with a population of over 300,000 people. These two cities are located along the banks of the Mississippi River, which runs from north to south through the state of Minnesota.

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is a major river that runs through the United States, starting at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. It is the fourth longest river in the world and one of the most important waterways in the United States. The river is an important source of water for many cities in the country, including Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Historical Background

The history of Minneapolis and St. Paul is closely tied to the Mississippi River. The river played a central role in the development of the two cities, with both using it as a means of transportation and trade. The first European explorers arrived in the area in the 17th century, and the region became a hub for fur trading in the early 19th century.

City Limits

The Mississippi River acts as the boundary between Minneapolis and St. Paul, with St. Paul located to the east of the river, and Minneapolis to the west. The two cities have different government structures, with each having its own mayor and city council. The boundary between the two cities is marked by several bridges, including the Division Street Bridge, the Ford Dam, and the Stone Arch Bridge.

The Division Street Bridge

The Division Street Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul. The bridge was built in 1888 and was the first permanent bridge to connect the two cities. It is still in use today and is a popular spot for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Ford Dam

The Ford Dam is a hydroelectric dam located on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul. The dam was built in the early 20th century and was used to generate electricity for the Twin Cities. Today, the dam is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

The Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The bridge was built in the late 19th century and was used to transport goods and people across the river. Today, it is a popular spot for walking and cycling, and it offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline.

River Road

River Road is a scenic drive that runs along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The road is a popular spot for sightseeing, with many parks and scenic spots along the way. It offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline and is a great way to explore the Twin Cities.

Parks and Scenic Spots

There are many parks and scenic spots along the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These include Minnehaha Park, which features a waterfall and hiking trails, and Harriet Island, which is a popular spot for picnicking and fishing. Other popular spots include the Mill Ruins Park, the Upper Landing Park, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Conclusion

The Mississippi River is the boundary between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is a major river that has played a central role in the history and development of these two cities. Today, the river is a popular spot for recreation and sightseeing, with many parks and scenic spots along its banks.