Minneapolis and St. Paul (the Twin Cities, U. S. A.) form practically one community. Their limits merge without visible separation. Twenty six of the twenty-nine railroad lines serving Minneapolis also serve St. Paul. Four interurban electric lines and fast motor buses connect their business districts. Together, they constitute one of the largest and most important commercial centers in the United States.
The railroad bridge spanning the Mississippi immediately below the Falls 0f St. Anthony and forming a graceful curve in front of the great flour mills. Passenger trains over the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Northwestern Line, Burlington and Great Western, all cross this bridge giving the traveler a fine view of the falls and rapids below, and the mills on both sides of the river.Artistic and substantial buildings predominate in Minneapolis. It has no “sweat shops” and no slum district.Lake Calhoun is about three miles southwest of the business center and within the city limits. It is over a mile long and three- fourths of a mile broad.Few cities can boast of so many grand and beautiful views as St. Paul. The business part of the city is so compact, and all interesting points can be so quickly reached that one can see much in very little time.With beautiful landscape, winding lanes, wooded fields, delightful waterways under bridges and through channels, plenty of seats and comfort stations, Como Park is equaled by few public parks in the world.Lake Harriet is the most southerly of the group of four lakes in the southwestern part of the city. It is nearly a mile long and over half a mile wide, and lies within high banks. Around it runs a picturesque park drive.Named after Mrs. Harriet E. Bishop, who in 1847 opened the first Sun day School in St. Paul-The City of St. Paul maintains Free Public Baths on Harriet Island, this attraction draws an average season’s attendance of 225,000 men, women and children.The university is an integral part of the state school system. Graduates of approved high schools and other accredited preparatory schools are admitted to the university without examination, provided their credentials satisfy the specific requirements of the college to which entrance is desired.The state capital building in St. Paul was built on a commanding hill at the head of Wabasha street, 200 feet above the Mississippi, its white dome with golden ball dominates the landscape for many miles around.
