Frequently Asked Questions about the Twin Cities Gateway

General & Location Questions

1. What exactly is the Twin Cities Gateway? The Twin Cities Gateway is a collection of ten communities located just north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It includes the cities of Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, Ramsey and Shoreview. It’s promoted as a destination that offers easy access to the big-city attractions while providing a more relaxed, affordable, and nature-focused base for your stay.

2. How is it different from just staying in Minneapolis or St. Paul? The main differences are pace, price, and parking.

• Pace: The Gateway communities are suburban, offering a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to the downtown bustle.
• Price: Accommodations and some activities are generally more budget-friendly.
• Parking & Access: Hotels typically offer free and ample parking, and you’re often closer to major highways for getting around the entire metro area by car. You trade the walkability of downtown for convenience and space.

3. How far is the Gateway from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)? It’s typically a 25 to 45-minute drive from MSP, depending on traffic and your specific destination within the Gateway communities.

4. Do I need to rent a car? It is highly recommended. While some public transportation exists, the attractions, hotels, and restaurants in the Gateway area are spread out. A car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region and driving into Minneapolis or St. Paul for day trips.

Attractions & Activities

5. What are the main things to do in the Twin Cities Gateway? The area is best known for its outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. Highlights include:

• Outdoor Parks: Extensive trail systems for biking and hiking at places like Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and Bunker Hills Regional Park.
• Golf: The area is a major golf destination, featuring the TPC Twin Cities (home to the PGA Tour’s 3M Open).
• Family Fun: Bunker Beach Water Park is one of the largest outdoor water parks in the state, and the National Sports Center in Blaine is a massive complex for soccer, hockey, and other sports.
• Historic Anoka: Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” its historic downtown offers charming shops and restaurants.

6. Is it a good destination for families with kids? Absolutely. With attractions like Bunker Beach Water Park, the extensive parks and trail systems, and family-friendly hotels (often with pools), it’s a very popular choice for families looking for an active and affordable vacation.

7. What is there to do in the winter? Winter offers a different kind of outdoor fun. Popular activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing on the park trails, ice fishing on the numerous lakes, and ice skating at local rinks.

Lodging & Dining

8. What kind of hotels can I expect? The lodging options consist primarily of well-known and reliable national hotel chains. You’ll find many options like Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western, Hampton Inn, etc. These are great for travelers looking for consistent quality, free parking, and amenities like pools and complimentary breakfast.

9. What is the food scene like? You’ll find a wide mix of dining options. It ranges from familiar national chain restaurants and fast-food to cozy local pubs, family-owned diners, and a growing number of excellent independent restaurants and craft breweries. You can find everything from a classic Minnesota supper club to diverse international cuisine.

Planning Your Trip

10. When is the best time of year to visit?

• Summer (June – August): This is the peak season. The weather is warm, and all outdoor attractions, especially the water park and golf courses, are in full swing.
• Fall (September – October): The weather is cooler, the fall colors are beautiful, and it’s a perfect time for hiking and biking. Visiting Anoka for its famous Halloween festivities is a major draw.
• Spring (March – May): A transitional season as the snow melts and things turn green. It’s a quieter time to visit and can be very pleasant for exploring the parks.
• Winter (December – February): Ideal for those who love winter sports and cozying up indoors. It’s the least crowded season for tourism.

11. How far is it to major attractions like the Mall of America or U.S. Bank Stadium? From most locations in the Gateway, you can expect a drive of about 25-40 minutes to get to the Mall of America in Bloomington or major venues like U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, assuming normal traffic conditions.