The capital of Minnesota is Saint Paul, located in the Upper Midwestern United States. Being the second largest city in the state, the 2000 census estimated a population of 287,151. The “Twin Cities” as the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area is the sixteenth largest metropolitan area in the United States. St Paul enjoys a continental climate characterized by dry winters and moderately hot summers.
St Louis is home for Ford Motor Company which was established in 1924. During the winter, St Paul hosts the Saint Paul Winter Carnival which showcases ice sculpting and winter activities. The Como Zoo and Conservatory and adjoining Japanese Garden are a popular destination. The city’s various recreational parks include Indian Mounds Park, Highland Park, and Lake Phalen. Other entertainment includes the performing arts from the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Minnesota Opera, and River Centre.
Neighboring residents communities surround the city. To the north of Saint Paul are the communities of Falcon Heights, Roseville, Lauderdale, and Maplewood. To the east is Maplewood and to the west is Minneapolis. South of the city are the communities Mendota Heights and Lilydale. There are also dozens of institutions for higher learning including College of Saint Catherine, Concordia University and Metropolitan State University.