Summer is a great time to visit Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most people unfamiliar with the Midwestern United States know Minnesota by its stereotypically cold winters. While February is definitely uncomfortably cold, the temperature hovers in the mid-eighties during July and August.

Outside Minneapolis and St. Paul, fishing and water sports are the activities of choice, but Minneapolis has a surprising amount of urban excitement, especially during the summer.

Central Minneapolis has a cosmopolitan air. Outdoor seating is the norm at many cafes and restaurants. Main Street, across the Mississippi River from Downtown, offers a strip of bars and restaurants that serve up everything from barbecue fare to live music to fine dining. All these venues offer outdoor seating.

Nicollet Avenue begins in South Minneapolis, where it is known as "eat street," a center of Asian, Mexican, and fusion restaurants. Downtown, Nicollet becomes a shopping mecca. Cars are not allowed in the downtown section of the street. Walking this mile long strip is easy and provides everything from clothing shops to numerous dining choices.

Minneapolis has several lakes. During the summer, the paved trails are full of bikers, people on roller-blades, and walkers. The lakes are a place to enjoy the sun and natural surroundings, and also a great place to socialize and meet new people.

All that summer in Minneapolis has to offer will surprise visitors. Grabbing some good maps will help you plan your visit.