Twin Cities Metro Area, MN

Evidence suggests that people have lived in the region for almost 12,000 years. Throughout this history, the major rivers in the area have served for navigation, and travel, and for fishing and hunting. The lakes and prairies that dominate the oak savanna ecosystems of southern and central Minnesota have also offered excellent fishing and hunting.

Eventually, these regions offered excellent farming conditions to the people of the area as well. All of these conditions came together creating the potential to harness the power of the Mississippi River for energy and shipping in the 19th century. This resulted in a milling boom in the in the Twin Cities area. The industrial growth spurred a population boom and the need to preserve open spaces became apparent. Many urban areas across our nation have struggled to scrape together park spaces, which are few and far between. Long ago, residents of the Twin Cities began planning for the future, and we have them to thank for the wonderful park systems alive today.