The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States.  Students in the Applied Plant Sciences graduate program enjoy both the amenities of a big city and the quietness of a smaller community on the Saint Paul campus.  Minnesota is the northern most state in the continental United States.  Both indoor and outdoor activities abound in Minnesota.  Here are just a few of the local favorites:

• Good, cheap places to eat that only the locals would know
• Como Park
• Biking trails, camping, and things to do in, on, and around the water (quite natural for the Land of 10,000 Lakes)
• Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Fringe Festival , and Saint Paul Winter Carnival
• Gopher sports , University recreational sports , and the Saint Paul Saints
• Arts, theater, music, and museums

Finally, a word about the weather in Minnesota. It does get cold here. In January the average temperature in Saint Paul is around 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius). At times the temperature dips below zero and our ears feel like falling off. Yet winters are generally sunny and Minnesotans can show you how to dress warm (a.k.a. that layered look). Besides, the winter allows us to enjoy different winter activities such as skiing, hockey, and ice fishing.