Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, which is the 32nd state. Once known as the flour milling capital of the world, this city is home to several notable features. One of the most interesting Minneapolis facts is that the metro area is home to the Mall of America, which was once the largest mall in America and is the size of more than 78 football fields. Keep reading to learn more fascinating facts about Minneapolis!
5 Minneapolis Facts
-
- Minneapolis is home to the oldest sketch comedy theater in the United States. (source) The Brave New Workshop was founded in 1958. Some of the notable alumni of the theater are comedians Louie Anderson, Al Franken, Penn Jillette, and Mo Collins.
-
- The Minneapolis metro area has the youngest home sellers in the country on average. (source) The average age of home sellers in Minneapolis is 44, which is tied with Salt Lake City, UT for the lowest age in the United States.
-
- The first open heart surgery was conducted at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis. (source) C. Walton Lillehei, who was born and raised in Minneapolis and is also credited as the “father of open heart surgery,” conducted the first open heart surgery in the world on September 2, 1952.
-
- The Betty Crocker character was created in Minneapolis. (source) Marjorie Husted, a Minneapolis native who worked for General Mills which was also based in the city, was responsible for the creation and success of the Betty Crocker character that is still popular today.
-
- Saint Anthony Falls, the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River, is located in Minneapolis. (source) Many dams were built around the falls to help support the flour milling industry that boomed in the city in the 1800s.
