Perhaps you think of Minnesota as a place of oppressively cold winters and summer fishing expeditions. No one would try to disprove those stereotypes. But the culture of the Land of 10,000 Lakes is not limited to snowmobiles and walleye pike. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are also home to a booming arts and theater scene.

Whether you like wandering through vast art museums or neighborhood galleries, chances are you’ll find the space that you are looking for in the Twin Cities. The same could be said for theater. Large commercial theaters share the stage with innumerable smaller operations. The nationally renowned Guthrie Theater has just moved into a new building on the banks of the Mississippi River. This playhouse offers original productions of plays ranging from modern to Shakespearian. Downtown Minneapolis is home to the Hennepin Theater District. Traveling musicals and concerts are staged at the Orpheum and State Theaters. Nearby restaurants and shops on Nicollet Mall make this the perfect place to combine an off-Broadway show with a night on the town.

There are plenty of smaller stages, as well. Theater in the Round, The Southern Theater, and many others provide an intimate experience. What makes these smaller playhouses unique is that, despite smaller budgets, they are professionally run and staffed by local and regional talent.

The Children’s Theater Company puts on family friendly fare and is conveniently located in a theater that is adjoined with the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The MIA is the stopping point for many traveling exhibits.

Minneapolis’ Northeast neighborhood (Nordeast to locals) is home to a blossoming arts scene. Studios and galleries line the streets just east of Downtown Minneapolis. Many older galleries can be found on the city’s south side and also in Downtown Saint Paul.

So, even if you do come to Minnesota bearing a fishing poll, know that there is plenty of other options out there.