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Friendship Force of Minnesota/Twin Cities
Our Club The Friendship Force of Minnesota/Twin Cities (FFMN/TC) has members from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota and their surrounding suburbs. The FFMN/TC Club can host about twenty ambassadors in homes scattered throughout the greater Twin Cities area. FFI guests have the opportunity to share in the activities of their host families and to meet other Club members during their visit. Most incoming groups visit cultural sites and outdoor venues in the area and share in a typical Minnesota potluck dinner or picnic. The area is served by the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) which is located south of the Cities. Club members meet incoming FFI Ambassadors at the airport and drive them to their hosts’ home in private cars.
History The Friendship Force of Minnesota/Twin Cities has sent Ambassadors on 69 FFI Exchanges to 35 different countries since the Club was formed in 1978. We have hosted 57 groups of Ambassadors from 25 different countries. Our first guests came from Germany. We also sent 252 Minnesotans to Germany during our first year.
Minnesotans The mix of peoples in Minnesota began with the Native American groups who lived in the forests of northern Minnesota, the prairies of the southwest and west, and the rolling hills of the south. Others canoed the thousands of lakes in northeastern Minnesota. Later, European immigrants came to farm and mine in the state. Now, the German and Scandinavian heritage from the late 19th century has been enhanced with newer generations of immigrants from Africa and Southeast Asia.
Minnesota The climate of Minnesota varies during its four seasons making the weather an ongoing topic of conversation. Spring can be a delight as early rains turn the trees green and the wild and garden-grown flowers add their color to roadways, parks and garden. This is the time when Minnesotans start their annual journeys to destinations known as: “up-to-the-lake.” Summer too is distinct with warm, sometimes even hot, weather. People head for the lakes, beaches, parks and forest. Some venture into the canoe country, once travelled by Native Americans and the French and British fur traders. Fall is a golden season as the trees and shrubs turn red, orange and yellow. Remarkable sunsets, warm evenings, and the absence of summer insects, bring Minnesotans outdoors to enjoy the fall evenings. Winter is a very special season in Minnesota. For those born in the state or used to winter weather, it is playtime on the lakes and snow-covered trails. But, to those more recently arrived, the temperatures can be a bit intimidating. All parts of the state get many below-zero days and in the north temperatures can drop to -20 or -30 or even less.
The Twin Cities The Twin Cities metro area, with a population of over 2.5 million, has much to offer visitors. The area offers many beautiful lakes, parks, and gardens. The Mississippi River runs through both cities. Visitors can go on a boat tour of the river or walk along the scenic riverfront in Minneapolis. The riverfront includes St. Anthony Falls, the 1883 Stone Arch Bridge, and the Mill City Museum. The Minnesota Orchestra and the Guthrie Theatre offer internationally recognized performances. Major museums such as the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Minnesota History Center have outstanding exhibits throughout the year. The Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are great for an outdoor experience. Among the historic sites near the Cities are Murphy’s Landing, a pioneer village, and Fort Snelling, a frontier fortress. The Mall of America offers shopping on a grand scale. We also have four popular professional sports teams: Minnesota Vikings (football), Minnesota Twins (baseball) and Minnesota Wild (hockey). The Members of Friendship Force of Minnesota/Twin Cities are proud to share our state and our metro area with visiting FFI Ambassadors.
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