Minneapolis, the more lively Suffice it to say that both are highly attractive cities, offering flourishing downtowns, sophisticated educational and cultural institutions, entertainment and sports, and the always affordable diversions of parks and open spaces. The Minneapolis campus, where the Department of History is located, is near downtown Minneapolis, and bus service between the two is excellent. In addition, Dinkytown, Stadium Village, and Cedar-Riverside, all within easy walking distance of the University, contain several smaller shops, inexpensive restaurants, bookstores, and theaters. The world's first indoor shopping mall, Southdale, opened in the suburban Twin Cities in 1956. People from all over the world come to shop in its 350-plus stores.
Cultural activities abound.
The Grammy award-winning St. Paul Chamber Orchestra inaugurated its new home, the Ordway Music, Theatre, in January, 1985. The Ordway also houses the Minnesota Opera Company, which performs classic and modern works. The Schubert club brings world-famous soloists such as Janet Baker, Isaac Stern, and Richard Stolzman to the twin Cities for its recital series. The University's own School of Music has a busy schedule of student and faculty recitals, as well as lectures by visiting musicians. In popular music, numerous local clubs feature area groups providing listening and dance music, in addition to the nationally known groups who come to play at the Target Center in Minneapolis, the St. Paul Civic Center, and open-air stadiums.