Minnesota is the birthplace of the supercomputer, developed for code cracking during World War II. Tech giants of their day, including Cray Research and Control Data Corporation, were based in the Twin Cities. And while Al Gore is infamously misquoted as “inventing the internet,” humble Minnesota actually can claim a role with the University of Minnesota’s early contribution of the gopher protocol in the early 1990s.
The Twin Cities sit on opposing shores of the mighty Mississippi River—Minneapolis is big brother to smaller and sleepier St. Paul—making up a metro area of approximately 3.76 million residents. The region’s tech industry spans medtech, fintech, artificial intelligence, and tech-focused agriculture companies. Minnesota is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies with deep connections to tech, including 3M, Best Buy, U.S. Bancorp, UnitedHealth Group, and Target.
If you’re a tech worker visiting the Twin Cities for business, you’ll find locals who prioritize work-life balance and embrace the area’s distinct four seasons. In the summer, it’s easy to find people on video calls while walking their dogs around the chain of lakes or enjoying happy hour on a packed patio near a body of water. In the winter, hardcore cross-country skiers and fat bikers commute to the office on area trails. For those who fear the cold, one other Minnesota invention—the skyway system—connects office buildings, shops, and residential high-rises in both downtowns.
Where to Stay in the Twin Cities
Minneapolis is the larger and more modern of the Twin Cities, but there is plenty of tech-related business on the east side of town in and around St. Paul. Here's where to stay in either Twin.
Downtown Minneapolis
Courtesy of the Four Seasons
245 Hennepin Ave., (612) 895-5700
For visitors on an expense account or looking to splurge, a stay at the Four Seasons is a top pick for its luxury and location. Minnesota’s only five-star hotel property opened in 2022 and quickly became known for its VIP scene and over-the-top amenities. Its fine-dining restaurant, Mara, was created by award-winning local chef Gavin Kaysen. During the winter, Nordic-inspired saunas and private dining spaces line the hotel’s rooftop.
300 N. Washington Ave., (651) 468-0400
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