Minneapolis is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, serving as the county seat. It occupies both banks of the Upper Mississippi River near the state's eastern border, adjoining Saint Paul, the state capital. Built on an artesian aquifer with relatively flat terrain, the city is centrally located within Minnesota. Together with Saint Paul and the surrounding area, it forms the Twin Cities metropolitan region.

Dakota people previously inhabited the site, with European settlement beginning north of Fort Snelling along Saint Anthony Falls. The city's early growth was fostered by its location near the fort and the falls' industrial potential. In 1856, the territorial legislature authorized Minneapolis as a town, incorporating it as a city in 1867 before merging with St. Anthony in 1872. It later became the lumber and flour milling capital of the world in the nineteenth century.

The city is known for its abundance of water, including thirteen lakes, wetlands, creeks, and waterfalls. Its public park system is connected by the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Major arts institutions include the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Guthrie Theater. The Saint Anthony Falls Historic District centers on the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River, featuring restored buildings and natural sights.

Minneapolis hosts four professional sports teams playing downtown and is home to the University of Minnesota's main campus. Musician Prince performed at the First Avenue nightclub, contributing to the city's cultural legacy. The area offers diverse neighborhoods with distinctive feels, from downtown's high-rise suites to Northeast Minneapolis's historic industrial roots. Residents adhere to more than fifty religions, reflecting a complex social landscape.

The population was 429,954 as of the 2020 census, making it the state's most populous city. The economy has preserved financial clout through institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and birthed companies such as Target Corporation and General Mills. Public transport is provided by Metro Transit, with an international airport located on the southern city limits. The climate features cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers.