There is much in the vicinity of Minneapolis to interest the visitor.  Days may be spent in examining the Falls of St. Anthony, which roar and surge along the rapids, impressing one with an appalling sense of their mighty power.

The suspension bridge, connecting the city with that of St. Anthony on the east bank of the river, is an interesting object.  It was erected several years since at an expense of over half a hundred thousand dollars, and is the only bridge of its class on the whole river.

Take the towns of St. Paul and Minneapolis, together with the intervening country, and perhaps no portion of the Union east of the Rocky Mountains, presents so many objects of interest as does this particular region.  St. Paul is itself a noble town, and the prospect from its highest elevations quite entertaining; while at the latter city the Falls of St. Anthony are “a sight to behold,” and make up what the town lacks in striking scenery.

The country between the two cities is as pleasing in general outline as any to be found.  Of course, it lacks that romantic element so characteristic of New England, yet its general character is more rolling than that of most of the prairie country found in the West.

A drive from either city is “the thing” for the visitor to do.  From Minneapolis one of the most charming drives in the world, for its length, can be had.  Passing over the suspension bridge to the east side of the river, and down by it to the Silver Cascade and Bridal-veil Falls, which charm from their exquisite beauty, then on to the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers at Fort Snelling, and across by the rope-ferry under the tall battlements of the frowning fort, whose edge is on a line with the towering, perpendicular bluff two hundred feet above your head, round by the road and up to the plain above, and into the inclosure of this old-time fortification, where, leaving your carriage, you proceed to the round tower, or look out of the fort, and on the very pinnacle of both cliff and battlement you may gaze out and over a spectacle more grand and beautiful than anything we know short of the White Hills.  Away to the right stretches the valley of the Minnesota River, while before you the “Father of Waters” receives into his embraces the waters of the Minnesota, then, sweeping to the left, rolls slowly and majestically from view behind the companion bluffs of the eastern shore.

Here, from this crowning tower has floated—­for more than half a century—­the “star-spangled banner” of our country, giving to the early settler an assurance of protection; proclaiming equality and freedom to all peoples who come hither in search of new homes, and to each and all a sense of increased dignity and importance as they stand underneath its ample folds.

A short distance across the open prairie and up the river toward Minneapolis—­on the return—­is the famed

MINNEHAHA FALLS.