Why Mineapolis is one of the happiest cities in the world (and the Nordic connection that helps explain it)

Panoramic of the city of Minneapolis. — Photo foot, Mineapolis, together with New York, are the only US cities that are in the “golden” category of happy cities index.

- Author, Lindsey Galloway
- Author's title, BBC News
5 julio 2025

When it is measured how happy the cities of the world are, the Nordics always go to the head.

The 2025 happy cities index, produced by the Institute of Quality of Life, based on the United Kingdom, places cities in Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden in the category called “Golden”.

Perhaps that is why it is not surprising that Mineapolis- the only American city with New York that appears in the golden category- has its links with the Nordic countries.

This city of Minesota welcomes the greatest number of Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish migrants outside Europe, the first of which came there in the mid -nineteenth century, when they fled hunger and religious persecutions.

With their long and ice cream winters and postcard lakes, the climate of the city and the landscape certainly have Nordic airs. To the same extent, its residents have learned to live with the four stations and even point out that it has a lot to do with their feeling of happiness.

“Although winters are cold and summers can be hot and humid, we have many days of sunshine, many more than other cities,” explains Steven Rothberg, who moved to Mineapolis in 1988.

“People like to be outside. It is rare that there are cloudy, gray or rain days, which makes it much easier to plan and enjoy outdoor activities, even regardless of whether it is cold or heat,” he adds.

Blonde person in a Lutheran church in Minneapolis. — Photo foot, The most numerous Nordic population in Europe lives in Mineapolis.

A city bike

Rothberg points out that the city is among those who have the highest number of people who use the bicycle to go to work. As some surveys indicate, at least two thirds of the population says that it is bicycle to work, to the school or to make errands.

This American city has made continuous improvements in its bike paths or paths for cycling, with a 70 kilometers known

In total, Mineapolis has about 35 kilometers of exclusive roads for bicycles and another 140 kilometers of routes and bicycles out of the main roads, many of which were before train tracks.

“These roads and trails created from old train lines that are now served for cyclists and walkers. If you look at the map you realize that you can range from any part of the city by bicycle without having to use a shared route with cars for more than 2 kilometers,” explains Rothberg.

“The beauty, serenity and security of these paths is a great benefit of living here, one that I take almost every day,” he adds.

Happy cities

The happy cities index gave Mineapolis a notable qualification in environmental issues, thanks to its green areas, the low pollution rates and their sustainability model, something that its inhabitants stand out.

Whether walking or by bicycle, the paths give their residents access to the large network of parks in the city, with entrance to about 22 lakes and 180 green areas.

“The parks and lakes is incredible. When I am working taking photos in different parts of the city, I realize the incredible access we have to the natural spaces of the city,” says Kristine Barron, who works as a wedding photographer.

Bicycle trails in Mineapolis. — Photo foot, The city is connected by a wide network of exclusive bicycle trails.

“The city has built many paths to walk and for bicycles, public libraries and community centers, which demonstrates what they value well -being and connection,” he adds.

Another category in which the city was highlighted was that of its strong growth, cost of reasonable living and innovation in education issues.

The index emphasizes that about a quarter of the residents have a university master's degree and one in five speaks a second language.

“The open nature of the people and the policies that have been applied facilitate that anyone can come to live here and feel at home,” explains Kristen Montag, a former marketing manager of the Visitors and Conventions Association of Mineapolis.

In addition, cultural diversity is based on a sense of community. “Culturally, people here are friendly, centered on the community,” said Barron.

Black Lives Matter

The city has recently been to the point of sight by commemorating the fifth anniversary of the murder of Afro -American George Floyd at the hands of the police.

In honor of Floyd, the city annually organizes the Rise & Remember Festival, which shows the power of art and community activism to continue with the collective healing process.

This creative energy transforms the city every season, local inhabitants point out.

“Summer means outdoor coffees, concerts and festivals that fill the days, while winter brings with it a cozy hug to the sauna culture, outdoor activities such as background skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, and coffee culture, dinners next to chimneys (both indoors and outdoor!) And beer festivals in open spaces such as Winter Beer Dabber,” said Montag.

“Spring and autumn are also precious stations.”

Photo foot, Sponbridge and Cherry is a 10 -meter high source in the Mineapolis sculpture garden.

For those who arrive in the city for the first time, residents recommend visiting the Stone Arch bridge, a National Civil Engineering monument that offers views of the San Antonio cataracts.

“The visit to sunset begins,” recommends Barron.

“You will enjoy panoramic views, the beauty of the riverbank and a real sensation of the heart of Mineapolis. It is also one of my favorite places to take photos, so don't forget the camera,” he says.

Local residents also praise the American Native Native Food Restaurant, winner of the James Beard National Prize for the best new restaurant in 2022.

The place is proud to offer a “decolonized gastronomic experience”, which exclude from their recipes colonial ingredients such as wheat flour, sugar and dairy.

Instead, prioritize local producers for their seasonal dishes, such as bison chuleton, salmon cured with blueberries and stuffed people.

Montag also recommends going to one of the hamburgers and asking for a Jucy Lucy, a hamburger with invented cheese in Mineapolis in which the cheese is placed in the center of the meat instead above.

While its exact origins are subject to intense debate, both the old bar 5-8 Club Tavern & Grill and the Matt's Bar claim to have been responsible for an early version. Although the famous Mall of America – the largest shopping center in the country, with more than 580 stores – is a tourist attraction, residents warn that it is not very different from any US shopping center.

Cascade near Minneapolis. — Photo foot, Mineapolis is surrounded by lakes and bicycle trails.

“Only it is larger and with a small amusement park in the center,” explains the writer Michael Macbide.

On the other hand, the truly unique photographic opportunities are in the Mineapolis sculpture garden, with its 60 large pieces, including the iconic sponbridge & cherry fountain, inspired by the pop art of the city.

The Walker Art Center also offers free nights on Thursdays and exhibits contemporary art, shows and movies.

“Mineapolis has great creative energy,” concludes Barron.

“A lot of art, music and photography. It is a city that appreciates the small details.”