May 22nd - 24th, 2026 - Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN
May 22nd to 24th, 2026
2026 SOBA America
National Convention Highlights
SOBA Minnesota welcomes SOBANS and their patrons to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Here are some fun facts about Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN.
1. Minnesota is Home to the Largest Mall in America
Located right across the Minneapolis St Paul International Airport, it is the largest retail mall in America with the following fun facts:
- 40 million visitors annually — more than the combined populations of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa.
- 520+ stores located inside Mall of America.
- 2 million square feet of gross building area.
- 7 Yankee Stadiums can fit inside the Mall.
- 32 Boeing 747s could fit inside the Mall.
- 24 rides and attractions in Nickelodeon Universe®.
- 2 million-gallon aquarium at SEA LIFE Minnesota.
- 350+ events held each year at Mall of America.
- 11,000 year-round employees (13,000 during peak periods).
- $650+ million generated annually in economic activity.
- 650 million visits since opening.
- 5,000+ weddings performed at Mall of America.
2. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
With over 40 permanent art installations, The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the largest urban outdoor gardens in America. The most prominent installation in the garden is the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
3. Minnehaha Park:
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park is one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks, attracting over 850,000 visitors annually. This 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. The park contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees, as well as native and prairie woodland wildflowers
4. Paisley Park:
This is the home of the legendary pop star popularly known as Prince who was born and raised in the Twin Cities. It is a popular touristic site where art, music, fashion, and culture are celebrated, energized, and inspired by the visionary creative spirit of Prince.
Twin Cities Fun Facts The Average Local Couldn’t Even Tell You
- There are 1,387 lakes within the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- There are three major rivers that run through the Twin Cities: The Mississippi, Minnesota, and St Croix Rivers.
- There are more golfers per capita in Minneapolis than any other city in the U.S.
- The Twin Cities brought us Post-it notes, Cheerios, Hamburger Helper, Cream of Wheat, and rollerblades.
- For the second consecutive year, The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport ranks highest in passenger satisfaction among mega airports in North America.
- The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have the world's largest and second largest continuous indoor skyway systems, with Minneapolis’ skyway alone connecting 80 blocks.
- The nation's first armored car was built in Minneapolis, and it was the first city to have a library with a separate children's section.
- The name Minneapolis’ is derived from the Sioux word miniand the Greek word polis, together meaning “city of waters”.
- The first bridge to cross the Mighty Mississippi River was built in Minneapolis. Starting in 1880 and for 50 years after, Minneapolis was known as the Flour Capital of the World
- Minneapolis has no sales tax on apparel and accessories.
