April 26, 2011 (MINNEAPOLIS) The editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine have picked Minneapolis as one of their 10 best summer trips for 2011. The list features destinations around the world, and Minneapolis is one of only three in the U.S. In choosing Minneapolis, the magazine says a pedestrian-and-pedal friendly downtown and welcoming Midwestern vibe make it easy for first-time visitors to quickly feel at home in Minneapolis.

The magazine notes Minneapolis vibrant arts culture, summer festivals, great restaurants and the new, fan-friendly Target Field as reasons why Minneapolis is a top destination for 2011. The editors also highlight the citys 22 lakes, the Mississippi River, the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, bike paths and Nice Ride Minnesota bike-sharing system as great reasons to spend time in the city.

National Geographic Travelers hand-picked 2011 summer destinations are:

1. Muskoka Cottage Country, Ottawa, Canada

2. Patagonia, Argentina

3. San Juan Islands, Washington

4. Minneapolis, Minnesota

5. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

6. Cardiff, Wales

7. Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

8. Azores, Portugal

9. Roatan, Honduras, and

10. Istria, Croatia

For more information on Minneapolis, visit Meet Minneapolis, the citys convention and visitors association at www.minneapolis.org.