Brooklyn Center, MN

Early pioneers began to settle in the area around 1852 when the territory was purchased by the U.S. government with treaties with the Sioux tribe. In 1858 the Brooklyn Township was formed, and the town continued to see rapid growth. The neighborhood began to experience exponential growth after World War II. Drop by the Brooklyn Center Historical Society to delve into the rich history of the area.

During the summer you can join in on the fun of one of Twin Cities' biggest festivals, Tater Daze Festival. Grab a beer, and listen to live music from local artists, or chow down on the famous pancake breakfast.

The annual Earle Brown Days Festival offers something for everyone. This festival features a parade, fireworks, a craft and business expo, a petting zoo and more. Try your hand at the golf tournament, or enter the kids in the kid’s fishing contest.

Dining in Brooklyn Center focuses on all-American cuisine with an emphasis on local flare. The area is even home to a local brewery that has become famous throughout Minnesota.

Head out to Slim’s for a taste of classic American cuisine. Sample their battered fish, burgers and signature sandwiches. If you’re feeling hungry, sink your teeth into the deluxe cheesesteak sandwich that's loaded with fresh grilled onions, tomatoes and thinly sliced beef topped with provolone cheese. Add something sweet to your meal and sip on one of their variety of malts, shakes and mixers.

If you’re hungry for some pizza, look no further than the famous Scoreboard Pizza. This restaurant is rumored to serve up the best pizza in the Twin Cities. Enjoy your pizza piled high with fresh, delicious toppings smothered in their famous sauce. You can also try their moist and flavorful roasted chicken or famous garlic bread.

For the big game, Jammin Wings Sports Bar and Grill can provide you with tantalizing wings and an enthusiastic crowd to cheer with. Choose from a wide range of sauces like Parmesan garlic, teriyaki and honey BBQ. If you’re not in the mood for wings, you can dig in to jerk chicken pizza or some coconut shrimp. Drop in on Thirsty Thursday for $7 pitchers of domestic beer.

Nightlife in the area keeps evenings pretty low key, but Surly Brewery offers some of the best beers around. Stop in for a brewery tour that includes five free 8-ounce beers. Be sure to call and book in advance because these tasty tours fill up quickly. Surly has something to fit every beer connoisseur’s taste, from the coffee-flavored brown ale Coffee Bender to the classic West Coast IPA Overrated.

It only takes around 13 minutes by car to get from Brooklyn Center to the center of Minneapolis via I-94 W. On-street parking is widely available throughout the area.

There are a large number of people who commute to work from Brooklyn Center to the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area via public transportation. It should only take you around 20 to 25 minutes to reach the center of Minneapolis on a local bus.

With a combined 10-mile trail system, you can get pretty much everywhere in Brooklyn Center and the surrounding area via a combination of biking, walking and public transportation.

Hailing a cab is a breeze with ihail.com, which provides regular drivers in the area. Book online, call or text, and have a cab to pick you up in minutes. The ride-sharing service Uber also covers the Brooklyn Center area.

Take a stroll down one of the many trails spread over Brooklyn Center’s 522 acres of parkland. Grab the family for some fun in the sun along the banks of the Mississippi. Spend some quality time with man's best friend when you bring the dogs out to Victory Prairie Off-Leash Recreation Area, south of Brooklyn Center.

Enjoy all of the natural beauty Minnesota has to offer at North Mississippi Regional Park. You will find playgrounds, parking, trails and public restroom facilities easily accessible throughout the park. Cast out your line from the fishing pier, or take the kids to the playground that features a wading pool. Meander along the park's many trails to observe the abundant wildlife, such as beavers, deer, loons and Great Blue Heron.

Hop on your bike, and hit the Mississippi River Trail that runs from Itasca State Park in Northern Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful trail that cuts through Brooklyn Center draws cyclists and adventure-seekers from all around.

You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for about $699 to $799 around Granite City or Melrose Gates.

Gas prices settle around 9 percent less than the national average. A pint of beer in a local pub will cost you around $4 to $6. A ride on the local bus costs $2.25 during non rush-hour times and $3 during rush-hour. Overall the cost of living in Brooklyn Center is only slightly higher than the Minneapolis average.

Shopping in Brooklyn Center delivers a vibrant and trendy shopping experience. Drop in to one of the numerous vintage shops like Arc's Value Village Thrift Store.

Spice up your wardrobe with a new outfit from Parc Boutique. Browse the wide selection from casual and comfy to trendy and stylish. Here you'll find the perfect gift for the trendsetter in your life. The friendly staff will do their best to help you find what you are looking for that fits your budget.

Stock your pantry with groceries from Walmart Supercenter, Cub Foods or Sun Foods. Head out to Discover Farmers' Market in neighboring Brooklyn Park for a more local selection. Pick up some freshly baked cinnamon rolls, organic locally grown pumpkins or pasture-raised beef, and treat the family to some home-cooked food. Bring the kids in for activities like woodcrafts, seed planting and smoothie day.