Twin cities at the head of the Mississippi River (combined metropolitan population (1998) of 2,831,234). Founded in the early nineteenth century, they have become centers for progressive arts, music and education as well as economics and politics in the upper Plains. St. Paul, an industrial/commercial center, is the state capital. Minneapolis is known for the University of Minnesota, progressive politics and its extensive urban lakes and parks. Active professional sports include football (the Minnesota Vikings), baseball (Twins) and basketball (Timberwolves), as well as winter activities. Nearby, in Bloomington rises the Mall of America, projected to expand to 10 million square feet.