The city of lakes prairie, also known as Minneapolis, is a vibrant metropolis in Minnesota that boasts numerous natural and architectural wonders. The "city of lakes" nickname is derived from the 22 freshwater lakes it surrounds, including popular recreation sites such as Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. The "prairie" in the city's nickname reflects the vast grassy terrain that once covered the area before urbanization. Synonyms for Minneapolis include L'Étoile du Nord (French for "Star of the North"), the Mini-Apple, and the Mill City. These monikers speak to the city's northern location, its apple-growing heritage, and its industrial roots in the flour milling industry.