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"Mastermind" of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case

"Mastermind" of largest COVID fraud  scheme gets 41 years

Prosecutors say Aimee Bock was at the center of a scheme to steal over $240 million from a federal program.

Politics & Policy

A judge has ordered the Minnesota &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mastermind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" target="_blank">mastermind</a>&quot; in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case</a> to serve 41.5 years in prison — the harshest sentence to date in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.Why it matters: Prosecutors say former Feeding Our Future executive director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aimee Bock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" target="_self">Aimee Bock</a> was at the center of a scheme to steal more than $240 million from a federally funded child meals program during the pandemic. <ul><li>The case sparked intense scrutiny of the Walz administration&#x27;s oversight of state-run programs and fueled broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about fraud under his watch." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">concerns about fraud under his watch.</a></li></ul>

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

The growing violation rate denies the system toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.

Transit

MnDOT&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-ZPass system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" target="_self">E-ZPass system</a> has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report.Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.Stunning stats: MnDOT estimated that 29% of vehicles using the lanes had neither a passenger nor an E-ZPass tag in FY2024, according to the annual report for that year.<ul><li>But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more recent field observations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" target="_blank">more recent field observations</a> suggest that vehicle &quot;violation rates&quot; have crept up across the system. On I-35W in the south metro, they&#x27;re now pushing past 50%.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-fallback.png" width="1200" height="788"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-apple.png" width="750" height="740"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MnDOT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" target="_blank">MnDOT</a>; Note: Totals from all observation points along each corridor during tolled morning and afternoon commute periods; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Between the lines: The toll lanes&#x27; primary goal isn&#x27;t to make money; it&#x27;s to improve traffic flow during peak times — just like a ramp meter, according to MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.<ul><li>Even with high violation rates, E-ZPass lanes maintain higher traffic speeds than general lanes and reduce trip times by as much as 10 minutes during peak times, according to the latest annual report.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: A February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" target="_blank">report</a> from consulting firm AECOM detailed how MnDOT could use more automated tools — such as license plate readers and passenger-detecting cameras — to reduce E-ZPass violation rates.<ul><li>The report noted that the rollout would be costly — and could face legal hurdles and objections on privacy and civil liberties grounds.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Axios readers come clean on E-ZPass</h2>Axios reader Steven learned his lesson in 2016.<ul><li>While commuting into downtown Minneapolis, he occasionally merged into the E-ZPass lane to cut through the congestion.</li></ul>Finally, a state trooper pulled Steven over and asked why he had no pass. <ul><li>&quot;I matter of factly replied, &#x27;I didn&#x27;t think I would get caught,&#x27;&quot; he told us in an email. &quot;The officer stifled a big laugh.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The Minnesota State Patrol dedicates teams of troopers to E-ZPass enforcement.<ul><li>In 2024, those patrols pulled over nearly 6,000 vehicles, and cited or warned about half of those drivers for tolling violations, Meyer said.</li></ul>&quot;E-ZPass lane enforcement is no joke along 394,&quot; wrote reader Kyle F., who says it&#x27;s typical to see two or three people each week pulled over in the E-ZPass lane.Reality check: Most scofflaws aren&#x27;t caught. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 violators used the lanes every day,<ul><li>&quot;There doesn&#x27;t seem to be any penalties for not being a paid user,&quot; wrote Marg P., who uses an E-ZPass to shorten her drive time to Lino Lakes.</li></ul>Follow the money: Violators are dodging tolls that can jump as high as $8 per trip. (The average is about $1.14.)<ul><li>&quot;It can be expensive on high congestion days,&quot; Teri I. said, &quot;so it sucks getting charged for that convenience and others are jumping in hoping to not get caught.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: Law-abiding E-ZPass users still praise their passes.<ul><li>&quot;Just eases the travel issues significantly!&quot; Rick said, adding that the modest cost is worth it &quot;to gain the ease of driving in that lane when traffic sucks!&quot;</li></ul>

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

François' chef's kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes."

Real Estate

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë François" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" target="_blank">Zoë François</a> just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef&#x27;s kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë Bakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" target="_blank">Zoë Bakes</a>.&quot;

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Senate votes to end ban on mining near the Boundary Waters

The vote was a win for Twin Metals and a loss for conservation advocates.

News

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution Thursday reversing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Biden administration&#x27;s 20-year moratorium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/26/mining-ban-biden" data-vars-content-id="a74a1add-034f-45e2-9038-a041cb098590" data-vars-headline="Senate votes to end ban on mining near the Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/26/mining-ban-biden" target="_self">the Biden administration&#x27;s 20-year moratorium</a> on mining on federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Why it matters: The move removes a significant roadblock to Twin Metals Minnesota&#x27;s long-debated bid to build an underground copper-nickel mine near Ely.

How data centers could help revive downtowns

While data centers are controversial in the suburbs, they're finding a place in downtowns

Data centers have become a point of tension in Twin Cities suburbs, but for downtown developers, they could be a goldmine.Why it matters: The collapse of office tower values has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushed property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" target="_self">pushed property taxes</a> higher for residents. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" target="_self">Data centers</a> could help boost those values again, spur more residential and commercial development and even help heat other buildings.

How a smoky summer may affect health in Minnesota

The smoke has cleared but your lungs may still feel it.

Environment

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfire smoke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/25/canada-minnesota-wildfire-smoke-blame" data-vars-content-id="f3fdeded-2881-4b3f-a325-c69a6ecc5d85" data-vars-headline="How a smoky summer may affect health in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/25/canada-minnesota-wildfire-smoke-blame" target="_self">wildfire smoke</a> has cleared (for now), ending Minnesota&#x27;s longest air quality alert on record.

What the new North Loop Park could look like

Robots, food trucks and green space: North Loop Park plan heads to a vote

A square of land in the North Loop that the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board bought four years ago could soon begin its transformation from a patch of grass to something more. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/06/28/minneapolis-north-loop-pandemic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="79ae0317-05be-4891-ac92-4d74a8be2cee" data-vars-headline="What the new North Loop Park could look like" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/06/28/minneapolis-north-loop-pandemic-recovery" target="_self">booming</a> neighborhood, filled with apartments and condos, has clamored for another park for years. A new concept plan shows what it could look like.

Regional park visits dropped in 2024

Here are the most visited in the Twin Cities last year

Regional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parks in the Twin Cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/21/twin-cities-park-rankings" data-vars-content-id="0c8e75a9-14e6-4f08-a8d9-fb2f79508a84" data-vars-headline="Regional park visits dropped in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/21/twin-cities-park-rankings" target="_self">parks in the Twin Cities</a> welcomed an estimated 65.7 million visitors in 2024, a 5.4% decrease from 2023.Why it matters: It was the first year-over-year decrease in visits since the start of the pandemic, when cooped-up Minnesotans flocked to the outdoors.Yes, but: Some of the decline can be attributed to an increase in severe weather and more rainy days than in 2023, researcher Ismael Ramirez, who coordinates the annual study for the Met Council, said at a meeting this week.How it works: Staff at 132 regional parks, trails and reserves conduct people counts on random days. The Met Council also collects special event attendance and uses previous years&#x27; data.<ul><li>The counts are used to help divvy up regional funding for parks.</li></ul>Between the lines: Though park use fell, trail use held steady at around 20 million visits.<ul><li>The Minnehaha Creek Trail in Minneapolis was the most used, with 2.6 million visits.</li><li>Nine Mile Creek Trail in the west metro and Cedar Lake Regional Trail from Minneapolis to Hopkins each had 1 million visits.</li></ul>Zoom out: At the same time, 2024 was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-breaking year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/visitation-numbers.htm" data-vars-content-id="0c8e75a9-14e6-4f08-a8d9-fb2f79508a84" data-vars-headline="Regional park visits dropped in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/visitation-numbers.htm" target="_blank">record-breaking year</a> for national park visits.

Minneapolis, St. Paul drop in nationwide park rankings

Makers of the ParkScore Index said the shift was due to other cities making improvements.

Minneapolis and St. Paul lost ground in the latest national park rankings, but not because their green spaces got worse.State of play: Minneapolis dropped to third (from second) and St. Paul moved to fifth (from third) in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 ParkScore index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" data-vars-content-id="248da707-5407-4f1c-84af-202919b22ed1" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis, St. Paul drop in nationwide park rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" target="_blank">2025 ParkScore index</a>, an annual ranking from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a pro-park nonprofit.

Minnesota fishing license sales up 10% ahead of May opener

The state ranks fourth in the nation for annual license sales.

Things to Do

Minnesota has sold more than 220,000 fishing licenses this spring, up 10% from this time last year. State of the lines: State officials said Thursday they believe a strong ice fishing season and the early ice out on local lakes has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoorsy Minnesotans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/12/03/minnesota-outdoor-economy-snow-skiing-snowmobiling-rv-fishing-boating" data-vars-content-id="07f51106-5bc0-4ebe-aca8-da871fb37e6d" data-vars-headline="Minnesota fishing license sales up 10% ahead of May opener" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/12/03/minnesota-outdoor-economy-snow-skiing-snowmobiling-rv-fishing-boating" target="_self">outdoorsy Minnesotans</a> excited to get out on the water.

Data centers' water use a concern in Minnesota

The Midwest is a growing data center region thanks to its cool air and abundant water.

Minnesota&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boom in data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" data-vars-content-id="0dfbd9c1-67f7-477f-899b-79383ba23adf" data-vars-headline="Data centers&#x27; water use a concern in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" target="_self">boom in data centers</a> is part of a trend that has big tech companies targeting the Midwest for its cool air and abundant water.Why it matters: Data centers power the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" AI boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="0dfbd9c1-67f7-477f-899b-79383ba23adf" data-vars-headline="Data centers&#x27; water use a concern in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self"> AI boom</a> — but there&#x27;s growing concern about their soaring energy and water demands.

Twin Cities metro fails air pollution report card

Air pollution threatens everyone's health — especially children and seniors.

The Twin Cities metro deserves an &quot;F&quot; grade on key air quality metrics, per a new pollution &quot;report card.&quot;Why it matters: Air pollution threatens everyone&#x27;s health — especially children, seniors and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions.

Minneapolis gardeners may soon need permits for boulevard plots

Currently, they're technically illegal under city code.

Minneapolis may soon require gardeners to get a permit for their planter boxes in the boulevard strip between the sidewalk and street.Why it matters: Raised-bed gardens are already everywhere in Minneapolis, even though city codes don&#x27;t technically allow them.<ul><li>A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ordinance" data-vars-click-url="https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/FileV2/48681/Boulevard-Ordinance-Amendment-Guide-Presentation.pdf" data-vars-content-id="a085df12-2cfa-4220-ab8c-2471f9b99719" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis gardeners may soon need permits for boulevard plots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/FileV2/48681/Boulevard-Ordinance-Amendment-Guide-Presentation.pdf" target="_blank">ordinance</a> before the City Council Thursday would change that.</li></ul>

A bar chart that displays visitor numbers for Twin Cities regional parks in 2024. Minneapolis Chain of Lakes leads with 6.9 million visitors. Central Mississippi Riverfront and Mississippi Gorge each have 3.6 million visitors. The lowest attendance is 1.1 million at Lilydale-Harriet Island and Theodore Wirth parks.