I am from Minneapolis.
What are the best resources I have, from my city, that I can use to learn about its history?
I'm interested in materials that are beyond just "books about Minneapolis" at a library.
Are there departments at local universities I should look at? Which ones are the best to pursue?
I've been making it my goal to learn as much as I can about Minneapolis history. It was never touched on in my public schooling, but I want to learn more.
Any general tips on where to get good information on one's city would be greatly appreciated.
A local historical society is always an excellent place to learn more about the specific history of a town (or county, or region). You're probably more likely to find exhibitions about Minneapolis itself at the Hennepin History Museum - I can't seem to find a Minneapolis HS - and they will probably have other archival sources for you to look at on a research visit, if you ask.
You might also check Arcadia Publishing - their "Images of America" series is a well-known publisher of short, well-illustrated books on local history topics. They will likely have a number of books on various aspects of a large metropolis like the Twin Cities.
You'll want to look into the Minnesota Historical Society, particularly the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul.
The History Center has an extensive library. And, though I haven't been there in a while, last time I was there it had very helpful and knowledgeable librarians.
Despite being in Saint Paul, I don't think any library in Minneapolis is going to be able to match it for the depth of resources about Minneapolis history.