YES! There is a local Arduino Group here in the Twin Cities. I'm one of the organizers and we have been running it since last June. Details can be found at:
We meet the first thursday of each month, both for networking and presentations. We also have hackfests every quarter. Hope to see you at our next meeting on January 3rd, 2013.
Additionally, join our discussion at:
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/arduino-mn
Thanks,
Justin