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Historical attractions
Mill Ruins Park
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Get a feel for the historical story behind the Minneapolis area with stops
in these can’t-miss areas:
RIVERFRONT DISTRICT
Ard Godfrey House
This is the oldest frame house in Minneapolis. Built in 1849, this Greek
Revival structure was the family residence for the Maine millwright who
helped build the first dam and sawmills to put the waterpower of the
falls to use.
Mill City Museum
Built within the limestone ruins of the century-old Washburn A Mill,
the museum documents Minneapolis’ rise to the flour milling capital
of the world. It also highlights the lives of the people who worked in
the milling and lumber industry as well as the rise of the city around
it. Take
an interactive ride on the 8-story Flour Tower.
Mill
Ruins Park
The centerpiece of the historic West Side Milling District, this "crown
jewel" of the Minneapolis riverfront is a unique area of 19th-century
mill foundation walls, canals, tailraces and other historic resources.
It celebrates the history of 19th-century ruins long buried beneath many
feet
of gravel and sand.
St.
Anthony Falls Heritage Trail
is a 1.8-mile interpretive loop that crosses the river at the Stone
Arch and Hennepin Bridges. Stepping back into Minneapolis history,
the trail
provides spectacular views of St. Anthony Falls through a series of
self-guided historical markers.
Stone
Arch Bridge
This Minneapolis landmark connects the two sides of the Riverfront
District. Once used by trains carrying freight and passengers, it
is now a walking
and biking path used exclusively for recreation.
The
Depot
The last train left in 1971, but the Milwaukee Road Depot still stands
as a monument. For decades, family members and loved ones stood
at the atrium of the Depot and waved to passengers boarding the trains
of the
Milwaukee Road line. The renovated complex houses 2 hotels, an
indoor
water park,
and an enclosed year-round ice rink.
Read
more on the Mississippi Riverfront
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Pracna |
ST. ANTHONY MAIN
Magical History Tours
Soak in history of the Minneapolis Riverfront area from 10,000 BC to
present atop a 2-wheeled Segway. Guided tours include refreshments and
discounted dining at Pracna and admission to the Mill City Museum.
Nicollet
Island
This island situated in the middle of the mighty Mississippi, is one
of the most historic places in Minneapolis. Home to a good view of the
1858 horseshoe-shaped dam and Stone Arch Bridge, Nicollet Island Pavilion
and
a 19th century residential district with many architectural styles dating
from the 1860's to the 1890's (43 historic homes).
Nicollet
Island Inn
Originally built in 1893 as the Island Sash and Door Company, this
historic building has been converted to a charming Victorian-style
inn.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Built in 1857, this is the oldest Minneapolis church in continuous
use. It was constructed from limestone quarried from Nicollet Island.
Pracna on Main Historic Restaurant
Built as a saloon for the for the Minneapolis Brewing Company, later
Grain Belt Brewery, to sell their beer. Until it closed during
prohibition it was the local watering hole for workers. The new Pracna
on Main
restaurant opened in 1973, introducing a new generation to the
Riverfront.
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Foshay Tower |
MINNEAPOLIS
Basilica of St. Mary
A few blocks from downtown’s Loring Park, you’ll find the 1st
basilica built in the U.S. Recognized as one of the finest examples of
Beaux Arts architecture in the country, the Basilica of St. Mary was constructed
between 1907 and 1915 and honored by Pope Pius XI in 1926. In 1975, the
Basilica was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Bell Museum of Natural History
Explore Minnesota habitats in the treasured diorama halls, hold a live
snake or try on a bighorn antler. Learn about the natural world with
programs for adults and kids.
Foshay Tower
The first skyscraper built west of the Mississippi River and the tallest
building in Minneapolis until 1971, the Foshay Tower was intended as a
tribute to the Washington Monument. The tower’s distinctive obelisk
shape and construction method were patented by Foshay and Minneapolis
architect Gottlieb R. Magney soon after the $3.75 million edifice was
completed in 1929.
Lakewood Cemetery
One this self-guided tour of Lakewood, you will walk through almost
150 years of local history as you read about the people who made Minneapolis
what it is today.
Wells Fargo History Museum
Step off the skyway into Wells Fargo’s storied past. Explore a turn-of-the-century
bank, see an authentic stagecoach and ride a colorful replica.
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Historic Fort Snelling |
ST. PAUL
Alexander Ramsey House
One of the nation's best preserved Victorian-era homes, the Ramsey
House features carved walnut woodwork, marble fireplaces, crystal
chandeliers and many original furnishings.
Great American History Theatre
Since 1978 History Theatre has commissioned nearly 100 plays and musicals,
winning high praise regionally and nationally for its diverse, illuminating
and entertaining shows. Producing plays about Minnesota, the Midwest
and the diverse American experience, the Great American History Theater
tells
stories about real people.
Historic Fort Snelling
The restored fort welcomes you to the 1820s. Soldiers, fur traders, servants,
cooks, tradesmen, officers and laundresses are eager to share their
stories of the development of the U.S. Northwest with you.
James J. Hill House
Tour one of the largest homes on historic Summit Ave. and recall the
powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway.
Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in
the Gilded Age mansion. Completed in 1891, the red sandstone residence
was
the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family.
Minnesota History Center
Explore Minnesota through museum exhibits that feature large-scale objects,
hands-on experiences and multimedia presentations. At the Library uncover
your house's history or trace your family's heritage. Shop in the two
museum stores and take a break at Cafe Minnesota, serving continental
breakfast, weekday lunches and Sunday brunch.
Minnesota State Capitol
The 3rd – and present – Minnesota State Capitol was an ambitious
undertaking for a state such a new state. Channing Seabury, chairman
of the Capitol Commission, broke ground for the new building on May 6, 1896.
After 9 years and a cost of $4.5 million, the building was opened to
the
public on Jan. 2, 1905, one day before the 34th legislature convened.
Minnesota Transportation Museum
Enjoy rides on historic streetcars, trains and visit Minnesota’s first
roundhouse.
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Minnesota Zephyr |
METRO AREA HIGHLIGHTS
Faribault Woolen Mills
Nationally known since 1865. Guided tours of a “fully operational” woolen
mill at 10 am and 2 pm. Features and outlet store across the street.
Blankets and throws at reduced prices, gifts, accessories and apparel.
Historic Murphy’s Landing
Historic village of the 1840s to 1890s depicting 19th-century lifestyles
and narrated by costumed interpreters. Horse-drawn trolleys, restaurant,
mercantile and special events.
Minnesota Zephyr
Enjoy a 1940s upscale dining excursion while winding through the beautiful
St. Croix Valley.
Oliver H. Kelley Farm
A 189-acre living history farm and National Historic Landmark with a
restored 1860s farm program.
The
Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force
Minnesota’s only WWII museum. See history come alive. Seven WWII
aircraft and artifacts. History flights available.
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