I spent a beautiful afternoon exploring the Mills District in downtown Minneapolis. The neighborhood is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River and is the historical and cultural center of Minneapolis. Beginning in the early 19th century it was home to industrial mills and corporate powerhouses such as General Mills and Pillsbury – making Minneapolis the largest producer of flour in the world. Today, many of the abandoned mills have been transformed into luxury loft apartments and offices. Parks and trails surround the historic mill ruins and is a popular place to enjoy running, biking, and community events.
The Guthrie Theater designed by architect Jean Nouvel:
The “Endless Bridge” is a 178 ft cantilevered bridge and observatory facing the Mississippi:
A view of Stone Arch Bridge, a pedestrian and bike trail that connects the east and west banks of the Mississippi River:
The bridge was built in 1882 by James J. Hill’s Minneapolis Union Railway Company:
Walking across Stone Arch Bridge, we enjoyed a view of St Anthony Falls on the Mighty Mississippi and the Minneapolis skyline from the opposite end of Stone Arch Bridge.
This way to Dinkytown, a popular area in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood for restaurants, bars, and local businesses along the north side of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities East Bank campus:
The Pillsbury A-Mill, completed in 1881, was owned by Pillsbury and held the title of largest flour mill in the world for 40 years. The mill still stands today on the east side of the Mississippi River, and is currently undergoing renovations to transform the abandoned mill into live/work artist lofts. The exterior of the mill, including the silos, will stay intact to preserve the historical architecture of the building.
