Minneapolis Riverfront

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Historical

Flour mill ruins

The Minneapolis Riverfront District is the oldest section of the city. History is around every corner. You can practically hear the horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down the cobblestone streets.

The area is loaded with historical attractions, activities and educational opportunities. Just a simple stroll through the Riverfront is a historical experience.

Ard Godfrey House is the oldest frame house existing in Minneapolis. Ard Godfrey helped build the first dam and saw mill in St. Anthony in 1848. Open June 1 through September 30, Friday through Sunday, noon to 3:30 p.m. Admission free.

Bridges of the Riverfront District connect the city and celebrate a rich history and cultural heritage of Minneapolis. 2005 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of a suspension bridge from Nicollet Island to what is now the downtown side of the Mississippi River at Hennepin Avenue.

Federal Reserve Bank Plaza was completed with the installation of five bronze interpretive exhibits that trace the history of the Mississippi riverfront. Designed by Helmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, St. Louis, the exhibits were fabricated by Gruppo Inc., Minneapolis.

Mill City Museum is housed within century-old ruins along the west side of the river. Bring the kids and check out exciting and experiential historical attractions like the 8-floor 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.

St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a 1.8-mile interpretive loop that crosses the river at the Stone Arch Bridge. Stepping back into Minneapolis history, the trail provides spectacular views of St. Anthony Falls through a series of self-guided historical markers.