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 Depot Skating Rink |
225 Third Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 375 1700 http://www.thedepotminneapolis... |
When the last train left the Milwaukee Road Depot in 1970, a monstrous structure occupying multiple city blocks was left behind. Seemingly doomed to meet the wrecking ball, the National Register of Historic Places stepped in and declared it a Minneapolis landmark. As the building was being used primarily for overflow parking, ARC Ice Sports & Entertainment, Inc. of McLean, Virginia brought forward a plan for an indoor ice rink and restaurant in 1995. Now there are shops, restaurants, a hotel, a fully enclosed water park and an indoor ice skating rink. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Katy Szapa |
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Twin towers |
300 South 6th St Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 348 3000 http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us |
Amid much controversy, the stylish Hennepin County Government Center opened in 1973. Many citizens and public officials alike felt it was too extravagant for a Minneapolis public building. Architect John Warneke was criticized for his use of certain materials and overall design. Many felt onyx boardroom panels and fragile Swiss tiles on the plazas were too lavish and not very cost effective. The large atrium was deemed poorly planned, as heating and cooling inefficiencies were feared. The twin towers have, however, survived the test of time and the critics grew to love the way the 24-story atrium was constructed to neatly frame the clock tower of the historic Minneapolis City Hall. The exterior purple gray granite, quarried in Ortonville, Minnesota, is the same as that used for City Hall. This, too, was hailed as a stroke of genius on the part of Mr. Warneke. The two plazas, one with a spectacular waterfall and the other with a grassy terrace, are well-liked spots for business types and downtown visitors to enjoy a stroll or an outdoor lunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Josh Crockett |
 Photo: John Watne |
 Photo: Adam Grim |
 Photo: peterrieke  |
 Photo: Arun Yenumula |
 Photo: newhopemom |
 Photo: David Towey |
 Photo: Mike Mueller |
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Nothing else like it |
1011 Washington Ave South, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 215 2575 http://www.loft.org/ |
Begun in an actual loft above a bookstore, The Loft has grown into one of the premier literary centers in the country, with more comprehensive offerings than any other independent organization. With a diverse program of grants and fellowships and a sterling slate of instructors for workshops and courses that vary each season, The Loft has always supported and nurtured the writing community. Now housed in Open Book in downtown Minneapolis, this operation has expanded. The new space includes a room for book clubs to rent with a spacious balcony overlooking downtown, classrooms, writers' studios and access to the Dayton's Performance Hall for visiting author readings and lecturers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home of the Twins & the Vikings |
34 Kirby Puckett Place Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 375 1366 |
Opened in 1982 in downtown Minneapolis, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is now home to the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. The facility has also played host to the World Series, the Superbowl and the NCAA college basketball championships. The retractable/inflatable stadium roof has caused some unusual moments in sporting history, including tears from heavy snow and high winds during football season, and a couple of wild richochets off the ceiling during baseball games. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lacey hanson |
 Photo: Lee Allen |
 Photo: Darrel Dawkins |
 Photo: Andy Wicks |
 Photo: Jadon Ulrich |
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 Photo: d Wang |
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 Photo: John Jones |
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 Photo: Grady / Erika Mutzel |
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 Photo: Craig Robinson |
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 Photo: Erin Lanigan |
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 Photo: psukingsfan |
 Photo: Max Maskevich |
 Photo: Julie Whitney |
 Photo: Rob Monroe |
 Photo: sjasis (Susan Asis) |
 Photo: Matthew Hernandez |
 Learn about the flour milling industry |
704 South Second Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 341 7555 http://www.millcitymuseum.org/ |
Mill City Museum explains the importance of the flour milling industry and gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of flour production in Minneapolis. The museum has recently become a member of the Minnesota Historical Society and has won many awards. It has a café and organises birthday parties with prior notification. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: fiercetigress |
 Photo: Michael Hartford |
 Photo: Amy Sanders |
 Photo: Kari Larson |
 Photo: Mark Vancleave |
 Photo: Todd J. Tubutis |
 Photo: Troy B. Thompson Pho |
 Photo: Zakcq Lockrem |
 Photo: Jill Carpenter |
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 Photo: Pavel Trebukov |
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 Photo: Gillian Wink |
 Photo: Pavel Trebukov |
 Photo: Lisa Tsang |
 Photo: Lisa Tsang |
 Photo: Meredith Westin |
 Photo: Tony Mantovani |
 Photo: Kathleen Dyer |
 Photo: Mike McCarron |
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 Photo: Nichole Smith |
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 Photo: Richard Miller |
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Open & Airy Design |
300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 630 6000 http://www.mpls.lib.mn.us/newc... |
An architecture-buff's dream, this library is an all-purpose learning center and inviting haven for Minneapolis residents and visitors alike. Completed in the spring of 2006, the building immediately garnered rave reviews for its innovative use of light and existing surroundings, making it one of the best examples of the city's varied architectural style. The library itself houses the fourth-largest collection of any metropolitan library in the country, as well as large special collections, public art, and educational centers (it even has its own coffee bar!). Be sure to check out the website for updated classes and activities that keep this public complex bustling year-round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amanda Kovattana |
 Photo: Kitty DuKane |
 Photo: Mitch Rossow |
 Photo: Aneel Gursahaney |
 Photo: Rachael Vilmar |
 Photo: Steve Basile |
 Photo: mwp_42 |
 Photo: David E. Kaplan |
 Photo: Action Sparks |
 Photo: MetaHipster |
 Photo: Doug Smith |
 Photo: teamcrunde |
 Photo: Derek Wolfgram |
 Photo: michelle o |
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Old majestic structure |
350 South 5th St Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 673 3000 http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ |
Visitors to downtown Minneapolis can't help but notice the muscular façade of the Minneapolis City Hall and perhaps wonder about the history behind the old majestic structure. The 16-year project, started in 1889 and completed in 1905, almost bankrupt the city. Once opened, the new municipal building brought Minneapolis notoriety as an emerging major city in the United States. Bigger than it needed to be for the time, the second floor was leased to a chicken hatchery and the basement was home to a horse stable and blacksmith shop. Covering an entire city block, it dominated the Minneapolis skyline for many years. Today, the 345-foot four-faced clock tower, with faces larger than those of Big Ben, still projects a solid, unyielding dignity. A massive statue, Mississippi, Fathers of Waters, carved from the largest block of marble to be produced from the quarries near Carrara, Italy, greets visitors as they enter.A number of renovations have taken place over the years, returning much of the building to its original brilliance. Over time, city and county offices have outgrown this testament to turn-of-century craftsmanship, and most government offices have moved across the street to the 24-story Hennepin County Government Center. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Knodl |
 Photo: Zakcq Lockrem |
 Photo: Dave Harvey |
 Photo: Chris Kelsey |
 Photo: Pete Sieger |
 Photo: Ian Talty |
 Photo: Gail S Connor |
 Photo: Nolan Zaroff |
 Photo: Luke Rohde |
 Photo: Renae Johnson |
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Polished design houses trade |
400 South 4th St Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 321 7101 http://www.mgex.com/ |
In 1881, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce formed an association to help facilitate the buying and selling of wheat, oats and corn. The purpose of this organization was to make sure both parties were arriving at a fair price based on the quality of the product being brought to market. Gaining notoriety and becoming a national force in the growing grain industry, the Chamber of Commerce commissioned the construction of a building in downtown Minneapolis to house the daily activity of the grain business. It was not until 1947 that the building was officially christened the Minneapolis Grain Exchange and commodity trading became a separate entity from the Chamber of Commerce. The building's turn-of-the-century design includes heavy use of stone, brick, marble and ornate wood. The terra cotta ears of corn and stalks of grain on the building's façade are particularly interesting and striking. Tours, including a glimpse of the always-rowdy trading floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jenni ripley |
 Photo: Mamluke |
 Photo: Brian Hayes |
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More Than 40 miles of Bike Trails |
Longfellow House Information Center 4800 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 370 4969 |
With an extensive network of bike paths crisscrossing the city, Minneapolis can't be beat for inner city biking. More than 40 miles of bike trails, most paved and designated solely for bike travel, the Grand Rounds system of parkways provides a complete circle of bike paths from which to view the city. The paths features some great views including Minnehaha Falls, the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis skyline. On the north side, bikers tour Victory Memorial Drive and Theodore Wirth Parkway, then the Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Parkway on the south, and ride along the Mississippi River on West River Road. The Cedar Lake Trail, an abandoned railroad right-of-way running nearly four miles from downtown Minneapolis past Cedar Lake to suburban St. Louis Park, is the most recent addition to this scenic and breathtaking route. Contact the Longfellow House Information Center for additional information and a map of the Grand Rounds Bikeway. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert MacGregor |
 Photo: Robert MacGregor |
 Photo: Mike Ebert |
 Photo: Beth Brooks |
 Photo: STRAWBERRYJ |
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View the final frontier |
300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis Public Library Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 630 6150 / +1 612 630 6155 (Office) http://www.mplanetarium.org/ |
While seated in one of the many interactive seats of the Space and Science Theater, visitors will be whisked away to the outer limits of the galaxy and the universe. The projected simulation of the night sky is crystal clear and the thousands of twinkling stars will quickly make you forget you are actually in the cozy confines of the downtown branch of the Minneapolis Public Library. With countless photographs and drawings on display, as well as multiple interactive exhibits, the planetarium is an astronomy buff's dream come true. Call or visit the Web site for additional facility information and a list of current exhibits, movies and show times. Ticket prices: Ages 12 & under $3; Ages 13 & over $4.50 All ages admitted for $3 on Thursdays Group Reservations $2.50 (groups of 10 or more) Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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"Books come alive" |
1011 Washington Ave South, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 338 3634 http://www.mnbookarts.org |
Whether you are strolling through the exhibit space or browsing through the hand-made paper items in the gift shop, you will find something to make you stop and say "ooh." Anyone who has a love affair with anything paper will want to at least purchase a handmade note card or grab a schedule to see what classes are being offered. Wear your old jeans and shoes that can get wet when you take a class. You will come away with a new appreciation for the history of book-making and the beautiful things that are possible using these art forms. Located in the Open Book literary center, the MCBA's mission is to make sure that no one forgets the joy of touching books. Classes are offered in paper making, binding techniques, printing, and many other varied art forms, and the schedule always includes something for kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeffrey Zwartjes |
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Literary Heaven |
1011 Washington Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 215 2650 http://www.OpenBookMN.org |
The Twin Cites has long been a haven for literary pursuits, from the days of F. Scott Fitzgerald to Garrison Keillor. After much anticipation, finally there is a central hub for the many spokes of the literary community, the first center of its kind in the nation. In a thoughtfully renovated warehouse, Open Book houses the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, The Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Editions, and Ruminator Books. The building also offers meeting spaces, Dayton's Performance Hall, and The Coffee Gallery. All this in a great space that was built with books in mind. Notice the main staircase; the white panels are meant to emulate the pages of an open book. The old warehouse can still be seen in some places, as the architects left old stairways, wallpaper, and doorways intact. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea |
 Photo: lookoutgiantsquid |
 Photo: Tobias Carroll |
 Photo: Jodi Chromey |
 Photo: a:yu |
 Photo: Tony Tallent |
 Photo: beanstealer |
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Panoramic view |
1 Portland Ave Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 333 5336 |
Located at the start of Portland Avenue South, the Observation Deck of the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam provides perhaps the best panoramic view of the Falls of St. Anthony. Visitors who visit the deck when the winter snows are melting, adding to the flow of the river, will witness the tremendous force of water that amazed the early settlers. Even the normal flow of the river and its awesome power around the falls and the Lock and Dam is breathtaking.Finished in 1963, the Upper Lock is the last of 29 locks and dams built between Minneapolis and St Louis. These engineering wonders form a 'ladder,' lifting and lowering boats as they navigate the river. Via this series of locks and dams, Minneapolis is linked with the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as the Ohio and Missouri River systems. If you are fortunate, on the day of your visit you may see this lock and dam in operation, allowing a Mississippi River barge to bypass the roaring falls. Lock and Dam #1, located downstream, provides another excellent view of the river and the lock and dam operation. Review © 2007, Wcities |