July 14, 2019, Sunday - Historic East Hennepin Walking Tour

Time: 10:00am – 11:15am

Location: Main Street & East Hennepin Ave (Riverplace Corner)

Preserve Minneapolis presents: Historic East Hennepin Walking Tour

The bustling commercial district surrounding East Hennepin Avenue has hosted many names throughout the years, but everyone knows its unforgettable landmarks...Surdyk's, Kramarczuk's, Historic Main Street, and Lourdes Church.

Located across the Hennepin Bridge from Downtown, this neighborhood was originally established in 1855 as the Town of St. Anthony Falls and later merged with The City of Minneapolis in 1872. Its proximity to the Mississippi River, Downtown, the University, and Northeast Minneapolis have made it an influential hub for transit, industry, and commerce. The last decade has brought dramatic change and the area around East Hennepin is now considered one of the trendiest and most exciting places in Minneapolis to eat, shop, and live. Fortunately, the area has managed to maintain its old-world flavor to this day.

Join us for a “behind-the-scenes” history of the busy streets, unique businesses, and colorful people that have shaped this popular walking neighborhood. Hear amazing stories told from the perspective of individuals who have lived and worked here, through good times and bad. Come away with perspectives on what life and work here might have actually felt like throughout this neighborhood’s most defining eras.

Please note that this tours ends at the Ard Godfrey House, which is a short, 5-minute walk from the starting location.

This tour will walk approximately 1.5 miles. The tour is ADA accessible.

Scott Parkin is a residential realtor with a storefront office right along the tour route. He is the past president of the NE Mpls Business Association and has been active in the development and business community along East Hennepin Ave since 1993.

Michael Rainville, Sr. is a 5th generation resident of NE Minneapolis. He is a graduate of DeLaSalle High School and St. Thomas and Notre Dame Universities. He has worked for the Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association for 34 years, watching the city evolve.