As the centerpiece of the revitalization of Minneapolis' historic West Side Milling District, Mill Ruins Park combines an exploration of the history of Minneapolis with present day activities for all ages.
In its 19th-century heyday, this area of mills, canals, tailraces and other historic resources comprised the largest direct-drive water-powered facility in the world and was the leading international producer of flour, a commodity which was shipped both nationwide and worldwide.
This industrial powerhouse was the catalyst for the development of Minneapolis and the birthplace of a number of companies which remain significant to this day, including General Mills, Pillsbury, Washburn Crosby (WCCO), and Xcel Energy.
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park provides areas for picnicking and play.
The park offers direct access to footpaths and bridges that display a unique view of the Mississippi River Gorge, the downtown skyline and the Stone Arch Bridge.
The eight acre park is located at the corner of Main St. SE and 6th Ave. SE. Featuring a covered band stand, the park is a picturesque site for weddings.
A great place to listen to live weekly music events from spring through fall.
Built in 1882-83 by James J. Hill's Minneapolis Union Railway Company, the Stone Arch Bridge is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark.
The bridge provides a link between Father Hennepin Bluffs Park on the east bank, and Mill Ruins Park and West River Parkway on the west bank.
In 1994 the bridge was converted into a pedestrian and bike trail and offers a panoramic view of St. Anthony Falls.
Named winner of 2008 Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests in City Pages' ''Best of the Twin Cities.''
Highlights of Gold Medal Park include:
- Over 300 mature, large-caliper trees planted.
- A landscaped 32-foot high observation mound, with a spiral walkway leading to the top.
- Sweeping, panoramic views of the Mississippi River and architectural and cultural landmarks in the area: the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theater, and the Gold Medal Flour sign.
- Undulating pathways leading through the park mimic the flow of the river and lead park-goers to and from the Riverfront.
The park is a key attraction in the burgeoning Mill District neighborhood, which includes the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, Mill City Farmers Market, MacPhail Center for Music, and Open Book.
Never before has the general public been able to walk on this piece of land and experience the power of the mighty Mississippi River as it flows over St. Anthony Falls. You feel the power of the river, the spray from the falls as you stand on one of the three overlooks with the skyline of downtown Minneapolis in the back round.
Overlooking St. Anthony Falls located on the upper portion of Father Hennepin Island on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis Minnesota. Water Power Park is accessible from Main Street just across from St. Anthony Main. Park in the St. Anthony Falls Ramp and take the connecting tunnel to Main St. and you will find yourself just across the street from Water Power Park.
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have local news or events to share? Contact us.
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 3:29PM | Kim Eslinger After last year's drought, I didn't think I'd say this, but... "Damn you, rain!" (while shaking a fist at the sky). Hopefully the next 20+ Saturdays will be sunny and 75 degrees.
Black Cat Natural Foods cooks up a hearty breakfast.
Yee Xiong joined the market this year, offering dried black beans and soy beans.
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 8:02AM | Kim Eslinger Via a May 16, 2013, Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Inspector's Update email:
A message from Inspector Schafer
All,
Thank you for another great week of hard work and focused enforcement in the First Precinct. We saw a 37% reduction in Part I Crime and almost a 19% reduction in Violent Crime. There are so many significant decreases this week that I am going to only note a few:
• Robbery down 33% - (6)
• Theft down 36% (28) seven of which resulted in an arrest
• Theft from Motor Vehicle was down 80% (3) YES THAT IS 3 INCIDENTS FOR THE ENTIRE PRECINCT; none of which were in the DID
• There were 95 arrests and 150 pro-active stops along the Nicollet Corridor
I could go on and on about the fabulous work going on right now. Your constant presence along the Mall is noticed and making an impact. We will stay the course throughout the summer and WILL move the needle on crime and public safety perception. On another note, I had the opportunity to work with Beat Officer Mercill on the T-3 scooters this past Tuesday. We stopped a number of people on the Mall, made a few arrests, and even had our pictures taken by a number of new visitors to downtown. Thank you to the community for partnering with us to bring about an impressive reduction in crime. I recognize there will be challenges, however I will do my best to help in any way I can.
Keep up the good work!
Respectfully,
See it, Own it, Solve it, Do it!
Inspector Bryan D. Schafer | First Precinct |
Minneapolis Police Department | 19 4th Street North |
Minneapolis, MN 55401 | 612.673.2337 office |
Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 1:00AM | Kim Eslinger This Saturday and Sunday from 1p-5p, experience the 2nd Annual Minnesota Monthly GrillFest® at The Depot.
Taste your way through grilled foods, sample summer wines and specialty beers, enjoy some music. See the hottest grills, gather recipes, and learn how to barbecue like a pro. Get the latest grilling tips at the grilling stage. Find special pricing on grills and products. It all happens indoors and outdoors at The Depot.
Here's a video from the 2012 inaugural GrillFest:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 1:00AM | Kim Eslinger 
The Mill City Summer Opera is bringing five 7:30pm performances of The Barber of Seville to the Mill City Museum's Ruin Courtyard on July 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21. Tickets go on sale May 20 at 12:00am online, at 10:00am by phone (612-341-7582), or in person at the Museum’s ticket desk.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:57AM | Kim Eslinger 
2013 Music & Movies in the Parks Program
More than 250 free outdoor concerts and movies will be hosted in Minneapolis parks this summer as part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Music & Movies In The Parks program.
Music in The Parks
Featuring over 200 free outdoor concerts, the concert schedule features something for every musical taste including Jazz, Latin, Swing, Folk, Rock, Bluegrass, Classical and much more. See and enjoy great local talent in beautiful park settings. The 2013 MPRB summer concert season fills the air with music at five outstanding concert venues running Monday, May 27, 2013 – Monday, September 2, 2013:
Movies In The Parks presented by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express:
If you love movies just as much as you love the outdoors, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Movies in the Parks series is your ticket to cinematic entertainment this summer!
The 2013 Movies In The Parks series presented by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express runs Friday, June 7 through Saturday, August 24. The mobile program takes place Monday through Saturday evenings and will travel to more than 30 parks throughout the summer. Eight new and exciting themes offer films for all movie lovers including New Releases, For the Family, Sci-Fi, Action Adventures, Always Favorites, Minnesota Connections, Black & White, and Comedies. Movies start 15 minutes after sunset.
Music and Movie Combos
On the second Thursday each month, Live on the Drive will present three Viewer’s Choice nights in addition to bringing performances from Bruce Henry Band, The Chastity Brown Band, and Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles.
The fifth installment of the VITA.MN August Music and Movie series will feature four consecutive Friday night events with nationally recognized artists followed immediately by a movie at Lake Harriet Band Shell.
The great tradition of the music-movie combo on Tuesdays at Father Hennepin continues with a movie showing after the concert starting on June 11. The Music and Movie Indigenous Series will be coming back again during the month of August with a concert and movie every Tuesday at Father Hennepin Bluffs reflecting the rich history we have in our community.
Concerts and movies are free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and pack a picnic. And don’t forget bug spray! For the most up-to-date schedules and weather related information, visit www.mplsmusicandmovies.com. You can also follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook. Join us in Minneapolis parks and enjoy a summer filled with sounds and scenes.
Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 7:24PM | Kim Eslinger Mother Nature tested the fortitude of both vendors and shoppers on opening day of the 2013 MCFM. Mill City Museum graciously welcomed as many vendors as they could fit into the corridor inside from the train shed, while the heartiest of souls were outside in Chicago Plaza wind tunnel. All that aside, it was great getting back into the Saturday morning ritual of gathering fresh goodies, food demos, art, music and socializing.
One of the changes to look for at the Market this year is Buffalo By Bike. You'll recognize the friendly face of Nicholas Heimer from the Wild Idea Buffalo stand; and now he'll be supplying their bison meat under his new company, Buffalo By Bike. Below, Nicholas arrives at the Market on his custom-made bike/meat cooler rig.
"Welcome!" to new MCFM vendor, Rochdale Farms! Look for more info on their delicious offerings in a separate Farmers Market blog in the near future.
"Welcome!" to new MCFM vendor, Stone Soup Toys! Look for more info on their cool healthy food-themed toys in a separate Farmers Market blog in the near future.
"Welcome!" to new MCFM art vendor, Ginny Sims! Look for more info on Ginny's ceramic creations (including these funky fermenting crocks) in a separate Farmers Market blog in the near future.
Now that's a market basket! :D
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
