Kim Eslinger
Editor
612-321-8040
kim@millcitymedia.org

David Tinjum
Photographer
612-321-8020
dave@millcitymedia.org 

Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service.  We do not sell advertising on this site.

Mill Ruins Park

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.

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Father Hennepin Park

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.

More info...

Stone Arch Bridge

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.''

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Gold Medal Park

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.

More info...

Water Power Park

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.

More info...

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Recent News
Friday
Jul062012

Heat Index Update from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board

Via a July 6 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Friday Heat Update: Recreation Centers Close, Programs Cancel as Heat Index Reaches 105

With the heat index reaching 105 degrees once again Friday afternoon, recreation centers without air conditioning have been closed and their programs have been canceled as of approximately 3 p.m. Park visitors are encouraged to cool off at one of 18 air-conditioned recreation centers, 12 beaches, 65 wading pools and two water parks within the Minneapolis Park System.

When heat indices rise above 100 degrees, recreation centers and programs within Minneapolis parks are monitored and closed or canceled, if needed, for public safety.

For beach, pool and water park locations and information, visit the Water Recreation page online.

To learn more about activities, events and facilities that may be impacted by the weather, sign up to receive Park Board email updates.

Recreation Centers
The park system has 18 recreation centers with air conditioning. For the public’s safety and per its policy, the Park Board closes and cancels programming at 29 recreation centers when the heat index reaches 105 degrees.

  • Recreation Centers with Air Conditioning: East Phillips, Farview, Folwell, Kenwood, Longfellow, Lynnhurst, North Commons, Phillips, Powderhorn, Windom NE, Bottineau, Elliot, Matthews, Windom South, Lake Hiawatha, Loring, Northeast and Webber.
  • Recreation Centers without Air Conditioning: Armatage, Audubon, Brackett, Bryant Square, Central, Corcoran, Creekview, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fuller, Harrison, Hiawatha School, Keewaydin, Kenny, Linden Hills, Logan, Luxton, Lyndale Farmstead, McRae, Morris, Nokomis, Painter, Pearl, Peavey, Pershing, Sibley, Stewart, Waite, Whittier and Van Cleve.

Rec Plus Childcare
The Park Board’s childcare program at 14 recreation centers is expected to continue with site hours modified as needed and activities moved as needed to buildings or field trip locations that are air conditioned. All outdoor trips have been modified, cancelled or rescheduled. Rec Plus families will be notified of changes.

Youth Sports
When the heat index reaches 105 degrees, the Park Board cancels youth sports games and notifies teams of cancellations.

Adult Sports
The Park Board does not cancel adult sports games, however, teams can choose to forfeit at their discretion. Adult sports teams and players are advised to take caution and follow heat safety guidelines when playing.

Outdoor Music and Movies in the Parks
At this time, outdoor concerts and movies have not been canceled. Visit http://www.mplsmusicandmovies.com/ or the Music and Movies in the Park facebook page for updates.

Other Park Facilities
Trails, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, etc. remain open during exceptionally hot days. Park patrons visiting these facilities are advised to take caution and follow heat safety guidelines.

Heat Safety Tips
The Park Board encourages park users to continue to use parks and trails safely in the excessive heat. To stay safe during exceptionally hot days, follow these safety tips:

  • Stay Hydrated – drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Stay Informed – Check local news for extreme heat alerts and forecasts. Learn the symptoms of heat sickness. Sign up to receive Park Board email updates about activities, events and facilities that may be impacted by the weather.
  • Signs of Heat Sickness – Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat sickness. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: heavy sweating, weakness, weak pulse, fainting, vomiting, and cool, pale, clammy skin. Heat stroke symptoms include: body temperature 103 degrees or higher, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness, and hot, dry skin.
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