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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

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.

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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.

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Community Cornerstone

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Konkurs Pieczenia - New Baking Contest at the August 11-12 Twin Cities Polish Festival

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 4:01AM |

Kim Eslinger

Konkurs Pieczenia – A Polish Pastry Baking Contest
in the Heart of the Historic Minneapolis Milling District

Love to bake? Showcase your baking prowess at the Konkurs Pieczenia – Polish Baking Contest, a new event at the Twin Cities Polish Festival August 11-12, 2012. This contest is open to everyone (you don’t have to be Polish or live in Minnesota to enter)!

Marcia Novak, Director, Sponsorship Marketing & Promotion for the Twin Cities Polish Festival, provided us with an overview of the event.

In this Konkurs Pieczenia, bakers will compete in three categories of traditional Polish pastries:

Makowiec - A sweet bread, rolled up jelly-roll fashion, with a poppy seed filling.
Kolaczki - A delicate cookie-like pastries traditionally filled with fruit, poppy seed or sweet cheese fillings.
Babka- A sweet, rich leavened cake traditionally baked in a classic Babka or other fluted pan.

“Every year we’ve added a new activity to the Festival. Since Poland is known for its hospitality and love of good food, hosting a Polish pastry contest, seemed like a natural fit.” commented Ed Rajtar, Festival co-chair. I have personally sampled many delicious Babka and other pastries served at holidays, family parties and bake sales. So, I know firsthand there are many excellent bakers in the area,” he added with a grin.

Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category. Contestants may enter all three categories, but are allowed only one entry per category. Entry forms must be postmarked by Tuesday, August 7. Contest rules and entry forms are posted on the Twin Cities Polish Festival website.

The Twin Cities Polish Festival, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) created to bring Minnesotans of all nationalities together to experience a world-class celebration of Polish culture and heritage in the Twin Cities.

The festival is held across from Riverplace and St. Anthony Main on SE Main Street. It is open 10:00am–10:00pm on Saturday, August 11, and 11:00am-6:00pm on Sunday, August 12. Admission is free.

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