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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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NCED's Sip of Science Series Returns September 12

Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 2:00AM |

Kim Eslinger

Here's something cool to check out. The National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED) will resume their monthly Sip of Science series on Wednesday, September 12, at the Aster Cafe. :)

September 12th SIP Of SCIENCE:

A "Monkeyface" mussel, native to Minnesota

Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered animal groups in North America, but the role of these mollusks in freshwater ecosystems, including our own Mississippi River, is vital to the survival of other animals and to the stability of the food chain. Freshwater mussels improve water quality in rivers and streams, allowing greater light penetration for algae and other organisms to grow, and they act as excellent indicators of environmental changes. Mussels have mutually beneficial relationships with many species of fish, providing them with nutrients that benefit other animals and humans who eat the fish.

Join mussel researcher Mark Hove in a discussion of these aquatic creatures, including the curious strategies native mussels employ to successfully reproduce, how mussels help not only rivers but people, the anthropogenic impacts on mussels, and mussel conservation.

About our speaker:

Mark Hove learned about mussels while getting his MS in Fisheries Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and his recent research has focused on freshwater mussel conservation and habitat, as well as approaches to identifying juvenile freshwater mussels recovered from infested fishes. He currently works as a malacologist at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College.

A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum in which researchers pair with musicians, artists and storytellers to put science in context through storytelling.

This talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Cafe || Food and Drink Available for Purchase

A SIP OF SCIENCE - The Surprising Life of Native Mussels

Dr. Jessica Kozarek, Research Associate, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Wednesday, September 12th, 5:30p.m. Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis, No cover

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