The Jewel of Minneapolis - Mississippi River Gorge

David C. Smith, from a presentation at the Minneapolis Central Library on October 3, 2015.

Many people overlook what a spectacular asset has been preserved for our health and enjoyment. So often the emphasis on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is on reclaiming the river at and above St. Anthony Falls -- and that is an exciting development that is overdue -- but I think we take for granted the truly unique resource that was preserved for us below the falls. I don't know that a similar riverfront exists in an urban environment anywhere else in the world. Come and say "thanks!" with me to some people with extraordinary vision and persistence more than 100 years ago.