"Mill City Museum in Minneapolis is built within the ruins of the world’s largest flour mill along the Mississippi River. "

Recommended For

  • History Buffs: Dive into the city's industrial past and learn how flour shaped Minneapolis.
  • Families: Kids enjoy scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, and engaging field trip programs.
  • Architecture Enthusiasts: Tour a preserved ruin reimagined as a glass-and-brick museum with river views.
  • Curious Travelers: Join unique walking tours like “Disasters of the Riverfront” and “Engineering the Falls.”

Highlights

  • Historic Ruins: The museum is housed in the partially preserved 1880 Washburn A Mill structure.
  • Immersive Tours: Explore Minneapolis’s riverfront history through themed walking experiences.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Local artist displays, video presentations, and hands-on displays for all ages.
  • Educational Outreach: Field trips, scavenger hunts, and youth programs tied to Minneapolis history.

Trail Overview

  • Location: 704 South Second Street, along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.
  • Tour Options: Self-guided or themed tours including Gold Medal Walking, Washburn A Mill, and more.
  • Special Programs: History-themed walks, costumed guides, and seasonal experiences like “Engineering the Falls.”
  • Visitor Access: Open year-round; some tours require advance registration or separate ticketing.

Visitor Tips

  • Start with a self-guided tour to get oriented, then book a themed walk for deeper insight.
  • Don’t miss the museum courtyard—surrounded by the charred walls of the 1991 mill fire.
  • Bring the kids—field trips, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities are designed for younger audiences.
  • Check the website for rotating exhibits and updated tour times before your visit.

Local Vibe

Where rusted steel beams meet sparkling glass, the Mill City Museum stands as a striking symbol of Minneapolis’s resilience and reinvention. Locals love its blend of gritty heritage and polished storytelling. Whether you're tracing the lives of mill workers or admiring the falls that powered an industry, the museum connects the city's past to the present in one beautifully curated riverside space.

Location

Address: 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
Phone: (612) 341-7556
Website: mnhs.org/millcity

Plan Your Trip