Minneapolis Elevation    

Explore the elevation of Minneapolis—standing at 830 feet above sea level along the Mississippi River, this vibrant Midwest hub is a cultural, commercial, and recreational center filled with lakes, parks, and artistic energy in the heart of Minnesota.

Table of Contents

• Where is Minneapolis?
• City Profile
• Elevation Basics
• Must-Know Elevation Facts
• Climate and Tourism

Where is Minneapolis?

• Location: Minneapolis is in eastern Minnesota, positioned on the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Minnesota River.

City Profile

• Nicknames: Part of the Twin Cities alongside Saint Paul.
• Fame: Known for its lakes, green spaces, and progressive cultural scene.
• Population: Approximately 422,000 residents.
• Metro Area: Over 3.6 million in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Size: Covers 58.4 square miles.
• County Seat: Serves as the county seat of Hennepin County.

Elevation Basics

• Original inhabitants: The area was historically home to the Sioux (Dakota) people.
• City founding: Incorporated in 1867, Minneapolis grew rapidly as a transportation and milling center.
• Name origin: Combines the Sioux word "mni" (water) and the Greek word "polis" (city).
• Modern identity: A Midwestern commercial hub with strong roots in music, business, and community.
• Cultural energy: Home to a thriving performing arts scene, including the legacy of Bob Dylan.
• Inclusive environment: Minneapolis hosts one of the largest LGBT communities in the U.S., known for progressive policies.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

• Definition of elevation: Elevation measures a location’s height above sea level and influences climate, weather, and infrastructure.
• City elevation: Minneapolis sits at 830 feet (264 m) above sea level.
• Saint Paul comparison: Slightly higher than neighboring Saint Paul – 795 feet (214 m).
• National & state averages:
  • U.S. average elevation: 2,500 feet (760 m)
  • Minnesota average elevation: 1,200 feet (370 m)
• Highest point in Minnesota: Eagle Mountain – 2,302 feet (701 m), in Cook County.
• Lowest point in Minnesota: Lake Superior – 601 feet (183 m)
• Other cities compared:
  • Rochester: 1,030 feet (314 m)
  • Duluth: 702 feet (214 m)
  • Bloomington: 827 feet (252 m)
  • Brooklyn Park: 869 feet (265 m)
• Relative elevation: Minneapolis is moderately elevated within Minnesota’s relatively flat terrain.