Minneapolis Riverfront District - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Minneapolis Riverfront District - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The oldest district in Minneapolis has a great deal to offer from historical sites to the hip cafe’s and theater.  Walking along the river on the paved walkways will allow you to dream of how things used to be and how things will be in the future. You will enjoy this change of pace setting, whether it is by taking a horse drawn carriage ride or having lunch at one of the restaurants.  Perhaps you want to look over the historical homes and sites of the area, it is all available to you at the Riverfront District.

Here are some ideas for you to see while you are in the area.

The Ard Godfrey house, located in Chute Square, is the oldest surviving frame home in the Twin Cities. Built in 1849, the Greek Revival house was the residence for the Ard Godfrey family. A Maine millwright, he helped build the first dam and sawmills to take advantage of the waterpower of St. Anthony Falls. He was also the first postmaster of the Village of St. Anthony.

Originally built at Main St. and 2nd Ave. SE, the house was moved several times before arriving in Chute Square Park in 1907.

Private tours of the house may be arranged year round through The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis 612-813-5300.

Take the time to explore the many wonderful bridges in the District. Minneapolis has more bridges across the Mississippi River than any other river community, and those bridges represent a fascinating variety of engineering types and materials.

The plaza walkway of the new Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis that has five bronze interpretive exhibits that trace the history of the Mississippi riverfront.

Mill Ruins Park  is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis and is adjacent to St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. It features the historic mill ruins, biking and walking paths, landscaping, raised catwalks, interpretive signs to provide information and guide visitors as they explore the river, and spectacular views of the falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.

On St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail visitors will find plenty of places to stop. Historic streets and buildings now house shops, cafes, and galleries for visitors to explore.