EAPO NN L I IS Help celebrate its birth Endless reasons to visit the M

S and other significant anniversaries L Minneapolis Riverfront District E A S I Q N U N ICENTE History Visit Minneapolis’ birthplace ++ Track the founding and growth of Minneapolis and its glory days as the flour milling capital of the world while visiting the on the , , First Bridge Park, Walking tour map inside Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam visitor center, Federal Reserve Bank Plaza, Whitney Plaza, Milwaukee Depot and Water Power Park. ++ Explore the beautiful St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail on a self-guided walking tour. Historical Society First bridge to cross the Mississippi River, at what is now ++ Visit the restored Ard Godfrey house, , shown in 1868 the oldest home in Minneapolis. ++ Experience the power of St. Anthony Falls from the Learn about the role Minneapolis played in the creation magnificent Stone Arch Bridge. Minneapolis grew up of the State of Minnesota 150 years ago and many other around the power of the falls. riverfront “firsts” that have impacted the world. Culture and entertainment Did you know? ++ Take in performances at two Tony Award-winning Minneapolis -- The first permanent bridge ever built across the theaters — the Guthrie and Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Mississippi River (shown above) opened in 1855 at ++ See cutting-edge art at the Soap Factory. what is now Hennepin Avenue, a popular crossing ++ Revel in the literary arts at the Open Book. point for American Indians for hundreds of years. ++ Enjoy a movie, live music or some comedy. -- The first man-made dam across the Mississippi was completed in Minneapolis in 1858 to divert water Food and shopping into millponds on each side of the river. ++ Savor the cuisine at an outstanding restaurant. -- The first central hydroelectric plant in the nation was ++ Sip a cocktail on an outdoor patio. built in Minneapolis in 1882. ++ Explore the fascinating shops in Northeast and the North Loop. -- The first and only stone arch bridge ever built across Parks and recreation the Mississippi was built in 1883 in Minneapolis. ++ Walk, bike or blade miles of trails. -- Minnesota’s first presidential nominating convention ++ Find out why this special area is a national park and was held in the Industrial Exposition Building in earn your Junior Ranger badge. Minneapolis in 1892. ++ Take in the sights on the Minneapolis Queen excursion boat, a -- Minneapolis’ flour milling Twin Cities Trolley ride or a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. industry brought about many ++ Explore the district on a Segway tour. marketing firsts, including the ++ Ice skate at the historic Depot Ice Rink. first radio cooking show ++ Relax and admire scenic views of the river, the downtown (Betty Crocker, starting in skyline and the historic district from the Riverfront parks. 1924) and the first radio jingle ++ Celebrate with one of the many festivals, events song in 1926 (“Have You or fireworks displays. Tried Wheaties?”). Courtesy of the General Mills Archives Information To learn more about the birthplace of Minneapolis, ++ For things to do in the Minneapolis Riverfront District, visit www.stanthonyfalls.org. visit www.minneapolisriverfrontdistrict.com. To learn more about Minneapolis’ 150th anniversary, + Information hotline: (612) 673-5123 visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/150. + & the River The East Side Nicollet Island first served as a stepping A commercial area for the early com- The long-gone but impressive Block – the oldest surviving brick Minneapolis riverfront, recognized for stone for crossing the river. Today, it is a munity, the Northeast and Southeast 3 Industrial Exposition structure in Minneapolis. its significance as the birthplace of the charming neighborhood of rehabilitated areas once again bustle with shops, Building (1886-1930s) was the site Pillsbury Company and the largest flour The power of St. Anthony Falls historic homes and historic industrial restaurants and galleries. The historic of Minnesota’s first presi- mill in the world when it was built in 1881. first was harnessed for buildings that have been preserved for Ard Godfrey House (1849) is dential nominating It was also the first mill in the world to 1 sawmilling, and for new uses. The island is a treasury of the oldest frame house remaining in the convention, the 1892 install electric lights. many years Min- residential architectural styles that were city and was the location for many meet- Republican Conven- 7 The Soap neapolis was the popular in the late 19th century. ings that tion (the only presi- Factory, an art gallery specializing lumber milling helped dential convention in cutting-edge visual arts, is housed in capital of the shape the held in the state the historic National Purity Soap Factory nation. Flour mills new com- until 2008). building and is one of the many riverfront later supplanted munity of organizations celebrating an important In the city’s early the sawmills, and the St. An- anniversary this year. years, historic Minneapolis riverfront thony. The Main Street was grew into the largest direct- 8 Father Hennepin Bluffs house is 4 Oxcarts on Main Street, 1854 part of the Red River oxcart Minnesota Historical Society drive waterpower operation Park is one of many riverfront park

Minnesota Historical Society open for trail that brought trade the world has ever seen. areas owned by the Minneapolis Park Stone Arch Bridge, 1900 tours on goods from northern Minnesota to the This flour milling was the world’s first and Recreation Board. It is believed to be weekends The magnificent Stone Arch boat landings in Saint Paul in exchange industrial-scale food processing and where Father became 1 from Bridge is the first and only stone arch for manufactured goods. The restaurants made Minneapolis the flour milling the first white man to see the falls while May 31 to Communications City of Minneapolis, bridge to cross the Mississippi River. It Our Lady of Lourdes, 2007 in Riverplace and St. Anthony Main capital of the world from 1880 to 1930. traveling with the Dakota in 1680. Today Aug. 31. was an engineering achievement when occupy historic rehabilitated commercial The limestone the park’s band shell features summer 2 Our Lady of Lourdes completed as a railroad bridge in 1883 and industrial buildings. The handsome Pillsbury A Mill is one music. The lower portion of the park Church, built in 1857, is the oldest 6 (another 125th anniversary!). For more Martin-Morrison Blocks of two National Historic offers a view of the only remaining continuously operating church in Min- 5 information about the Stone Arch Bridge (1858) date from the city’s early Landmarks on the segment of the waterfall ledge that has neapolis and this year will celebrate a and the many other fascinating bridges years, as does the 1855 Upton not been covered by a concrete apron. major renovation. across the Mississippi in Minneapolis, The Park Board, many of whose original visit www.mrdbridges.com. founders were riverfront businessmen, also celebrates an important anniversary The waterfall now known as St. Anthony Northeast Southeast in 2008 (Congratulations on 125 years!). Falls held spiritual power for American Indians who lived in this area for millen- 3 existing nia. It was the hydropower potential of those falls that attracted white settlers to 3 former location East Side this point on the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century. Learn how water can 2 create power and the riverfront’s long 1 role in supplying hydropower at Water 6 Power Park, 2 where you can get 3 a close-up view of the falls. 5 7 4 The 3 horseshoe dam you can Nicollet Island see in the river today is the successor to 8 the rock-filled, timber-crib dam that was & the River completed in 1858. This cooperative effort of the milling companies on both 2 sides of the river was the first man-made dam across the Mississippi. It channeled 3 1 the water into millponds on each side of the river. 3 1 4 5 4

The Minneapolis Riverfront The Minneapolis Riverfront District is the 8 3 existing birthplace of Minneapolis and a powerful place of many firsts that affected the state, Nicollet Island & the River 3 former location nation and world. Tour the district to learn 2 more about these significant births and firsts and see some of the sites that tell these stories. The heart of the tour is the 1 1.8-mile St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail, which guides you through the heart of 3 the city’s birthplace with markers explaining how Minneapolis was born and grew 3 1 around the waterpower of St. Anthony Falls. 4 5 How is a city born? The birth of Minneapolis cannot be traced to any single event. American Indians have inhabited the area long before Europeans arrived. White settlement around 2 8 7 St. Anthony Falls began on the east side of the river with the founding of St. Anthony in 1849. The west side was not opened to settlement by the federal government until a few years later. The name “Minneapolis” was chosen in 1852, and the community of Minneapolis was incorporated as a town in 1856. The Minneapolis West Side town government was formally organized on July 20, 1858, 150 years ago. In 1872, the communities that shared St. Anthony Falls merged into a combined city 6 under the Minneapolis name. North Loop Mill District Base map © Hedberg Maps, Inc. Birth Place & First Place

The West Side Plaza, five bronze models illustrate how ic Milwaukee Depot complex has hotels, the Bridge Square area has evolved from a water park, historical displays and a Explore the North Loop’s wide variety pre-settlement days to today. winter indoor skating rink. The MacPhail If you’d like to learn more of shops, restaurants and galleries. The Center for Music offers classes and about the birth Theatre de la Jeune Lune offers a year- of the City of Minneapolis performances. The renowned Guthrie round season of plays known for their at St. Anthony Falls Theater’s founding 45 years ago was the visual uniqueness. on the Mississippi River, birth of the regional theater movement, visit www.stanthonyfalls.org. The first permanent span across the and its architecturally stunning three- Mississippi River opened in Minneapolis theater complex (including the views in 1855. A wooden suspension bridge from its “endless bridge”) is open to both The dramatic Mill City Museum was built crossing from Nicollet Island to the ticket-holders and the general public. within the fire-damaged walls of the 1880 downtown side of the river supplemented 6 Open Book is the first facility in 7 Washburn Crosby “A” Mill, an earlier bridge from Main Street to the the nation devoted to the literary arts which is the birthplace of General Mills island to complete the full span. Today Minnesota Historical Society and offers classes and special events at and one of two National Historic Land- Tepees around Stevens House, 1854 Minnesota Historical Society you can visit 1 First Bridge Park Base of the Bridge Square Light Mast,1883 the Loft Literary Center and Minnesota marks on the Riverfront. The museum (under the current Hennepin Avenue The first white settler’s house built on the Center for Book Arts. offers year-round adventures, including The nation’s first central hy- Bridge) to see the foundations of the first Minneapolis side of the river was the 5 performances by costumed History droelectric station was built in two suspension bridges and learn more John H. Stevens House, Players. General Mills was an innovator 4 Minneapolis in 1882. In 1883, the instal- about these crossings that made Min- built by ferry operator Stevens in 1849 in both milling technology and marketing. lation of a 257-foot-high electric light neapolis a gateway to the west. The area near Hennepin Avenue. Today the house At Mill Ruins Park, you can still see – and mast in Bridge Square demonstrated the that grew up around this important first resides in Minnehaha Park and you learn more about – some of the founda- value of lighting city streets with this new bridge became known as Bridge Square can visit it on summer weekends and tions remaining from the row of mills that technology. and was the location of the 2 first holidays to learn about the important role once stood between the plank-covered town council meeting in 1858. In the house and the Stevens family played The Mill District is a growing neighbor- west side waterpower canal Minnesota Historical Society 8 the 3 Federal Reserve Bank in the birth of the community. hood with delights for visitors. The histor- Wheaties Quartet ,1926 (built in 1857) and the river. Solstice River XII: Bridging the Cycles of Life River Quest 2008 Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. Stone Arch Bridge www.minneapolisparks.org (612) 313-7793 events sampler globalsiteperformance.org (612) 788-2349 Explore the birthplace of Minneapolis and help create a river- Celebrate the Mississippi River on the longest day of the year. Come to focused treasure the historic Stone Arch Bridge and watch as it comes alive with colorful map. Pick a dancers. This year’s event acknowledges the life cycles of bridges and theme, determine The Soap Factory History Room a route and create April 19 to October 4 people, recognizing the 125th birthday of the Stone Arch Bridge and the tragedy of the I-35W Bridge collapse. We will pay tribute to the 13 clues to lead your The Soap Factory, 518 Second Street SE individuals who died and their families. The performance begins at 8 friends and family www.soapfactory.org (612) 623-9176 p.m. and concludes as the sun sets. This is an excellent family event. on a journey to 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of No Name Exhibitions and The Soap Wheelchair accessible. FREE. reveal the gems of Factory. Throughout the year Andy Sturdevant will curate a history room the riverfront. For for the building with artists who have exhibited at their facilities over the House to House and Falls to Falls Bike Tour adults or families past 20 years. FREE. Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m. with children Meet at the Ard Godfrey House located in Chute Square ages 9 and up. Big Top Chautauqua presents Reservations

www.minneapolisparks.org (612) 313-7793 CPED City of Minneapolis, required. “Old Minnesota: Song of the North Star” Visit the historic 1848 Ard Godfrey House on the east bank and then the statehood sesquicentennial musical bike south along the Mississippi River to visit the first home built on Saturday, May 10, 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 11, 7 p.m. the west bank, the 1849 John Stevens House, now located in Minnehaha Little House on the Prairie –World Premier Musical July 26 to October 5 Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Avenue Park. Both homes played important roles in the early history of St. www.hennepintheatredistrict.com (612) 673-0404 Anthony and Minneapolis. Bring or buy lunch at Minnehaha Falls. Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South www.ticketmaster.com Cost $10. Reservations required. www.guthrietheater.org (612) 377-2224 Travel back down the river of time with Warren Nelson and the The Guthrie Theater, started in 1963 by Sir Tyrone Guthrie as the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. From the native people to the Happy Birthday! Celebration birthplace of the regional theater movement, continues its tradition early European immigrants, from the Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. as a birthplace/first place with its debut of the new musical Little falls of St. Anthony to the waters Mill City Farmers Market, House on the Prairie. Check the Guthrie Web site for ticket prices of Duluth, celebrate with us as Chicago Avenue Mall at Second Street South and performance dates. Minneapolis and Minnesota turn www.millcityfarmersmarket.org (612) 341-7580 150. Original music and hundreds Target Aquatennial Fireworks of large-screen historic images will In the Saturday, July 26, 10 p.m. birthplace entertain all ages. Come one and www.aquatennial.com www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/150 of the come all to the birthday party of the Fireworks have been a riverfront tradition since July 4, 1856. century! Tickets $26, $20 and $16. Minneapolis milling Watch the skies over the riverfront come alive with the industry Aquatennial’s spectacular annual Target Fireworks Show, which this th Historic Main Street Walking Tours another year will celebrate the 150 birthday of the City of Minneapolis! Various dates and times, June to September first was Meet at Pracna Restaurant, 111 Main Street SE born: the Founders’ Fest www.millcitymuseum.org (612) 341-7555 first farmers Monday, September 1, noon to 4 p.m. Tour Minneapolis’ oldest neighborhood with a Mill City Museum market in John Stevens House, Minnehaha Park, 4801 Minnehaha Ave. guide, who will describe life in the town of St. Anthony 150 years ago. the Twin www.johnhstevenshouse.org (612) 722-2220 Tickets $12, $10 and $8. Cities The Stevens House will celebrate the founding of Minneapolis with to focus live music by Amador Hill, vintage games and toys, storytelling, a Sesquicentennial Stamp Dedication Ceremony on local, vintage general store and more! Expect a visit from Gideon Pond, Saturday, June 14, 11:30 a.m. organic and early missionary to the Dakota Indians, who will be greeted by John Ard Godfrey House, Chute sustainable H. Stevens himself (as re-enacted by Jay Ludwid and Rick Hagen). Square, University and Central foods. Admission is FREE. Refreshments available for purchase. www.ardgodfreyhouse.org Come celebrate the (612) 813-5319 For more events, intersection This special Flag Day ceremony gives of the city’s check out the Web sites shown, you an opportunity to get a “Second past and the Market Mill City Farmers visit www.livetheriver.org Day” statehood sesquicentennial stamp future of local food in the heart of the Mill District. Visit the market for or call the at the home of the first postmaster of breakfast and groceries, take in the birthday-themed cooking demo, then Minneapolis Riverfront District St. Anthony, Ard Godfrey. The house tour the Mill City Museum for a taste of the past! will ) be open for tours until 4 p.m. Hotline at (612) 673-5123. Woman’s Club of Minneapolis Woman’s