Minneapolis grew up around flour mills along the Mississippi near St. Anthony Falls and was known as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World” from approximately 1880 to 1930. At its peak, the Washburn A Mill, site of the Mill City Museum, was the most technologically advanced and largest in the world and could grind enough flour in a day to make 12 million loaves of bread.
Mill City Museum is a wonderful multi-sensory attraction for all ages located in a national historic site. It is one of the first places we bring visitors to give them a sense of the origins of Minneapolis and its world-wide significance 100 years ago… and for wonderful river views in the heart of the city.
I grew up on a wheat farm, and this is where the wheat was shipped to help feed the flour capital of the world.
There are many things to explore at this adventure for the senses, with many signature experiences included in your admission ticket, including…
- The hands-on baking and water labs are hits for all ages, as is the observation deck.
- The popular 8-story flour tower is a very creative way to safely view the inner workings of the mill. Climb aboard the giant elevator to travel through eight levels of the building and back through time, as you experience the sights and sounds of the workers and machines that made Minneapolis the flour milling capital of the world.
- I love the film ‘Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat!’… don’t miss it, tucked into what was once the mill’s West Engine House. This quirky documentary by local humorist Kevin Kling gives a whirlwind tour of the origins of our city, and describes characters ranging from the mighty and powerful to the notorious and entertaining. Both humorous and heartfelt, it captures the essence of Minneapolis. In Kling’s own words, “A city lives through its people and its spirit is housed in their stories.”
And don’t miss the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
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