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Walk along the historic Mississippi River where dramatic mill ruins meet the modern Minneapolis skyline on this self-guided audio tour. Using a GPS app, you will follow a walkable riverfront route as history comes alive. Experience Saint Anthony Falls and see how this working landscape built the city.
You’ll pass iconic landmarks including the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theater, Mill Ruins Park, and the Mill City Museum. Along the way, explore how Minneapolis became the flour-milling capital of the world and uncover the dramatic story of the 1878 Washburn A Mill explosion.
Explore at your own pace—pause for photos, grab a drink, or linger at viewpoints. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group.
This is a self-guided experience with no in-person guide. Download the tour in advance to use it anytime. It works offline and follows your location along the route.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Gold Medal Park can be found on the south bank of the Mississippi River in Downtown East, between West River Parkway and South 2nd Street.
The viewpoint for Saint Anthony Falls in Water Power Park is near the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant on Southeast 3rd Avenue.
Itinerary
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1Historic Stone Arch Bridge
Walk across this majestic 19th-century railroad bridge to enjoy some of the most panoramic views of the Minneapolis skyline and the roaring Mississippi River below. Its unique limestone and granite arches make it an architectural marvel and the perfect vantage point for capturing the essence of the city's riverfront history.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Built directly within the dramatic ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, this multi-sensory museum brings the explosive history of Minneapolis's milling boom to life. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and take a ride in the famous Flour Tower elevator for an unforgettable look at the city's industrial past.
Admission ticket free -
Guthrie Theater (Pass by)
Even if you aren't catching a world-class performance, this striking modern theater by architect Jean Nouvel is a must-visit for its bold design. Don't miss a walk out onto the Endless Bridge, a dramatic cantilevered observation deck offering sweeping, unobstructed views of the Mississippi River.
Admission ticket free -
2St. Anthony Falls
As the only natural waterfall along the entire length of the Mississippi River, this powerful landmark is the very reason Minneapolis was founded here. Discover how its immense water power fueled the rise of the global milling industry while enjoying the scenic, mist-kissed overlooks.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Perched high above the riverfront, this massive neon landmark stands as a glowing tribute to the city’s heritage as the flour milling capital of the world. It serves as a nostalgic beacon for locals and visitors alike, anchoring the historic skyline with its unmistakable vintage charm.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Mill Ruins Park
Step down into an excavated archaeological site where the stabilized stone foundations of century-old flour mills are exposed right along the riverbank. This open-air park offers a fascinating, up-close look at the complex canal systems that once channeled water to power the city’s industrial core.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
This beautifully sculpted green space provides a tranquil escape next to the bustling riverfront and features a custom-designed, spiral walking mound. Climbing to the top rewards you with a peaceful, elevated perspective of the surrounding historic district and the Mississippi River.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with historic brick buildings in what is recognized as the oldest commercial district in Minneapolis. Today, this charming riverfront stretch seamlessly blends its old-world industrial vibe with vibrant outdoor dining and walking paths.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam
Get a bird’s-eye view of river navigation history at this impressive engineering marvel operated by the National Park Service. The observation deck places you directly above the lock, offering an unmatched perspective on how humans tamed the mighty Mississippi River.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Once a bustling logging site where timber booms were sorted, this spacious waterfront park now offers lush lawns and a whimsical mini lighthouse. It is widely considered one of the premier spots in the city to capture postcard-perfect photos of the downtown skyline across the water.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Cross the bridge to a charming river island that feels like stepping back into the late 19th century, complete with beautifully preserved Victorian homes. Shaded by mature trees, it provides a unique neighborhood atmosphere surrounded entirely by the flowing waters of the Mississippi.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (Free) Meander along wooded trails and wooden suspension bridges in this scenic park nestled on the east bank of the river. It offers a wilder, more nature-focused view of the Stone Arch Bridge and the downtown skyline through a canopy of native trees.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Water Power Park
Walk out onto the overlooks of this unique park to stand directly above the churning waters that once generated electricity for the city. Intimate interpretive plaques reveal the brilliant engineering used to harness the river's flow without destroying the falls themselves.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
Originally built as a First Universalist church in 1857, this elegant French Gothic structure is the oldest continuously used church building in Minneapolis. Admire its historic limestone facade and beautiful stained glass windows that have witnessed the city's evolution from a frontier town.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Once the undisputed largest and most advanced flour mill in the world, this massive limestone fortress stands as a masterpiece of industrial architecture. Today, its grand exterior continues to dominate the east bank skyline, hinting at the incredible engineering marvels that once operated within its walls.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Featuring a stunning, reconstructed mansard roof and ornate architectural details, this 1880 building was one of the first large-scale mills to use advanced roller technology. Though now converted into modern offices, its elegant facade remains one of the finest surviving examples of West Side milling design.
Admission ticket free -
13
Built in 1848, this modest wood-frame structure is celebrated as the oldest remaining frame house in all of Minneapolis. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the domestic life of the area's earliest pioneers before the industrial boom transformed the riverfront.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
- GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
- Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
- Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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