Minneapolis was the largest flour milling center in the world 1880 – 1930 due to the water power from St. Antony’s Falls, which drove the mills with turbines and mechanical hook ups. Also the wheat of the Dakotas came in by rail. Sears built its landmark headquarters building here as well.
I toured the city for two days, starting with the Sears building, then took bike and me by bus downtown. Then the LRT line to St. Paul (this branch just opened last week) to visit the neighborhood event Jason was attending for Cycles for Change, and I blew bubbles and talked to vets at the anti war display.
The pictures tell the tale.
Today, Saturday, I rode downtown to the Stone Arch Bridge (old Great Northern Railway bridge) where they had a walk-run for heart disease. Then I toured the Mill City Museum and old mill ruins, followed by a loop on the trails by the river.
Beautiful, livable city, with the look and feel of Edmonton and Calgary combined.
Which reminds me that it’s time to roll north on those new tires.