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MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

Mill City Museum

704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · Minneapolis, MN

Why you should go…

Built inside the burned-out ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, this museum tells the story of how flour built Minneapolis, capped by the Flour Tower, an eight-story elevator ride through the old mill floors. The rooftop observation deck delivers one of the best views of St. Anthony Falls and the riverfront. History has rarely been this photogenic.

  • #history
  • #flour mill
  • #riverfront
  • #observation deck

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Mill City Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    Guthrie Theater

    $25–$50

    World-class theater on the riverfront, wander its cantilevered Endless Bridge for free Mississippi views.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Stone Arch Bridge

    Free

    James J. Hill's 1883 stone rail bridge, now a beloved walk-and-bike crossing over St. Anthony Falls, freshly restored and fully reopened in 2025.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Nightlife
    Iconic

    First Avenue

    $25–$50

    The legendary club where Prince filmed Purple Rain, still the Twin Cities' beating heart of live music.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Museums
    Free

    Weisman Art Museum

    Free

    Frank Gehry's crumpled stainless-steel landmark on the Mississippi bluff, 20,000+ artworks and always-free admission at the U of M.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Minneapolis Institute of Art

    Free

    One of America's great free art museums, 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, from Monet to samurai armor.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    American Swedish Institute

    Under $25

    A turreted 1908 castle-mansion turned Nordic culture hub, with craft workshops, exhibitions, and the celebrated New Nordic café FIKA.

    1.7 mi awayMore like this