Mill District - Minneapolis

Minneapolis – Mill City – the place solely responsible for introducing white flour into our diet.  Yay!

Whether you're an inner city family or occupy the 1st/2nd ring suburbs – the Mill District downtown is never more than 20 minutes away.

Such a quiet green space between Washington Ave and the river.  It gives you a downtown fix yet is safe for the whole fam.

Need an excuse to go urban?

I'll give you 5:

1) Gold Medal Park -
Tired of playground equipment defining your green space?  Bring a ball, frisbee or picnic blanket – wear your running shoes. The spiral walkway is one of our favorites – but tiptoe as you approach the top, we have witnessed more than one proposal at the scenic overlook.

2) The Guthrie - 
When's the last time you saw the world through canary colored glasses?  It's time to stroll up to the observation room in the Guthrie for a prime view of the skyline.  Check out the "infinity room"/overlook as well if it's not booked.  Guess what folks?  You can get inside this amazing architectural building for FREE.  A great spot for family photos!

3) STONE ARCH  BRIDGE - 
Love to walk across this bridge and look at St. Anthony Falls through the binoculars.  Great people watching here as you see commuters, walkers and wanna-be's strolling along every-which-way.

4) Izzy's -
Bring your appetite and your wallet for yummy ice cream and home-made waffle cones.  If smell is enough to satisfy you you're in luck.  If you feel the need to indulge – Axel recommends the Bubble Gum.  Don't forget to be adventurous with your "Izzy Scoop Flavor."

5) Mill City Ruins and Museum - 
Enter the ruins from the river side of the building and enjoy historic balance beams, photo spots and a place to just "chill."  The kids love the story of the "exploding museum"!  Care to check out the inside?  There is an admission fee – but of course it's better to get the "FAMILY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP" and you get in for FREE – ALL YEAR.  For $75 you have unlimited access to all of our favorite historical places and Mill City is likely to be the crowd fav.  They even have a "ride."

You could spend a whole weekend eating and walking your way through the mill district.  Plenty of fun to be had for free – additional fun costs less than a new pair of shoes.

Think the city is too crowded for you?  Let me prove you wrong.  As seen below – picture taken around 6pm last Wednesday night – we were the only ones there.  Mostly.

Staycation this weekend.  Love the city you're in.

- Jen

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