The Mill City Museum: Bringing Minneapolis’ History to Life
The Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers visitors a unique and engaging look into the history of flour milling in the United States.
Built on the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, once the largest flour mill in the world, the museum tells the story of the flour industry and the impact it had on the city of Minneapolis and the country as a whole.
Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and interactive displays, which cover topics such as the science of flour milling, the lives of the mill workers, and the growth of Minneapolis as a center of industry.
The museum also features a baking lab where visitors can learn how to make bread and other baked goods using fresh flour.
The Mill City Museum is not only a fascinating destination for history buffs and food enthusiasts, but also a tribute to the ingenuity and innovation of the millers and workers who helped shape the American Midwest.
What is Mill City Museum
The Mill City Museum is a Minnesota Historical Society museum located on the historic Minneapolis riverfront. Located in the ruins of the Washburn A Mill complex, the museum tells the story of the people who worked at the mill and the lasting impact they had on the city of Minneapolis.
The museum features a variety of exhibits, including interactive displays and multimedia presentations showcasing the history of the mill and the people who worked there. The museum also offers guided tours.
Flour Mills on the Mississippi Riverfront
The flour mills of Minneapolis were built in the 19th century to process grain grown in the area. The mills played an important role in the economic development of the city, as they provided jobs and goods for export.
The Washburn A Mill complex was the largest and most successful of the Minneapolis mills, and it was located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The complex was destroyed in an explosion in 1878, but the ruins remain as a testament to the city’s industrial past.
When did the mill explode?
On May 2, 1878, the Washburn A Mill complex exploded in a catastrophic accident, killing 18 people and injuring dozens more.
The explosion was caused by a buildup of flour dust, and it destroyed much of the mill and the surrounding area. The event made national headlines and is remembered as one of the worst industrial accidents in American history.
The explosion at the Washburn A Mill complex was caused by a buildup of combustible flour dust in the air. Flour dust is highly combustible and can easily ignite if exposed to sparks, heat, or friction.
The explosion was so powerful that it destroyed much of the mill and the surrounding area, killing 18 people and injuring dozens more. Experts believe that the explosion was likely caused by a spark from a nearby boiler or a piece of machinery.
The Mill City Museum
The Mill City Museum was established in 2003 by the Minnesota Historical Society in order to preserve the history of the Washburn A Mill complex and its impact on the city of Minneapolis. The Museum was built in the ruins of the old mill.
The museum offers visitors a chance to explore the mill’s history through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and guided tours.
Tour Information
A tour of the Mill City Museum includes a guided walk through the ruins of the Washburn A Mill complex and the stories of the people who worked there.
The tour also includes interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and a variety of artifacts from the mill’s history. Additionally, visitors can explore the museum’s outdoor courtyard and gardens.
Mill City Museum Baking Lab and Water Lab
The Mill City Museum offers visitors the chance to explore the science and technology of flour milling through two hands-on labs: the Baking Lab and the Water Lab.
In the Baking Lab, visitors can learn about the different types of flour and how they are used in baking. The lab also offers a variety of baking activities, from making bread to creating cookies.
In the Water Lab, visitors can explore the history of the Minneapolis riverfront and its role in the milling industry. The lab offers interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations about the impact of the mill on the city and the environment.
Mill City Museum Flour Tower Ride
The Mill City Museum Flour Ride is an exciting attraction that takes visitors up the grain elevator to the eighth floor of the mill complex.
The ride also educates visitors on the history of flour milling and the people who worked at the mill. On the different floors you’ll get a different piece of the story.
From there, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis skyline.
How long does it take to go through Mill City Museum?
The average visit to the Mill City Museum takes around 90 minutes. Visitors can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and guided tours at their own pace. The Mill City Flour Ride is an additional attraction that takes around 20 minutes.
Free Exhibits at the Mill City Museum
The Mill Ruins Park is located adjacent to the Mill City Museum and is a great way to explore the history of the mill and its impact on the Minneapolis riverfront. The park features interpretive signs, a walking path, and a variety of historic artifacts. The park is open year-round and admission is free.
There is a great view of the river, as well as the Stone Arch Bridge and more!
Discounted Admission
Tickets are $12 for Adults, Kids 5-17 are $8.
Discounted admission to the Mill City Museum is available for seniors, students, and members of the military.
MNHS Members get in free. This is a great way to see multiple museums all around the State.
Blue Star families also get in for free.
If you are a Bank of America Cardholder, you can get free general admission the first full weekend of every month.
Did you know Minnesota has tons of free museums? Click here to find one near you.
Where to Park for the Mill City Museum?
The Mill City Museum is located at 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, in the historic Mill District of Minneapolis. There are several parking options available near the museum:
Surface Parking Lot: There is a surface parking lot located adjacent to the museum. The entrance to the lot is located off 2nd Street.
Parking Ramp: There is a parking ramp located across the street from the museum on S 2nd St.
Metered Street Parking: There are several metered street parking spaces available on the surrounding streets, but availability may be limited.
Bicycle Parking: The museum also offers bicycle parking for visitors who choose to bike to the museum. The bike parking is located on the east side of the museum building.
What else is there to do nearby?
Near the Mill City Museum, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy. The Guthrie Theater is just a few blocks away, offering guests a chance to see world-class theater performances.
The Stone Arch Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is also a great place to explore, with its large collection of sculptures and other works of art. Additionally, the Mill City Night Market takes place every summer and offers a variety of food and entertainment options.
The Mill City Ruins is absolutely stunning with ton of things to do within walking distance. Things to do at or near Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis
Mill City Farmers Market
The Mill City Farmers Market is a farmers’ market located in the historic Mill District of downtown Minneapolis,. The market is open on Saturdays from May to October, and on select dates during the winter months. The market features local, sustainable, and organic farmers and artisan food producers, as well as live music and cooking demonstrations.
The Mill City Farmers Market is located near the Mill City Museum, but it is an independent organization and is not directly associated with the museum. However, the market and the museum share a commitment to promoting the history and culture of the Mill District, and they often collaborate on events and activities.
