Warehouse Wonders

Itinerary created by Rethos Volunteer Kimberly Sandbulte

Haven’t we all wondered what we would be in our second life?  This group of buildings recall the days when Minneapolis got ‘put on the map’ as a center of commerce for the Midwest, and now they’re all getting new lives!  You’ve probably heard about the “Warehouse District” and with good reason – Minneapolis’ Warehouse District is a successful example of how a historic district can be redeveloped into a vibrant destination.  Learn about Minneapolis’ industrial history and be inspired by the beautifully designed renovations.

Listed below in order by age, so you can follow the history of Minneapolis’ development.

Historic A-Mill Artist Lofts

315 SE Main Street

Built as the Pillsbury Flour Mill in 1881, this building is a historic icon that remains from Minneapolis’ heyday as mill capital of the nation.  Today the building has been converted into Artist Lofts. 

Open Saturday + Sunday

Fully accessible, public restrooms, kids activities

MnDOT Stone Arch Bridge

8 6th Ave SE

**Due to bridge preservation efforts, access to the bridge is only available from the St. Anthony side of the river from 6th Ave SE.

Arguably the most photographed icon of Minneapolis, you’ve probably seen the Stone Arch Bridge, at least from afar.  Did you know that it is the second oldest bridge (completed in 1883) on the entire Mississippi and it’s the only arched stone bridge on the river?  Learn more fun facts and see how the current project will preserve it for next generations.

Open Saturday only 10am – 2pm

Fully accessible

Coco LLC Grain Exchange Building

400 S 4th St Suite #401

See three buildings in one!  With portions built in 1903, 1909, and 1928, the Grain Exchange complex stood witness to Minneapolis’ history as the grain capitol of the nation.  The main building was one of the first steel structures in Minneapolis!  It also features the historic trading floor where buyers and sellers moved farmer’s grain to the consumer’s table.

Open Saturday Only

Fully accessible, public restrooms

Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District Hotel & J.I. Case Building

708 S 3rd St (Canopy) & 233 Park Ave (J.I. Case)

This 1907 building originally housed J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company, one of the country’s major farming equipment manufacturers.  During the 50 years that J.I. Case occupied the building, manufacturing and distribution of farming equipment even surpassed the flour and grain industry in Minneapolis by dollar volume. 

Open Saturday + Sunday

Fully accessible, public restrooms

*Accessible entrance (ramp & elevator lift) located on Park Ave.