7 Can't-Miss Experiences at Mill City Museum
Ranked among the top 10 historical museums in the country by USA Today, Mill City Museum offers a captivating blend of raw power, intriguing history, expansive views, and interactive experiences. This architectural landmark rises eight stories within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, once the largest flour mill in the world. Nestled on the riverfront, Mill City Museum delves into Minneapolis’ heritage, showcasing its 50-year reign as the world's flour milling hub. Let’s explore the 7 experiences you can’t miss on your visit to Mill City Museum.
![A group of kids sit on steps in the Flour Tower at Mill City Museum.](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0bff0aede6c830850944f63670e74abc 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9f0a0f8f01b51644788fc7312f6d8ea6 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6c4d4e36c304736ab051f8719f58bb1a 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=495e2be73541acf3b31b19febcef1595 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=988fbf2cb4b523306cca3feea2efd5c9 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=61fd88925b79f9ecbb59d64a0fdf6931 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed_2024-05-14-165724_jqvg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=1dd107b9eabdbc806c51d57e25a3c504 1600w)
1. Flour Tower Elevator Show:
Climb into a giant elevator and journey through eight levels of the museum, witnessing scenes from the old mill in action. Historic films, photographs, dramatic lighting, sound, and special effects vividly bring to life the intense, noisy, and hazardous process of turning grain into flour.
![Two children and a man play with a water table display in the Water Lab at Mill City Museum.](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=df115c66cbb46c1608069bf93333714e 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=567d320a4448c85ac5800e93dedeab29 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6c85d1d6797c05fc85f94d4619f306b1 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9870cf3616a9b20fab9ddaad222fe4ec 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=41b69d2d3824ae77a92bd4a5d075219a 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8f801712431e985709d77459aefbdbc7 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=e3009101685318ab56e78a6b1be03650 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=3d593d8ece282653b95861537aa08821 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/062_MHC_MCM_6-23-2016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=a718ed5c33c91be79d1e27a281ed818b 3840w)
2. Water & Baking Labs:
Follow your nose to the baking lab for demonstrations. Then explore the Water Lab, where hands-on activities allow you to experience the might of the Mississippi River.
![A father holds young child in his arms while looking out at the Minneapolis skyline from the observation deck at Mill City Museum.](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=686e6891c97748461b5ebf80c7a48512 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=435378a9a75c4a9583a7e9d6e2abded4 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=638f8a5c4401a8af5a6b0e403baa0623 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=f13ec1f37a72da2259a88ae73859c58e 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=badac4df2c94a2e19f7253cedf6428f1 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=b7812f1dbad6da83ad6d200ba10df91a 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=8997a3ad4f6563aefcbeaad763ea9fb3 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=d3bf451487c3a9d67f4e275c8126171b 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7100.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=dbacd92008a14e54ad4a1afba5f77912 3600w)
3. Rooftop Observation Deck:
Ascend to the building's summit for a panoramic view of Minneapolis! From the Koch Rooftop Observation Deck, capture stunning views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the Ruin Courtyard— the perfect place for photography enthusiasts.
![A performance occurs in the Ruin Courtyard at night with an audience watching.](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_events_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=238bcd3f9bbba32bcf392990abaa86df 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_events_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b797512f8ff629f5b6d5b6647e0ce8bd 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_events_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=230af3d6e4ac016e07a2f3bc8ed67306 700w)
4. Ruin Courtyard:
The ruins, remnants of the 1991 fire in the then-abandoned mill, create a one-of-a-kind setting juxtaposed with the serene river views. Enjoy unique events and live performances in Ruin Courtyard, or simply relax in this scenic space.
![A tour guide leads a group along the Stone Arch Bridge outside of Mill City Museum](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_walkingtour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9f1bcbd38aaf39937aab45b48d6dfd58 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_walkingtour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b53f595c72951d5cafa14f4b777e43bb 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_walkingtour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1388c1ab30ec07d4172ec1534f77d6e6 700w)
5. Tours:
Engage with knowledgeable guides who recount stories of the past, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of history and explore some of the city's oldest sites. With many different tours to choose from, you can venture through the nooks and crannies of the Washburn A Mill, discover the dangers of working in a mill, hear dramatic labor stories, walk along the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, and more! View the current tour options here.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2_2024-05-14-172553_lgrq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=919bdabb12c6ba90f8d7eeaac36e7513 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2_2024-05-14-172553_lgrq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=93e58644658c80e725e22f4b9ec89c97 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2_2024-05-14-172553_lgrq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d446afdf451f9f0c0803fad73809841b 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2_2024-05-14-172553_lgrq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=45e5a434d890b7ea85c634cdd07eebf6 996w)
6. Special Exhibits:
The former packing floor of the mill now houses Mill Commons, featuring a museum store, cafe, changing exhibits, and visitor information. Special exhibits, which rotate two to three times a year and are free during regular museum hours, ensure there's always something new to discover.
![Fresh produce is displayed on a table at the Mill City Farmers Market.](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_market.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=03b674372362c78c6ef9fb643a73db86 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_market.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=42084f67372f283796a729a837d241a4 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/mcm_700x470_market.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=360f6142962b128a6f2019fcb3309158 700w)
7. Mill City Farmers Market:
The museum's agricultural legacy lives on through the year-round Mill City Farmers Market. Browse offerings from over 60 local farmers, food producers, and artisans for fresh produce and goods on Saturdays, rain or shine!
Bonus Experience at Nearby Mill Ruins Park:
Against the backdrop of St. Anthony Falls' locks and dam, the Stone Arch Bridge, and the Mississippi River, traverse elevated pathways and bridges through the mill ruins. The park showcases how Minneapolis's network of mills and canals propelled it to become a leading global flour producer in the 19th century.
![A woman points at an image on a board with a child standing beside her at mill City Museum.](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=108eef3fae21481c56fd204f1cf63913 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3f1556e07ab9b52a76f277793caa8003 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1b74a471ab777dea5265589bc9ecd8b7 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=528b1ffda8a2a572ee59993336a328e6 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=974d2a266a80a03d302c9b07a77f0827 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6a2e8ff5019bf1dd731e3e1dc6965f2d 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=fbc311e4356900404715edeec62ab039 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=4d79323d8a446b1ca40286e9ec8267ec 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2W5A7596.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=112a58e8d8a3129237ca21ba1b2bc536 3600w)
This interactive history museum welcomes guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the past through thrilling activities like the Flour Tower elevator ride, hands-on experiences in the Water & Baking Labs, and breathtaking views from the observation deck. Delve into Minneapolis' rich history, once dubbed ‘Mill City’, and engage in historical storytelling through baking demonstrations, model mill explosions, and special exhibits. Mill City Museum is a Minneapolis gem that should not be missed! The museum is open for visits every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday–start planning your visit now!
*This blog post is sponsored by Mill City Museum
Related Content:
Mill City Museum
Built within the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, this fun, interactive history museum invites the whole family to ride the Flour Tower elevator, experience hands-on fun in the Water & Baking Labs, and enjoy rooftop views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and Stone Arch Bridge.
Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society has been sharing the stories of Minnesotans for over 165 years! Join us for programs and events at 26 historic sites and museums statewide. The Twin Cities metro area historical sites and museums include the Minnesota History Center, Mill City Museum, Historic Fort Snelling, James J. Hill House, Alexander Ramsey House, Minnesota State Capitol, North West Company Fur Post, and Oliver H. Kelley Farm. Visit our website to learn more!