Minneapolis Armory History

The Minneapolis Armory is located in downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Completed in 1936, the Armory was operated by the Minnesota National Guard until 1980. During this time it was used to run military drills, host concerts, political conventions and sporting events, including games for the Minneapolis Lakers NBA team between 1947 and 1960, before the team moved to a less awesome city. The Armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Once home to the Minneapolis Lakers, fans of Prince and Aerosmith may also be familiar with the Armory’s made-for-music-and-sports interior! The videos for “1999” and “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” were filmed here in 1982 and 1998 respectively.

Places to Eat and Drink Near the Armory

Only a few blocks away is Sawatdee, a local favorite that has plenty of Thai food classics. This location prides itself on being the pioneer of Thai in the Twin Cities, as the first Thai restaurant that opened in 1986. Across the Washington Ave., another local hot spot can be found. Zen Box Izakaya is all about the Japanese comfort food. Get yourself a hearty bowl of ramen and a couple pieces of sashmi on the side before getting your night started.

Even closer is Bar Zia, serving a pleasingly priced, comfortingly familiar array of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and small plates. They offer $4 rail drinks, house wine, and tap beers plus $8 appetizers during their daily happy hour. Having recently been reinvented with a short but respected menu is Dan Kelly’s Pub. The old Irish bar is still dark as a cave, but it has a strong selection of beer and whiskeys and an attractive happy hour. Day Block Brewing Company doubles as a brewpub with a full bar and a live music venue! The menu offers snacks, sandwiches and pizzas to hold you down.

Things to See & Do in the Area

In agreeable weather, kick back at The Commons, a downtown park right across the street from the Armory. They host a lot of pop-up events here, but it’s also a nice place to sit in green grass (or snow), play Frisbee and relax.

If pairing your concert energy with fascinating Minneapolis history sounds appealing, the Mill City Museum is your ticket. The museum tracks the history of flour milling and how it transformed Minneapolis from scattered settlements into the flour milling capital of the world for 50 years, powered by the only naturally occurring falls on the entire length of the Mississippi River. You'll encounter more than just history, with stunning views and exquisite architecture!

Finally, there’s the allure of the West River Parkway (this particular section is designated as a regional park), with bike and walking paths, more open areas on which to pass your time. The St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and the historic (and highly Instagrammable) Stone Arch Bridge are local favorites for walks, bike rides and photo-ops galore!

For more night out options in the area, check out our neighborhood guides for East Downtown/Mill District, Nicollet and the Central Business District.

Stay the Night!

A good night's sleep after your concerts, after parties, and nights out is just blocks away...

• Raddison RED: on-site parking for $32/night
• Hyatt Place: on-site parking available for a fee
• Best Western Plus: on-site parking for $15/night
• Elliot Park hotel: daily valet parking for $48
• Emery, Autograph Collection: daily valet parking for $48, off-site parking available

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