We’ve all been to, or at least heard about this popular museum in Minnesota and its explosive history. And Minnesota would never have grown to be the state it is today if not for the industry that led to the creation of this historical site. The Mill City Museum tells the story of Minnesota and how milling put us on the map, and it’s a place that everyone needs to visit at least once.

This stunning museum sits along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.

Flickr/John J Schroeder

From 1930 to 1980 Minneapolis was considered the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.”

Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein September 1939

The museum is built in the limestone ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which was once the largest in the world. The milling industry was drawn inevitably to the city due to its location on St. Anthony Falls, which was the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi. Its power was harnessed and it drove the turbines in the mills.

Photogrammar/John Vachon September 1939

Much of Minneapolis’ history is tied to the history of the mills, enough to make many call it “Mill City” to this day. Between 1790 and 1870, the population of Minneapolis increased by 1,300 percent to support the milling industry’s demand.

Photogrammar/John Vachon

However, the mills weren’t always smiles and sunshine, in fact, there are two explosive moments in particular that shaped the creation of this landmark.

Facebook/Minnesota Historical Society

In 1878, the Washburn A Mill exploded killing 18 people and destroying a huge part of the mill district.

Flickr/Richie Diesterheft

In 1991, a massive fire nearly destroyed the entire mill, and it was only after this event, that the Minnesota Historical Society sought to construct a museum among the ruins.

Facebook/Minnesota Historical Society

And $32 million dollars later, the museum opened in 2003, more spectacular than we ever could have imagined it.

Flickr/joevare

The museum is an amazing center for education about the history of Minnesota and the milling industry and features fun exhibits like the flour tower ride, water lab, baking lab, and rooftop observation deck.

Flickr/Richie Diesterheft

Flickr/joevare

The courtyard highlights the beauty of the partially destroyed structure, and even gives off some serious romantic vibes at night.

Flickr/Eric Kilby

The museum is definitely a Minneapolis must-see, and it’s always fun to visit. However, a visit to Mill City Museum is also a reminder of the mill’s explosive (and dangerous) past, as well as a reminder of the ever-changing trends of industry, and that, as Minnesota saw with the logging and mining industries as well, once booming businesses can so easily fade into memories and abandoned ruins.

Flickr/Eric Kilby

Make sure you take time this year to visit Mill City Museum and learn about MN’s history! The museum costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for kids 5-17. It is free for MNHS members and kids 4 and under. It’s open Tues-Sat from 10 am-5 pm and Sunday from Noon-5pm, although it is also open Mondays in July and August. Visit the Minnesota History Society website for more information and directions.

Flickr/John J Schroeder

Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein

September 1939

Photogrammar/John Vachon

Facebook/Minnesota Historical Society

Flickr/Richie Diesterheft

Flickr/joevare

Flickr/Eric Kilby

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