Mill City Museum

The Mill City Museum in Minneapolis is housed in the historic Washburn A Mill, once one of the largest flour mills in the world. The building was constructed in 1874 and played a central role in the city's development, shaping the local economy together with other mills along Saint Anthony Falls. After a devastating explosion in 1878 destroyed the original structure, the mill was rebuilt and operated until 1965. Today, the historic complex serves as a museum run by the Minnesota Historical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On the building's eight floors, you can experience the history of the milling industry. The exhibit shows original machinery used to grind wheat kernels and offers insights into the various trades practiced in the mill. The complex is part of the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District and sits right next to Mill Ruins Park.

One special feature of the site is the nighttime illumination of the "Gold Medal Flour" sign on the adjacent grain elevator. On the opposite bank of the river stands the former Pillsbury A Mill with its own historic sign, offering a view of the former rivalry between the region's major milling operations.