Mill City Museum — Minneapolis, Minnesota

Discover the Mill City Museum in Minnesota

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, the Mill City Museum explores the city’s past as the flour milling capital of the world. Built into the ruins of the historic Washburn A Mill, this immersive museum experience combines preserved industrial structures, interactive exhibits, and guided elements to tell the story of how milling shaped Minneapolis and global food production.

Why it’s special:
This is not a factory tour—it’s an industrial heritage museum set inside an authentic former flour mill. Visitors explore original milling ruins, ride a multimedia elevator through the mill’s history, and see how water power, engineering, and innovation made Minneapolis a global industrial powerhouse.

History/Story of Mill City Museum

The Washburn A Mill opened in the late 1800s and became the largest flour mill in the world before a catastrophic explosion in 1878. Rebuilt and modernized, the mill helped establish Minneapolis as the world’s leading flour producer. After milling operations ended, the ruins were preserved and transformed into Mill City Museum, which opened in 2003 as part of the Minnesota Historical Society to interpret the city’s industrial legacy.

What You’ll See & Do at Mill City Museum

• Explore preserved ruins of the Washburn A Mill

• Ride the Flour Tower elevator with multimedia storytelling

• Learn how grain was milled into flour using water power

• See historic machinery, tools, and milling technology

• Enjoy views of St. Anthony Falls and the Mississippi River

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and multimedia installations
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout museum areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum store with books, gifts, and Minnesota-made products

Pricing at Mill City Museum

Museum admission requires paid entry.
Pricing varies by age group and membership status.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 90–120 minutes
Format: Self-guided museum visit with interactive and multimedia exhibits
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round
Audience: Families, students, history enthusiasts, industrial heritage travelers
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Safety & Restrictions: Follow museum guidelines; children must be supervised
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group tours available with advance reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes
Facilities: Museum exhibits, restrooms, gift shop, parking nearby
Closures & Downtime: Closed select holidays
Working hours:

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Monday: Closed

Nearby

• Stone Arch Bridge

• St. Anthony Falls

• Guthrie Theater

FAQs About Visiting Mill City Museum

Is this a working mill?
No. The museum preserves a historic flour mill and its ruins rather than operating active production.

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Interactive exhibits make the museum engaging for families.

Does admission include guided experiences?
Yes. Admission includes access to the Flour Tower and scheduled demonstrations.

Can I see original mill machinery?
Yes. Historic equipment and reconstructed elements are part of the exhibits.

How much time should I plan for a visit?
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the museum.