Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Tour — Minneapolis, Minnesota

Discover the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Tour in Minnesota

Located on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Tour offers visitors a guided look at one of the most important pieces of river navigation and industrial infrastructure in the Upper Midwest. This experience explains how locks and dams control river traffic, manage water levels, and shaped Minneapolis’s rise as a milling and industrial center.

Why it’s special:
This is not a factory tour—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at critical civil engineering infrastructure. Visitors learn how massive gates, chambers, and control systems once allowed commercial vessels to pass the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River, directly connecting river engineering to the city’s industrial history.

History/Story of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam

Completed in 1963 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam was designed to enable navigation past St. Anthony Falls—the highest natural waterfall on the Mississippi River. While the lock was permanently closed to commercial navigation in 2015 to prevent invasive carp, the site remains a vital flood-control structure and an important educational landmark interpreting river engineering, navigation, and regional industry.

What You’ll See & Do on the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Tour

• Learn how lock and dam systems operate on the Mississippi River

• Explore the lock chamber, gates, and control mechanisms

• Discover how river navigation supported milling, shipping, and industry

• See interpretive exhibits on river engineering and ecology

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

Hands-On Elements: Educational demonstrations and interpretive exhibits
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout public tour areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Educational materials available during select visits

Pricing of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Tour

Guided tours are free of charge.
Advance registration is typically required.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided infrastructure and engineering tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered seasonally, typically May through October
Audience: Families, students, engineering enthusiasts, history travelers
Accessibility: Partially accessible; some areas involve stairs and industrial surfaces
Safety & Restrictions: Follow staff instructions; closed-toe shoes recommended
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group and educational tours available by reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; weather-appropriate clothing
Facilities: Visitor area, restrooms (seasonal), nearby parking
Closures & Downtime: Tours suspended during maintenance or severe weather
Working hours:

• Seasonal (May–October): Tours offered on scheduled dates, typically between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Nearby

• St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center

• Stone Arch Bridge

• Mill City Museum

FAQs About Visiting Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam

Is the lock still operational for boats?
No. The lock closed to navigation in 2015, but the dam remains operational for water management.

Is this an active industrial site?
Yes. While navigation has stopped, the dam is still actively managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Do tours go inside control areas?
Tours include designated areas only and avoid restricted operational spaces.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The tour is educational and family-friendly with supervision.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Advance registration is recommended due to limited capacity.