June 26, 2003: Minneapolis Riverfront Hike (Minneapolis)

Join Karen for a hike from Karen’s house to the Minneapolis riverfront and back in the St. Anthony East neighborhood of Northeast Minneapolis. In 1848, Franklin Steele purchased the land east of the Mississippi River that became the city of St. Anthony and gained control of the water power east of the river, constructing the first commercial mill at the Falls of St. Anthony with the help of a millwright from Maine named Ard Godfrey. The initial economic success of St. Anthony depended upon Franklin Steele, but when his enterprises faltered, the city ailed also. In 1872, St. Anthony merged with Minneapolis, the upstart city formed in 1867. Although Northeast Minneapolis has been divided into thirteen neighborhoods, it still harkens back to the old city of St. Anthony. Legend has it that it was Ard Godfrey's wife, Harriet, who first brought dandelions to the area. She missed the bright blooms that graced her homeland and she sent for seeds and planted them in her lawn. See who has the most dandelions in Karen’s neighborhood.

If coming by car: Take 94 either from the east through downtown Minneapolis or from the"west" (for a stretch, it is really from the north) to the Broadway St. exit. Proceed east on Broadway to Madison St--a distance of about 1 1/2miles. You will be crossing over the Mississippi River and passing University Ave. NE, going through a total of six stoplights. Madison St. is two blocks past the red Stop and Go sign and directly across from Logan Park. Take a right onto Madison St. and head south two blocks to 600 Madison St. NE, which is on the northwest corner of Madison and Spring streets. From the north on 35W or from the east on 36: take 35W to the Stinson Blvd. exit. Take a left off the ramp and proceed south on Stinson Blvd to Broadway St. NE. Right on Broadway. Travel west on Broadway about 1.2 miles. Madison St. is one block past the light at Monroe St. and directly across from Logan Park. Take a left onto Madison St. and head south two blocks to 600 Madison St. NE, which is on the northwest corner of Madison and Spring streets.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 17. The closest bus service point appears to be Monroe and Broadway. Applicable Metro Transit Map/General Transit Information

The group will reassemble at Karen's house for potluck snacks after the hike. Bring something to share and bring a lawn chair.

Maps on Us map to the hike starting point

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This page was last updated on June 25, 2003.