The Isles of the Lake

In 1888, all the lands necessary to complete the improvements in the Lake of the Isles area had been acquired, with the purchase of the two islands and a piece of land formerly an island,the entire acquisition amounting to nine acres. The Lake of the Isles thus became the nucleus of the charming western system … Read more

Reflecting on the Refectory

In 1930 a new shelter, restrooms  and refectory were built on the northeastern corner  of the lake formally known as Calhoun. A couple years later, the  Works Progress Administration built some lovely shore protection walls along portions of the eastern shore. I think it was about 1938 that three fishermen sitting along the wall were … Read more

The Marshall Avenue Bridge

The current Marshall Avenue Bridge replaced an old wrought-iron span erected for horse and buggy traffic in 1889. The previous bridge was designed by J.S. Sewall of St. Paul. Built on three stone piers the old bridge had hinges at each end and in the crown of each arch to allow for expansion and contraction … Read more

The Third Avenue Bridge

Originally known as the St. Anthony Falls Bridge, The Third Avenue Bridge is the longest S-curved concrete arch bridge in the world. The graceful structure carries traffic across the Mississippi River and right over Saint Anthony Falls. The 2,223-foot crossing was designed by city engineer Frederick W. Cappelen, who also created plans for other similar … Read more

The Loring Cascade Then and Now

One of the most notable, attractive and appropriate additions in the history of our park system undoubtedly is the ingeniously and beautifully executed artificial cascade, built at Glenwood Park by Mr. Francois Scotti at the direction of and as a gift to the city from The Honorable Charles M. Loring. The cascade is located on … Read more

Forward Minneapolis

Minneapolis Offers To the Investor, excellent opportunity to secure real estate at prices which will surely advance with the city’s growth. To the Merchant, a large and increasing market with facilities for supplying it. To the Visitor, good hotel accommodations, and excellent:opportunities for shopping and sightseeing, or for rest and recreation. To the Manufacturer, excellent … Read more

The First Pavilion

There has been a pavilion on the north end of Lake Harriet since 1888. The first one was built by the Minneapolis Street Railway Company on a piece of property that belonged to trolley tycoon, Thomas Lowry. The grand pavilion served as a motor line station and featured a 1500 seat auditorium. Summer concerts, plays, … Read more

Over the Lake Street Bridge

…Continuing on Marshall avenue to the bridge and over the bridge to Lake Street. Just above the bridge is a government dam, originally suggested to improve navigation above Minnehaha. It is being finished by degrees. and possibly it may be utilized in furnishing electricity for power and light to the residents at Fort Snelling. Looking … Read more

On Christmas Lake

The old home that became the Glen Morris Inn on Christmas Lake was built in the late 1800’s for Manitoba Railroad civil engineer, Charles J. Morris. The original two story residence was described in Diamond’s Tourist newspaper as, “one of the most beautiful estates in the area.” Morris owned 1000 acres on Christmas Lake and … Read more