December 8, 2005: Northeast Minneapolis Christmas Lights Hike (Minneapolis)

Join the hiking group for a Christmas Lights hike in Northeast Minneapolis. Northeast Minneapolis is an outgrowth of the St. Anthony portion of Minneapolis. Non-Indian settlement in the 1820's through the 1850's was limited to the East side of the Minneapolis River, where St. Anthony formed as a separate town. St. Anthony was ultimately absorbed into the newly formed Minneapolis once settlement was permitted on the West Side of the river. During the first half of the twentieth century, railroads and lumberyards were shaping Northeast and fueled the area with jobs and incomes. Northeast was and is a local "Ellis Island," with a heritage of welcoming new residents from Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, and now parts of Africa. The neighborhood has a flourishing arts scene as a result of climbing Warehouse District rents that resulted in hundreds of artists heading across the river and into Northeast's aging warehouses, where affordable rents, big windows, cheap bars, and a generous community spirit resulted in a nationally regarded arts colony. Minneapolis' Polish, Ukrainian, Lebanese and German communities are anchored in Northeast, and sizeable Arab, East Indian, Latin, and Asian populations have added to the mix. City zoning ordinances do not relegate restaurants and barrooms to a single district in Northeast Minneapolis, but restaurants and bars exist amidst Northeast’s families and neighborhoods in a unique melange.

If coming by car: Take I-35W north out of Downtown Minneapolis and exit at Stinson Boulevard. Proceed north on Stinson Boulevard about 1 mile to 33rd Avenue NE. Turn west (left) on 33rd Avenue NE and proceed five blocks to Garfield Avenue NE. Turn north (right) on Garfield Avenue NE and proceed one very long city block to 34th Ave NE. Turn West (left) on 34th Ave NE to Waite Park/Recreation Center, 1810 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN.

Interested hikers will reassemble after the hike at a nearby restaurant (Bakers Square, 3701 Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis) for dessert or dinner.

For information, call Larry Martin at ((612)721-7175).

Map to hike starting point: Waite Park/Recreation Center, 3039 Arthur St Ne
Minneapolis, MN 55418-2203

Northeast Minneapolis Christmas Lights Hike Directions

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This page was last updated on November 30, 2005.