Join the hiking group for an architectural and house history hike primarily along Marshall Street in Minneapolis. Minneapolis grew up around the Mississippi River and became a city in 1866. The route that is now Marshall Street was one of the earliest trade routes through the area after the territory was opened up for European settlement in 1837. Marshall Street is now a mixed development of industrial, commercial and residential uses. The area grew rapidly and included the rise of milling, lumber, railroads, breweries and other manufacturing. Its growth also was stimulated by massive European immigration from the latter half of the 19th century well into the 20th Century. Immigration to this area was fueled by the lure of jobs and the opportunity to become a successful entrepreneur. The outcome was the growth of a strong working class community that kindled the economic growth of Minneapolis. Small businesses, churches and schools sprung up to serve the growing population. On August 13, 1893, the area between the Mississippi River and Marshall Street suffered a huge multi-alarm fire, the biggest fire in Minneapolis history, that destroyed 23 square blocks and changed the character of the southern section of the street. Only the old Grain Belt brewery remains among the buildings that survived the 1893 fire.
If driving: From downtown Minneapolis, take Washington Avenue north to Plymouth Avenue North and turn east (right.) Continue across the Plymouth Avenue North/8th Avenue Northeast bridge to Sibley Street Northeast. Park on the street on Sibley Street Northeast. Meet on the corner of 8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE.
If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 827 (East side of the River) or 14, 20, 32, or 52K (West Side of the River). The closest bus service point appears to be either the east side or the west side of the Plymouth Avenue bridge. From the bridge, walk south to Boom Island Park. Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information
The group will reassemble at a nearby restaurant (Broadway Pizza, 2025 West River Road, Minneapolis) after the hike.
Map to hike start point:
8th Ave NE At Sibley St
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Boom Island and the 1893 Northeast Minneapolis Fire
Grain Belt Brewery information
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This page was last updated on July 27, 2010.
