Mill Ruins Park / Water Works, Minneapolis

At the foot of the Stone Arch Bridge, where the Mississippi laps at its edges, Minneapolis’s history peeks out from the earth. Since the 1980s, archaeologists have unearthed remnants of old railway supports, milling equipment, and water-power infrastructure here. Rather than let these treasures disappear, they preserved them for curious explorers. Now, a walk along West River Parkway leads you to interpretive signs, wooden planks, and catwalks that guide you through the ruins and close to the bones of the city’s milling past.

Insider tip: Don’t miss Water Works, a lush three-acre oasis within Mill Ruins Park. It’s home to a two-story pavilion, outdoor plazas, and a patio where you can enjoy a bite at Owamni by the Sioux Chef, named Best New Restaurant in the country in 2022 by the James Beard Foundation. It’s a winning combo of history, greenspace, and award-winning modern Native American cuisine, all served up with some seriously unbeatable river views.