The Twin Cities are famous for many things: friendly locals, incredible dining, and fascinating history. In two cities with so much history that is constantly evolving, there are definitely parts of Minneapolis and Saint Paul that get left behind, and become abandoned ruins, with not much to offer. If you're up for a scary adventure, we dare you to take this road trip to Minneapolis-Saint Paul's most abandoned ruins. Along this drive, you'll explore some of the most abandoned places in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Sound intriguing? Keep reading to see where we're headed!
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1. Reservoir Woods Park
We begin our road trip to the most abandoned places in Minneapolis just outside of the city, in Reservoir Woods Park. The park spans over 120 acres mostly covered in forest, with only a few trails. On the park's grounds is an abandoned 30 million gallon reservoir that the city of Saint Paul no longer has use for. There's just some eerie feeling in this park. It's undeniably one of the lesser-known parks in Minnesota. Can you handle it?
2. United Crushers (Minneapolis)
The city of Minneapolis was built on the milling industry which boomed in the 1800s. These days, the ruins of a variety of mills in the city remain. It's illegal to explore inside of United Crushers, since the mill is in disrepair. A few urban explorers have lost their lives within the mill; their spirits wander the grounds and are not at ease. Unfortunately that hasn't stopped others from breaking into United Crushers to graffiti and take photos.You can get a preview of this abandoned mill in this YouTube video from Reichert:
3. Mill Ruins Park
Okay, so Mill Ruins Park isn't entirely abandoned. It sits on the West Bank of the Mississipi River, just off of the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum. When this mill exploded in the late 1800s, only ruins were left behind. This park is a part of Minneapolis history and it's perfect for any explorer. Learn more about what makes Mill Ruins Park such a fascinating destination.
4. Fort Snelling Upper Post
Fort Snelling was once the most important military post in Minnesota. Now, much of it is abandoned, leaving broken down buildings and overgrown grounds behind. There's something chilling about wandering the more secluded parts of Fort Snelling, and only the brave dare to explore.
5. Schmidt Brewery
The Jacob Schmidt Brewery was once one of the powerhouse breweries in Saint Paul. It was originally built as The Cave Brewery, and had been home to several other breweries in the Twin Cities. It has been abandoned since 2002, only to recently have been sold to developers to make the Schmidt Artist Lofts, connected to the historic abandoned brewery.
6. Saint Paul Municipal Grain Terminal
Like we've said before, the Twin Cities were built upon the milling industry. This former six-story grain elevator, also known as the "head house," was built in 1931. It was once set for demolition since the building had fallen into disrepair, but the city of Saint Paul has been committed to shape this building up and the site is now a park, and parts of the building can be used as an event center. Learn more about the Saint Paul Municipal Grain Terminal, also known as City House in Minnesota.
7. St. Paul Brewing Co.
The former Hamm's Brewery in St. Paul was long an abandoned ruin. Hamm's started making beer in Saint Paul well before Miller Brewing Company bought it out and abandoned its original brewing site. The old brewery overlooks Swede Hollow, and when the city of Saint Paul acquired some of the brewery grounds, they allowed the ruins to decay and crumble. But then, what is now known as St. Paul Brewing Co. moved into the ruins and opened a tap room. Now you can (quite appropriately) explore the ruins with a beer in hand - and you won't even be trespassing!
Please note that it's important to always pay attention to signs, especially those indicating "no trespassing" or "private property."
Do you think you can handle this road trip exploring abandoned places in Minneapolis and St. Paul? We know exploring abandoned Minnesota is not for the faint of heart. If you know of other stellar abandoned places in the Twin Cities, please share them in the comments below - we would love to hear from you. Want to know about the creepiest abandoned spot in the greater Twin Cities area? Read more about this creepy, abandoned asylum near Minneapolis -- if you dare!
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