Photo by fotolia/visualoutdoors
My first exposure to the Minneapolis skyways was from The Replacements, who sang about their journeys “high above the busy little one-ways,” on their 1987 Pleased to Meet Me album. The skyways sounded so romantic, so full of bustling people on cold December days. When I first stepped onto the skyway for myself, I was surprised to find a fast-paced community of its own, moving almost as quickly as the cars below.
The first Minneapolis skyway was built in 1962, connecting Northstar Center with the former Northwestern National Bank. The skyways were originally intended for people walking to work during the bitter Minnesota winters, but soon attracted visitors. Now, the Minneapolis skyways span 69 blocks and nine miles—the newest mile adds the U.S. Bank stadium to the web of existing skyways, which will be put to good use for all of the stadium’s upcoming events (including the 2018 Superbowl).
Next time you’re up in the skyways, be sure to check out a few of the many restaurants, cafes, shops, and attractions:
Food
Bep Eatery
The cozy Vietnamese restaurant features fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully with their scratch made sauces. Specialties include banh mi, pho, spring rolls, and many other Vietnamese classics. 100 S. Fifth St. Ste. 210, Minneapolis, bepeatery.com
The Brother’s Deli
This classic eatery has been feeding downtowners for 70 years, serving a huge variety of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast specials. 50 S. Sixth St. Ste. 220, Minneapolis, thebrothersdeli.com
Simpls
Eating healthy is made easy at Simpls, emphasizing locally grown, fresh, scratch-made items on their menu, with everything from granola bars, to grab and go, to sandwiches and salads made daily. They also support local companies by stocking products such as Sift’s gluten free muffins and Prohibition’s kombucha on tap. 601 S. Marquette Ave. Ste. 220, simpls.com
Peace Coffee
Peace Coffee aims to grow the fair trade coffee movement by only using beans from fairly compensated farmers. Stop by for coffee, tea, and quick treat on your way to work. 225 S. Sixth St., peacecoffee.com
Shopping
Saks Off Fifth
Find amazing markdowns and discounts, as well as the designer labels you know and love at Saks Off Fifth. Read more about the store’s reopening on the TC Style blog. 600 Nicollet Mall Ste. 100, Minneapolis, saksoff5th.com
Brooks Brothers
This elegant clothing brand has been dressing men, women, and children for 198 years in clothes made exclusively in the United States. 40 S. Seventh St. Ste. 261, Minneapolis, brooksbrothers.com
Allen Edmonds
This upscale men’s shoe store features shoes to complete every look, from casual to formal. Also specializing in accessories, Allen Edmonds has a wide selection of scarves, belts, and other leather goods. 40 S. Seventh St. Ste. 263, Minneapolis, allenedmonds.com
Len
This Minneapolis based clothing store offers a full array of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. 40 S. Seventh St. Ste. 205, Minneapolis, shoplen.com
Attractions
Wells Fargo Museum
Explore the history of Wells Fargo in this skyway-level museum. Get a close-up of an authentic stagecoach from 1863, send a coded telegraph, take a ride in a rocking stagecoach, and more. Bring the whole family or book a group visit online. 90 S. Seventh St., Minneapolis, wellsfargohistory.com
Macy’s Santaland
Santaland has been a Minneapolis tradition for nearly 50 years, with numerous window displays featuring a few new themes every year, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. Learn more on the Minnesota Journeys blog. Nicollet Mall, 700 On The Mall, Minneapolis
State Theater
Opened in 1921, the State Theater holds dozens of concerts every year and its location on Hennepin Avenue puts it in close proximity to a batch of restaurants for pre-or -post show eats. 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, state.theaterminneapolis.com
