Yes, my friends, we’re going over the river and through the neighborhoods of North Minneapolis via the new-ish Lowry Bridge and the historic Victory Memorial Parkway.
Along the way, we’ll see the first public pool in North America to have a plant filtration system, a commercial kitchen, great dining, a statue of Abraham Lincoln, and more. With light rail and rapid transit buses scheduled to operate through North Minneapolis, there are budding possibilities and plenty of assets to build upon, including these 10 spots (in no particular order).
Webber Natural Swimming Pool
4330 Webber Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55412
With a free daily admission, ample staff, and ZERO chlorine — there is no better place to hang with the kiddo, friends, or family on a steamy, summer day. Check pool and waterpark closures before you go.
Juxtaposition Arts
2007 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Art and design education for youth — in a visual world that is complex and changing, this nonprofit’s 20+ years has enacted its vision and passion while creating possibilities. And, they even have affordable studio spaces for rent for artists — a thing of beauty!
The Lowry Cafe
2207 Lowry Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
‘Merican as apple pie, award winning chili, shrimp & grits, beautiful benny (eggs benedict), and house made corned beef hash with brussels, kale, and more OMG! Feels like the coolest small town main street spot to gab, graze, and sigh with delight.
Victory 44
2203 N 44th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Capital V-E-R-Y happy to have dined here, any day, any time. Trendy is almost too ordinary to describe this special spot. They take reservations of up to 8, and anything on the menu is a victorious outcome — sorry, could not resist. Take a peek at the menu and let the salivating begin.
Cookie Cart
1119 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Although the name might imply that these cookies come to you, YOU should visit them for a tour of their bakery and to meet their young bakers. The nonprofit makes, bakes, and takes cookies around the Twin Cities while preparing teens to engage in meaningful work. Grab a cookie or two fresh from the bakery weekdays (9am-6pm) or weekends (12pm-4pm).
Venture North
1830 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Coffee, bikes, community — a complementary trio with purpose created by Redeemer Center for Life, Venture North is a full-service bike shop and café who sources their beans locally. In addition to serving up sweet rides and luscious lattés, Venture also runs programs for adults and youth who want to become more knowledgeable and able to repair and maintain their bicycles.
Milda’s Cafe
1720 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
A beloved fixture of the Harrison neighborhood since 1965, Milda’s serves fresh pasty Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — yes, p-a-s-t-y (not pastry). Not fancy or frilly, but super fresh home cooking served with friendly smiles. Family owned and operated, the buttermilk pancakes, homemade rolls, and Philly scramble are marvels a la Milda.
Emily’s F&M Cafe
2124 44th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Go deeper into our northern territory of Minneapolis and drop into Emily’s for breakfast or brunch, but don’t expect to only find eggs on the menu. Meatloaf, fried chicken, and hot roast beef sandwiches with gravy and mashed potatoes offer considerable comfort while the usual eggs, omelettes, and toast are prepared with care.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
So big, it can’t be described with an address — Theodore Wirth is between Golden Valley Road to 394 and includes two golf courses, a lake, and many gardens. Contained within these massive boundaries are the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden, Quaking Bog (WHAT?), and more.
Victory Memorial Parkway
Part of the Cleveland, Victory, and Webber-Camden neighborhoods, the parkway is part of the Grand Rounds. A bounty of trees, beautiful and affordable homes, and home to Abraham Lincoln’s bronze likeness. The parkway was the site of a 30,000 person dedication ceremony in 1921 honoring fallen soldiers following World War I.
