Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the Mill City Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s flour milling history. Conveniently situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near the intersection of Park Avenue and South 2nd Street, it’s easily accessible whether you’re visiting after a performance at the Guthrie Theater or exploring the vibrant riverfront area. This guide will help you navigate your way to the Mill City Museum, with a special focus for those coming from or planning to visit the Guthrie Theater on South 2nd Street.
Directions to Mill City Museum
Whether you prefer to drive, utilize public transportation, bike, or arrive by bus, reaching the Mill City Museum is straightforward. Given its prominent location near the Guthrie Theater and South 2nd Street, it serves as a central point for various modes of transport.
Driving to Mill City Museum
Navigating by car to the Mill City Museum is simple. It’s located near the corner of Park Avenue and South 2nd Street in downtown Minneapolis. If you are using GPS, inputting “Mill City Museum, Minneapolis” or even “Guthrie Theater, South 2nd Street Minneapolis MN” will guide you effectively to the vicinity. From South 2nd Street, you’ll find the museum clearly marked.
Public Transportation Options: Light Rail and Bus
Minneapolis boasts an efficient public transportation system, making the museum accessible via both light rail and bus.
Light Rail: The Blue and Green Lines both serve the U.S. Bank Stadium Station, a short walk from the Mill City Museum. Upon exiting the station, walk west for half a block to Park Avenue. Then, head north on Park Avenue for approximately four short blocks. This walk is pleasant and allows you to take in the downtown scenery.
Bus: Metro Transit bus #22 is another convenient option. This bus route runs along Washington Avenue, placing you just one block southwest of the museum. This is a great option for those coming from areas serviced by the #22 bus line.
Biking to the Museum
For those who enjoy cycling, Minneapolis is a bike-friendly city, and reaching the Mill City Museum by bike is a great option, especially if you are already near the riverfront or downtown area. The museum is advantageously positioned between two bike-friendly streets. South 2nd Street itself features a dedicated bike lane, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Additionally, the scenic West River Parkway, part of the extensive Minneapolis Trails & Parkways system, provides a beautiful route to the museum, often favored by recreational cyclists.
Parking Near Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater
While the Mill City Museum does not have its own dedicated parking facility, numerous parking options are available in the vicinity, many of which are conveniently located for both museum and Guthrie Theater visitors. Keep in mind that the museum is unable to validate parking, so plan accordingly.
Ramp Parking:
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Mill Quarter Ramp (711 South Second St.): This fully automated ramp is a very convenient option, located on South 2nd Street. It accepts both cash and credit cards. Parking rates typically range from $3 to $8, but be aware that fees may increase during events at U.S. Bank Stadium or performances at the Guthrie Theater, due to its close proximity.
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Riverfront Municipal Ramp (212 9th Ave S): Situated just one block from the museum and directly across South 2nd Street from the Guthrie Theater, this ramp is an excellent choice, particularly if you are combining your museum visit with a theater outing.
Metered Parking:
- Street Parking on South 2nd Street: For shorter visits, city parking meters are available directly outside the museum’s main entrance on South 2nd Street. These meters have a 4-hour time limit, which is usually sufficient for a museum visit. Many other metered parking spots can be found within a few blocks. Be sure to note the 4-hour limit is enforced. For real-time information on meter restrictions and rates, especially during events, the city of Minneapolis provides an interactive parking meter map.
Bus Drop-off and Pick-up
For groups arriving by bus, the Mill City Museum offers a designated bus drop-off and pick-up zone right in front of the main entrance on South 2nd Street. Look for the red-capped meters and signs indicating the bus zone. This zone is available Wednesday through Friday, from 9 am to 2 pm, and is strictly for drop-off and pick-up only – bus parking or idling is not permitted.
Bus Parking Options
Unfortunately, Mill City Museum does not provide bus parking, and bus parking in the immediate area is limited. Groups needing bus parking will need to make independent arrangements. Options include:
- Metered City Parking: Buses can utilize city parking meters, provided they pay for all meters occupied and adhere to posted time and date restrictions. Idling is prohibited at all meters.
- Private Parking Lots: Consider contacting private parking lot operators like ABM and Impark, which operate pay lots in the area, to pre-arrange and pay for bus parking.
- City-Permitted Meter Hooding: Groups can contact the city of Minneapolis to arrange for meter hooding in a specific area for bus parking. This involves fees for hooding and lost revenue, and requires obtaining a free obstruction permit from the city.
Planning your visit to the Mill City Museum, especially in conjunction with a trip to the Guthrie Theater on South 2nd Street, is made easy with these comprehensive transportation and parking options. Enjoy your visit to this historical Minneapolis gem!
