Minneapolis. The city's name blends the Dakota word for water and the Greek for city. In the same way, the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway blends the natural heritage and human history of Minneapolis. The Byway circles downtown Minneapolis, spotlighting native plants and waterfalls, archaeological sites, and innovative modern sculpture.
Minneapolis has taken efforts to conserve the beauty of the prairie alongside its metropolitan area, incorporating large nature preserves that offer more than a simple view of wildlife. Theodore Wirth Park offers a swimming beach, playground, and golf course alongside views of meadows, forests, and marshes. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Park preserves the natural flora of the city, with native species blooming throughout the year along quiet pathways.
The St. Anthony Falls Trail system connects several historic areas in the heart of the city, a vital and active area of the Mississippi River. From St. Anthony Falls, sacred to the Dakota Indians and valued by the mill industry, visitors can take the trail through Minneapolis, walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge, or visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the oldest continually used church in Minneapolis. Mill Ruins Park, with its stone arches, canals, and tailraces, leaves traces of 19th century flourmills that helped make Minneapolis the leader in flour production.
After experiencing these and other historical sites of Minneapolis' east side river area, visitors can continue the loop past Minnehaha Park and the lakes to the west side of the city, and stroll through concepts of the future at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Open fields and streams are dotted with picture frames on legs, wire domed columns, mirrors mixed with living hedges, and the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry, a larger than life fountain statue of...a spoon and a cherry.
Through its variety of nature, history, and art, the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway encompasses Minneapolis' past, present, and future.
Cycling along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
The Extraordinary Gardens of Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Golfing Among Minnesota's Lakes on the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Hiawatha: Fact vs. Literature in Minnehaha Park