Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Visitor Center
Witness the power of St. Anthony Falls and explore the engineering marvel of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam, a site crucial to Minneapolis's h...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best access and ranger availability
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Visitor Center
Best Time
Best access and ranger availability
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the power of St. Anthony Falls and explore the engineering marvel of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam, a site crucial to Minneapolis's history.
"The Mississippi River flows over these falls 24-7-365. The City of Minneapolis owes it’s emergence to the power of this water."
Check Access Status
Lock is offline, visitor center hours can vary. Always check before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Engage with Rangers
Rangers are super helpful and kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge! :smiley:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Anthony Falls
Mississippi River
Witness the raw power of the Mississippi River cascading over the falls, a vital force in Minneapolis's history.
Lock & Dam Operations
Visitor Center area
See the impressive engineering of the tallest lock on the Mississippi, even though it's currently offline.
Junior Ranger Program
Visitor Center
Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by interacting with rangers and learning about the falls and river.
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Planning Your Visit
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Family Fun & Learning
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Access Status
Lock is offline, visitor center hours can vary. Always check before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Engage with Rangers
Rangers are super helpful and kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge! :smiley:
Parking Availability
Park at the Stone Arch Parking Lot for convenient access. :car:
Learn River History
Discover how the falls powered Minneapolis's growth. :factory:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Access Status
Lock is offline, visitor center hours can vary. Always check before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Engage with Rangers
Rangers are super helpful and kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge! :smiley:
Parking Availability
Park at the Stone Arch Parking Lot for convenient access. :car:
Learn River History
Discover how the falls powered Minneapolis's growth. :factory:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the impressive engineering of the lock and dam and the historical significance of St. Anthony Falls as the power source for Minneapolis. The opportunity for children to earn Junior Ranger badges is a highlight for families. While access can vary and the lock is offline, the natural beauty and educational aspects make it a worthwhile visit.
"This is an amazing place. The Mississippi River flows over these falls 24-7-365. The City of Minneapolis owes it’s emergence to the power of this water and the force of gravity. The Army Corps of engineers is responsible for the operation and condition of this lock and dam even though the lock is now offline. There is a visitors center that should become available again soon - once the pandemic eases. The elevation lift in the lock is said to be just under 50’ and to see it up close is impressive. Parking is available in the the Stone Arch Parking Lot. There is currently no cost to your visit at the Lock but access is not always available. Weekends are your best bet."
James Albinson
"Great time for our family. My son met with the rangers. He got a his junior ranger badge. He was extremely excited! We learned a lot of cool facts. Great view, even for being in a drought."
Kush Kitten
"Tallest lock on the Mississippi! NPS staff was pleasant and helpful"
Jamie K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The visitor center is located near the Stone Arch Parking Lot in Minneapolis. While specific public transit details aren't widely shared, driving and parking at the Stone Arch lot is recommended for easy access.
Yes, parking is available in the Stone Arch Parking Lot, which provides convenient access to the lock and dam area.
Yes, you can still visit the area to see the impressive structure of the lock and dam, and learn about its history, even though it is currently offline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there is no cost to visit the lock area. However, access may not always be available, so it's best to check in advance.
Visitor center hours can vary, and availability may be impacted by external factors. It's recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for general access to the lock and dam area, as there is no admission fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness the powerful St. Anthony Falls, explore the engineering marvel of the lock and dam (the tallest on the Mississippi), and learn about the river's historical significance.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy learning about the river's power and the lock's mechanics. Rangers often offer a Junior Ranger program for kids.
Yes, even during a drought, the falls are still visible and impressive, showcasing the continuous flow of the Mississippi River.
The elevation lift in the lock is just under 50 feet, offering an impressive scale when viewed up close.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the lock and dam offer great vantage points for capturing the falls and the impressive engineering. The Stone Arch Bridge area also provides iconic views.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be mindful of any posted signage or instructions from park staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity for children to see firsthand the power of water and understand how it shaped the city. The scale of the lock itself is often awe-inspiring for younger visitors, providing a tangible connection to history and engineering. Remember to check the visitor center's operational status before your visit to maximize the experience.
📚 History Buffs
Exploring the lock and dam structure provides insight into the engineering feats required to navigate the Mississippi River. Understanding the role of the Army Corps of Engineers in managing this vital waterway adds another layer to the historical narrative. Even with the lock offline, the site tells a compelling story of progress and adaptation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Lock & Dam
Visitors can still appreciate the robust construction and understand the historical context of how this lock facilitated river traffic and contributed to Minneapolis's development. The presence of a visitor center, when operational, further enhances the understanding of the lock's function and the broader Mississippi River system.
Understanding the lock's role is key to appreciating its significance. Even in its offline state, it serves as a powerful reminder of human ambition and the forces of nature. The engineering details, from the massive gates to the concrete structures, are fascinating to observe up close.
St. Anthony Falls: The Power Behind Minneapolis
Even during periods of drought, the falls continue to flow, a constant reminder of the river's enduring power. The visual of the water plunging over the edge is captivating, and understanding its historical impact adds a profound layer to the experience. It’s a place where natural beauty meets industrial heritage.
The falls are a symbol of resilience and progress. They represent the dynamic interplay between nature and human innovation that shaped the American Midwest. A visit offers a chance to connect with this vital piece of history and witness a natural wonder that continues to inspire.
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