Today, Minneapolis is a modern city full of just about every attraction and amenity you could possibly desire. Even in the middle of winter, the streets are full of cars and pedestrians. In fact, the city has been busy for many years. Even back in the the late 1800s, during the early days of Minneapolis, the streets were still bustling with activity. These 11 historic photos of Minneapolis streets will take you back in time.
- This photo of Pence Opera house dates back to the late 1800s. The building was located at Hennepin and 2nd Street until it was demolished in 1952.
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- This photo of Hennepin Avenue at 6th Street dates back to around 1915. The vintage signage is something to behold.
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- This photo shows people boarding a streetcar on South 6th Street in the mid-1920s.
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- The street is not disclosed, but this old photo dates back to 1939. If it weren’t for the cars, it wouldn’t look that different from some parts of the city today.
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- This quiet scene was captured in 1922 on Lyndale and 6th Street.
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- This shot down 6th Avenue North was taken around 1922. Part of the streetcar line, it was a bustling place in the early 20th century.
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- Just like today, Hennepin at 7th Street was just as busy back in 1951.
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- Here’s another busy scene from Hennepin Avenue. This one was shot in 1940 between 6th and 7th Streets.
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- This scene isn’t as bustling as some of the others, but it shows an old bar that stood on Marshall Street Northeast in 1953.
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- West Hotel opened in 1884, though this photo dates back to around 1896. At one time, it was the most luxurious hotel in the city. In 1910, a fire destroyed it, killing 10 people.
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- This shot of cars parked outside of Mr. Lucky’s night club on Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street was captured in 1965. Mr. Lucky’s opened in 1962. It was later torn down to make way for K-Mart.
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What do you think about these old photos of Minneapolis streets? Is there anything in Minneapolis that has changed a lot since you’ve lived here? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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