Midtown Greenway, historic place and shared-use path in Minneapolis
The Midtown Greenway is a shared-use trail about 5.7 miles long that runs through Minneapolis along a former railroad corridor. The flat path features bridges, tunnels, and trenches that allow safe travel without car traffic and connects parks, lakes, and neighborhoods from the Uptown area to the Mississippi River.
The railroad line was built between 1879 and 1881 to carry goods and passengers, and in 1910 Minneapolis buried it between certain streets to improve safety. The trail opened in stages starting in 2000 and became a continuous route by 2006, with historic bridges and structures over 100 years old preserved and recognized in 1989.
The trail runs alongside Lake Street, where shops and restaurants reflect the neighborhood's diverse communities. Daily use by people from many backgrounds makes it a shared space where different parts of the city come together.
The trail is open year-round and lit at night, with safe passages under bridges or on raised paths above traffic. Users should stay on their side, use hand signals, and watch for others, especially when crossing streets, to prevent accidents.
Historic railroad bridges and structures still stand along the route, dating back over 100 years and serving as reminders of the city's past transportation system. These preserved structures are a rare example of urban infrastructure being repurposed while maintaining its historical character.
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