Architecture in Minnesota

Discover 20 places to experience unusual architecture in Minnesota.

St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Peavey-Haglin Experimental Concrete Grain Elevator

This unassuimng grain elevator, commonly confused for a smokestack, helped inspire the modern architecture movement.

Southdale Center circa 1956

Edina, Minnesota

Southdale Center Shopping Mall

Opened in 1956, the first modern indoor shopping mall in the world was inspired by the shopping arcades found in European cities.

Southern side of the Seventh Street Improvement Arches.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Seventh Street Improvement Arches

This double-arched masonry highway bridge is the only structure of its kind in Minnesota.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Rathskeller Cafe

A 115-year-old restored German dining hall awaits those who venture beneath the Minnesota State Capitol.

The skyway.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

First National Bank Building Skyway

Built in 1931, this small passageway is believed to be the first modern skyway.

Front view of the Mushroom Building

Dassel, Minnesota

The Mushroom Building

The fungus-shaped vintage gas station has served multiple purposes over its lifetime, and now serves ice cream.

The Fireplace of States now at the Bemidji Tourist Information Center.

Bemidji, Minnesota

Fireplace of States

This ambitious attraction was the brain child of a lake resort impresario, and built by the WPA.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Washburn Park Water Tower

Eight "Guardians of Health" protect this art deco water tower from pollutants and bacteria.

Cloquet, Minnesota

Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station

The famed architect designed this Minnesota gas station of the future with a lookout tower.

Breuer's least-known masterpiece?

St. Joseph, Minnesota

Saint John's Abbey Church

A jaw-dropping brutalist space church seems to have crash-landed in the middle of America.

Old Muskego Church

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Old Muskego Church

A Norwegian church that was built before Wisconsin was even a state has been entirely moved to a nicer spot.

Permanently Closed

Tucker's Treehouse

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tucker's Treehouse

A treehouse assailed by the elements and the government, now gone.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

City Salvage

An architecturally-focused antique shop.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum

20,000 pieces in a Frank Gehry-designed building.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral

1887 era Russian Orthodox church in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Stone Arch Bridge

The only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River.