Hubbry Logo
Minneapolis Skyway SystemMinneapolis Skyway SystemMain
Open search
Minneapolis Skyway System
Community hub
Minneapolis Skyway System
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Minneapolis Skyway System
Minneapolis Skyway System
Minneapolis Skyway System
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

44°58′35″N 93°16′15″W / 44.97639°N 93.27083°W / 44.97639; -93.27083

Minneapolis skyway

Key Information

Voice of America report on the Minneapolis Skyway System
Skyway interior, Minneapolis. Nicollet Mall between 9th and 10th streets
View through window, Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Skyway System is an interlinked collection of enclosed pedestrian footbridges that connect various buildings in 80 full city blocks over 9.5 miles (15.3 km)[1][2] of Downtown Minneapolis, enabling people to walk in climate-controlled comfort year-round.[3] The skyways are owned by individual buildings in Minneapolis, and as such they do not have uniform opening and closing times.[1] The 9.5 miles of skyway are comparable to the Houston tunnel system, the systems in Canadian cities such as Toronto's PATH, Montreal's Underground City,[4] Calgary's 11-mile Plus 15 system and the 8-mile Edmonton Pedway system.

The Minneapolis skyways connect the second or third floors of various office towers, hotels, banks, corporate and government offices, restaurants, and retail stores to the Nicollet Mall shopping district, the Mayo Clinic Square, and the sports facilities at Target Center, Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium. Several condominium and apartment complexes are skyway-connected as well, allowing residents to live, work, and shop downtown without having to leave the skyway system.[5]

History and development

[edit]

The city's first skyways were planned by real estate developer Leslie Park and his architect Edward Baker (Baker Associates) in the early 1960s and built by Crown Iron Works Company of Minneapolis. Sensing pressure from indoor shopping malls such as Southdale Center, Park wanted to create a similar environment in Downtown Minneapolis that would offer a climate-controlled space and a way for pedestrians to move from building to building. He built two skyways connecting the newly constructed Northstar Center building to the Northwestern Bank Building and the Roanoke Building. The skyway to the Northwestern Bank Building was built in 1962 and the skyway to the Roanoke Building followed the next year. The second skyway still remains in use today and is the system's oldest segment.[6]

The system grew to seven total segments by 1972, though many of the skyways remained disconnected from one another. The construction of the IDS Center in 1972 helped to unify the system. The building featured skyways in all four directions as well as a spacious atrium area called the Crystal Court, allowing it to act as a central hub for the entire system. In 1976, the Downtown Council produced the first formal maps and signage for the system.[6][7]

The 1987 album Pleased to Meet Me by The Replacements contained a song entitled Skyway. Inspired by Minneapolis, the song used the skyway as a metaphor for unrequited love.[8]

In 2016, the U.S. Bank Stadium became connected to the Minneapolis skyway via a mixed-use development of office buildings and apartment complexes in Downtown East, Minneapolis.[9]

Notable buildings connected

[edit]

Guides

[edit]

Various guides to navigation exist including paper and online maps[1] as well as an app.[10]

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Minneapolis Skyway System

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Skyway System is the world's largest continuous indoor pedestrian network, comprising approximately 11 miles (18 km) of climate-controlled skyways, corridors, and tunnels that connect over 80 city blocks and more than 150 buildings in downtown . This elevated system allows pedestrians to navigate the urban core without exposure to street-level traffic or harsh weather, particularly Minnesota's severe winters. Conceived in 1959 by developer Leslie Park to revitalize amid suburban flight and improve flow, the system originated with an experimental built in 1962 over Marquette Avenue, though it was later demolished in the 1980s. The first enduring segment opened on June 12, 1963, spanning Seventh Street between the Northstar Center and the Roanoke Building, marking the beginning of widespread adoption. Expansion accelerated in the 1970s, with the 1972 completion of the (now ) serving as a pivotal hub that unified multiple routes and spurred further growth to its current scale. Today, the skyways integrate key landmarks such as to the west, the Minneapolis Convention Center to the south, and to the east, functioning as both a practical transit tool for commuters and a showcasing urban innovation. Operating hours vary by connected building but generally align with business schedules, with full closures on major holidays like and . While praised for enhancing connectivity and economic vitality in the city center, the system has faced discussions on governance and potential eastward extensions as of 2025.

Overview

Description and Scale

The Minneapolis Skyway System is an interlinked network of enclosed, climate-controlled pedestrian skybridges primarily at the second- and third-story levels, connecting buildings across downtown . This system enables seamless indoor travel for pedestrians, shielding them from Minnesota's harsh weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, and summer humidity. As of 2025, the Skyway System spans approximately 9.5 miles (15.3 km) of pathways, covering approximately 80 full city blocks and making it the world's largest continuous indoor pedestrian network. It links a diverse array of structures, including office towers, hotels, retail centers, restaurants, residential condominiums, and major sports venues such as , , and . This extensive connectivity facilitates daily commuting, shopping, and leisure activities entirely within a protected environment.

Significance and Comparisons

The Minneapolis Skyway System stands as the world's largest contiguous enclosed pedestrian skyway network, spanning approximately 9.5 miles (15.3 km) and connecting more than 80 downtown blocks, distinguishing it as the largest continuous system while Calgary's is the most extensive overall at approximately 10 miles (16 km) connecting over 130 buildings across multiple segments; it also exceeds mixed or underground networks such as Houston's seven-mile tunnel system, Edmonton's eight-mile pedway blend of tunnels and skyways, Toronto's 19-mile PATH tunnels, and Montreal's 20-mile . This distinction highlights its pioneering role in elevated, climate-controlled connectivity, designed specifically for pedestrian comfort in an urban core. By elevating walkways to a second-story level, the system has transformed Minneapolis into a "second-story city," providing seamless year-round indoor mobility that shields users from the region's extreme winters and humid summers, thereby sustaining pedestrian activity in a where outdoor travel would otherwise be severely limited. This innovation fosters urban vitality by linking commercial hubs, office towers, and emerging residential zones, concentrating economic activity and enhancing values through improved accessibility and foot traffic. It supports broader downtown revitalization efforts, including the Minneapolis Downtown Council's 2025 Plan, which projects doubling the residential population to 70,000 residents to catalyze business growth, retail expansion, and cultural renewal. Culturally, the Skyway System has permeated Midwestern identity, notably referenced in The Replacements' 1987 song "" from their album , where the enclosed bridges serve as a for isolation and observation amid urban life. In media and urban discourse, it symbolizes innovative adaptation to environmental challenges, celebrated as a hallmark of Minneapolis's forward-thinking approach to city planning and resilience.

History

Origins and Early Development

The Minneapolis Skyway System originated in the late 1950s as a response to the challenges posed by Minnesota's severe winters and the growing competition from suburban shopping malls, such as , which opened in 1956 and drew business away from downtown Minneapolis. Local real estate developer Leslie Park, a major property owner in the city's core, envisioned an interconnected network of elevated walkways to shield pedestrians from the elements and enhance downtown connectivity, thereby revitalizing the urban center amid post-World War II trends. Park collaborated with architect Edward Baker of Baker Associates, who provided the design expertise to realize these concepts, marking the inception of what would become a pioneering urban infrastructure solution. The first skyway opened on August 27, 1962, spanning Marquette Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets to connect the newly completed Northstar Center—developed by —with the adjacent Northwestern National Bank building. This initial 100-foot enclosed bridge allowed seamless second-floor access, though this experimental structure was demolished in the 1980s to make way for the Wells Fargo Center, setting a precedent for weather-protected pedestrian movement in the financial district. The following year, on June 12, 1963, a second skyway was constructed over 7th Street, linking the Northstar Center to the Roanoke Building and further extending the nascent network within the same area. These early segments were privately funded and built by developers like to boost occupancy and retail viability in existing structures. Early expansion occurred organically through private initiatives in the , as developers incorporated skyways into new construction projects to attract tenants and combat urban decline. By 1972, the system comprised seven disconnected segments concentrated in the financial district, reflecting ad hoc growth without a unified . Edward Baker emerged as a pivotal figure in this phase, earning recognition as the "mastermind" behind the skyways for standardizing their placement at the second-story level, which facilitated future interconnections and elevated to national prominence as a "second-story ."

Major Expansions and Milestones

The unification of the Minneapolis Skyway System occurred between 1972 and 1974, centered around the completion of the IDS Center and its iconic Crystal Court atrium, which served as a pivotal central hub integrating previously disparate skyway segments across downtown. By 1972, seven skyways were in operation but lacked full interconnectivity, spanning isolated connections in the Marquette office district and Nicollet retail area. The IDS Center, finished in 1974, was the first major development explicitly designed with skyway links on all four sides, facilitating seamless pedestrian flow and connecting eight blocks from Fifth to Ninth Streets between Nicollet Mall and Second Avenue South. This integration transformed the system from fragmented pathways into a more cohesive network, enhancing accessibility during harsh Minnesota winters. In 1976, the Minneapolis Downtown Council formalized the system's navigation by introducing the first standardized maps and signage, addressing the growing complexity as skyways became integral to new construction. This initiative improved user orientation and promoted as a unified urban feature, coinciding with increased adoption in commercial developments. The and marked a period of rapid expansion, driven by downtown economic growth, with skyways extending into residential and entertainment districts to support . By the early 2000s, the system had grown to connect 80 blocks over approximately 9 miles, incorporating connections to retail-entertainment complexes like City Center and Gaviidae Common, which added vibrant public spaces and dining options. This phase solidified Minneapolis's reputation for the world's largest contiguous skyway network, prioritizing high-accessibility blocks to maximize pedestrian utility. A key recent milestone came in 2016 with the extension connecting the U.S. Bank Stadium to the core system via the Downtown East development, including the corporate campus, which bridged the stadium's east side directly to existing pathways. This addition enhanced connectivity for events and tourism, increasing the total length to over 8 miles at the time and integrating sports facilities into the pedestrian infrastructure. By 2025, infill projects and minor extensions had resulted in the system's total length standing at approximately 9.5 miles (as of November 2025), connecting over 150 buildings and reinforcing its role in vitality amid post-pandemic recovery efforts. In response to ongoing maintenance and access inconsistencies, the City of initiated a review in 2025, proposing unified oversight through legislative directives to standardize operations, , and coordination among property owners as part of broader revitalization initiatives.

Design and Architecture

Engineering and Construction

The Minneapolis Skyway System employs a standardized that positions skyways at the second-floor level of connected buildings, ensuring a minimum interior clear width of 12 feet between handrails to facilitate pedestrian flow, with encouraged widths of 18 feet in the for enhanced capacity. These elevated walkways, with bottoms at least 16 feet 6 inches above public streets to accommodate vehicular traffic, utilize framing for structural integrity and extensive enclosures—comprising at least 80% of exterior sidewalls with clear or lightly tinted glazing for visible light transmittance of 0.6 or higher—to maximize while maintaining climate control. Construction methods prioritize minimal disruption to urban infrastructure, with skyways spanning streets perpendicularly and mid-block where possible, supported by building-integrated frameworks that avoid extensive street-level . Steel framing is selected for its rapid assembly, often involving prefabricated components to expedite installation by private developers in coordination with city approvals. The first , completed in 1962 between the Northstar Center and Northwestern National Bank Building, exemplified this approach by linking existing structures with an enclosed bridge over Marquette Avenue. Adaptations address site-specific challenges, including variations in floor heights and alignments through flexible jointing for curves or offsets, escalators and elevators at key hubs for vertical circulation, and direct integration into building atriums for seamless connectivity. All skyways must comply with the State Building Code, incorporating fire-resistant materials, rated assemblies for enclosures, and load-bearing designs capable of supporting pedestrian loads while ensuring safe egress paths. Over time, skyway construction has evolved from the basic enclosed steel-and-glass structures of the to incorporate modern enhancements, such as high-performance glazing meeting bird-safe standards and improved insulation for energy efficiency in Minnesota's extreme . Post-2000 expansions emphasize sustainable materials and code-compliant retrofits, reflecting advancements in while maintaining the system's core second-level configuration.

Aesthetic and Functional Features

The Minneapolis Skyway System features wide corridors designed to facilitate comfortable pedestrian movement, often incorporating seating areas, artwork, and natural lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. These interior spaces vary in design, with extensive windows providing daylight and framing views of prominent street-level architecture, such as the Richardsonian Romanesque-style and the ornate atrium. Public art installations enhance the aesthetic appeal, including Loren Madsen's Hanging Stones, a V-shaped of 276 suspended black granite pieces in the U.S. Bank Building, and Dale Chihuly's vibrant glass Macchia Forms alongside James Carpenter's pastel-hued Fresnel Wing in the . Functional elements prioritize user comfort and navigation, with full climate control offering heating and to shield pedestrians from Minnesota's . Wayfinding is supported by signage and interactive touch-screen kiosks at key intersections, such as those along , aiding orientation within the network. Accessibility features include ramps for wheelchairs and elevators for level changes, ensuring the system's second-story pathways remain navigable for users with mobility needs. Unique aspects of the Skyway include elevated perspectives that offer panoramic city vistas, contrasting with ground-level views and highlighting urban landmarks from above. Integration of public art extends to seasonal decorations, such as holiday trees and lights in connected atriums like the IDS Center's Crystal Court, transforming the space during winter festivals. Variations across segments emphasize comfort beyond transit, with some areas featuring retail kiosks, cafés, and lounge-like seating arrangements that encourage lingering and social interaction.

Network and Connections

Key Buildings and Landmarks

The Minneapolis Skyway System integrates several central hubs that serve as primary nodes for pedestrian traffic and retail activity. The stands as a pivotal connection point, featuring the multi-level Crystal Court atrium that functions as a major retail and dining destination within the network. This 57-story skyscraper, completed in 1973, anchors the system's core and links to numerous surrounding structures, facilitating seamless movement through its enclosed walkways. Adjacent to it, the retail strip extends the system's commercial vitality, with skyway bridges providing direct access to shops and eateries along this pedestrian-focused avenue, enhancing the downtown shopping experience. Commercial anchors further bolster the system's utility for business professionals. The U.S. Bank Plaza, located at 200 and 220 South Sixth Street, offers skyway access to offices and amenities, including connections to nearby towers like . Similarly, the Wells Fargo Center, a 774-foot designed by and opened in 1988, integrates skyway links to retail malls and , supporting daily commuter flows with its prominent location. Mayo Clinic Square, at 600 Hennepin Avenue, combines office space with a Mayo Clinic sports medicine facility, directly tying into the network for healthcare and professional access. Entertainment venues represent key destinations that draw crowds into the skyway during events. , the home arena for the and , connects via skyway to parking ramps and adjacent buildings, allowing fans sheltered passage to concerts and games. , the ' stadium opened in 2010, features skyway extensions that link it to downtown paths, particularly useful for pre- and post-game navigation. , hosting Minnesota Vikings football and major events since 2016, extends skyway hours during games to connect with central hubs like the convention center. Residential integrations promote around-the-clock usage of the system. In the North Loop neighborhood, condominiums such as those at The Ivy, completed in 2007, provide direct skyway access alongside hotel and fitness facilities, enabling residents to reach amenities without street exposure. Other connected residential options, including 365 Nicollet apartments, support 24/7 activity by linking living spaces to the broader network. Government buildings and hotels add institutional and hospitality dimensions. The Hennepin County Government Center connects via skyway to facilitate public access to offices and courts. The Hilton Minneapolis, situated near the , offers skyway-linked rooms and event spaces, serving visitors with convenient ties to the financial district.

Routes and Hubs

The Minneapolis Skyway System features primary routes that facilitate east-west and north-south traversal through downtown. The main east-west corridor runs along Washington Avenue, connecting the northern edges of the network, while the north-south axis follows , serving as a central spine for pedestrian movement across multiple blocks. These routes form the backbone of the system, allowing seamless connectivity between commercial and office spaces without street-level exposure. In addition to linear paths, the system includes loops in the North Loop and Warehouse District areas, creating circular or interconnected pathways that enhance accessibility in those neighborhoods. The overall is grid-like, spanning approximately 80 city blocks and incorporating enclosed bridges over major thoroughfares such as Marquette Avenue to maintain continuity. This structure totals over 9.5 miles of pathways, linking more than 150 buildings in a cohesive second-story grid. Key hubs serve as critical interchanges within this layout. The Crystal Court at the acts as a primary interchange point, facilitating connections in multiple directions and anchoring the system's core with its multi-level atrium design. Similarly, City Center functions as a retail-oriented node, integrating shopping and transit links at the intersection of 7th Street and Nicollet and Hennepin Avenues. Recent expansions have extended the network eastward, with connections to East Downtown completed in 2016 to provide direct access to , thereby integrating event venues into the broader grid and increasing the system's total pathway length beyond 8 miles.

Operations and Management

Ownership and Maintenance

The Minneapolis Skyway System operates under a decentralized model, where the majority of the skyways are privately owned and managed by the individual building owners or property associations to which they connect, rather than by a single entity. The City of Minneapolis plays a regulatory role through encroachment permits for skyway extensions over rights-of-way, such as sidewalks and streets, but does not hold direct of most segments. A small portion of city-owned skyways, particularly those between certain parking ramps, receives maintenance and improvements funded by the State of . Maintenance responsibilities fall primarily to owners, who handle cleaning, repairs, and upkeep funded through property taxes, special assessments, or fees levied within the Improvement District (DID). Coordination among owners is facilitated by the (MDC) and the DID, which convene stakeholders to address shared issues like and access, though these entities do not extend services directly into private skyway interiors. Annual upkeep costs for the broader downtown infrastructure, including skyway-related services, are estimated in the millions; for instance, the 2025 DID service charges totaled $8.7 million, largely covered by assessments that support cleaning and safety in connected areas. This fragmented structure has led to challenges, including inconsistent maintenance standards across privately owned segments, which can result in varying levels of cleanliness, accessibility, and integration with street-level amenities. In response, the City of Minneapolis advanced proposals in 2025 for enhanced centralized governance, including legislative directives to strengthen oversight, , and uniformity in operations through better regulatory authority and stakeholder coordination. These initiatives aim to mitigate fragmentation without shifting to full public ownership, building on ongoing discussions by the City Council and partners like the MDC. As of June 2025, a legislative directive was approved mandating access hours and enhancing city enforcement of safety and maintenance codes.

Access, Hours, and Safety

The Minneapolis Skyway System is free and open to the public, providing pedestrian access through a network of enclosed bridges and corridors connecting over 150 downtown buildings. However, entry requires passing through privately owned buildings, which may impose their own access policies, such as checks or restrictions during non-business hours. Some segments become inaccessible after closing times, and government-connected buildings may limit entry on holidays like or . Operating hours for the Skyway System lack uniformity across the network due to varying building ownership, but city guidelines establish standard public access from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through , 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Weekend availability is generally more limited, with many segments closing earlier or remaining shut entirely depending on the connected properties. Safety in the Skyway System is supported by features including surveillance cameras, emergency intercoms, adequate lighting, and clearly marked exits throughout the corridors. Accessibility features in the Skyway System include elevators in connected buildings that provide direct entry to the second- or third-level walkways, along with ramps for smoother transitions between levels. The city's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) action plans outline ongoing assessments and improvements for the network, ensuring compliance with federal standards for , such as tactile signage and wide pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.

Impact and Challenges

Economic and Urban Effects

The Minneapolis Skyway System serves as a vital that historically supported the daily movement of up to 200,000 workers and visitors pre-pandemic, facilitating seamless connectivity across 80 blocks and enhancing in a harsh . By providing weather-protected pathways, the system boosts retail foot traffic in connected areas, with some businesses reporting up to 40% increases in patronage during economic recovery periods, as seen in post-pandemic revitalization efforts. This connectivity has historically correlated with overall foot traffic gains, such as a 4% rise in 2009 amid improving economic conditions, underscoring its role in sustaining commerce. In , the Skyway System has encouraged higher density and by linking office towers, residential buildings, and commercial spaces, promoting efficient in the city core. This integration has contributed to downtown to 60,549 residents as of 2024, driven by new housing conversions and amenities that leverage the system's accessibility. While the system enables weather-proof commerce and reduces exposure to extreme conditions, it has also shifted activity upward, diminishing ground-level flow and fostering a more enclosed urban environment often described as a "fortress" . Nonetheless, this design supports year-round economic activity, with the Minneapolis Downtown Council highlighting the Skyway's contribution to the area's status as the region's primary economic engine, generating substantial commercial revenue through sustained worker and visitor circulation.

Criticisms and Future Plans

The Minneapolis Skyway System has been criticized for fostering by enabling users to avoid street-level interactions, thereby diminishing the vitality of sidewalks and public spaces. Urban planners and residents note that the elevated pathways primarily serve white-collar office workers during standard , creating a racially and economically homogeneous environment that excludes diverse populations, such as those with non-traditional schedules or limited access to connected ramps. This segregation exacerbates divides between suburban commuters and local communities, as the system bypasses the multicultural diversity at ground level. Post-2020, the has emerged as a hotspot for and deteriorated conditions, with reports documenting frequent robberies, assaults, use, and sales within the enclosed walkways. These issues have particularly impacted for with disabilities, as inconsistent door locking and lack of hygiene facilities compound barriers for non-office users. Urban planning debates have intensified around the Skyway's aesthetic and functional drawbacks, portraying it as visually monotonous and obstructive to ground-level revitalization efforts. By diverting over 120 blocks of pedestrian traffic to the second floor, the system dilutes sidewalk activity critical for retail viability and , leading to empty streets and storefronts often obscured by posters. Critics argue this privatized fragments , prioritizing enclosed convenience over inclusive that embraces seasonal street life. In response to these challenges, 2025 initiatives have focused on transforming the into a more equitable public asset, with ongoing discussions as of 2025. Streets.mn advocated for a proactive redesign to align with a pedestrian-oriented "," emphasizing its untapped potential amid downtown's shift toward residential uses. The city's RCA-2025-00678 legislative directive proposes governance reforms, including enhanced oversight, for consistent operations, and standardized access hours—Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.—to address inconsistencies and improve safety, though a staff response memo indicates the process is still active without final implementation. Future plans include potential expansions connecting to emerging residential zones, supported by regulatory changes and investments in converting vacant commercial spaces to housing, which could broaden the system's user base beyond commuters. Revitalization efforts propose incorporating enhanced to boost aesthetics and community ties, adopting uniform design standards for bridges similar to St. Paul's model, and integrating with networks for seamless multimodal connectivity. These measures aim to mitigate isolation while reinforcing the Skyway's role in a dynamic urban fabric.

Guides and Maps

The Minneapolis Downtown Council has long provided official paper maps of the Skyway System to assist users in navigation, with early versions produced in cooperation with mapping firms like Hedberg Maps. These printed resources detail skyway routes, connected buildings, and key landmarks, offering a tangible aid for pedestrians exploring the network. Complementing these, an interactive online map is available through the official tourism site at minneapolis.org/skyway-guide, allowing users to zoom, search routes, and view real-time building connections across the 9.5-mile system. Digital tools enhance orientation with mobile applications designed for the Skyway System. The Skyway Map Minneapolis app, available for both Android and iOS, supports route planning, indoor navigation overlays on Google Maps, and access to business directories within connected structures, with its latest update in September 2023 improving location-based features for finding amenities like restrooms and entrances. Similarly, the Skyway Access website offers an interactive map connecting over 150 buildings, with a business directory forthcoming. Historical resources trace the evolution of navigation aids within the system. In 1976, as the network expanded, the introduced the first formal signage and maps to standardize directions and reduce confusion among users. These guides and maps are widely accessible at no cost. Free PDF downloads of skyway maps, such as the 2019 version, are provided on sites like moveminneapolis.org and skywayaccess.com, while printed versions are distributed at the Visitor Center in the IDS Crystal Court and various hotels throughout . For more current options, the offers interactive maps at mplsdid.com/maps.

Visitor Tips

Navigating the Skyway System requires attention to directional posted throughout the pathways, which indicates routes to key buildings and landmarks. For more efficient travel, visitors can utilize mobile apps such as the Skyway Map Minneapolis app, which provides interactive guidance for finding the shortest paths between destinations. It is essential to check varying hours of operation, as access depends on individual building schedules—typically from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays but shorter on weekends and holidays. A June 2025 city ordinance sets minimum hours: Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.—to prevent encountering closed sections or dead ends. To make the most of the system, wear comfortable walking shoes, as the 9.5 miles of pathways often involve significant distances. Combining skyway use with the light rail is recommended for reaching outer areas of or connecting to broader transit networks, especially with affordable visitor passes available for unlimited rides. Exploring during special events, such as the Aquatennial , enhances the experience with more lively and populated segments featuring pop-up activities. Proper etiquette includes respecting private spaces within the connected buildings, as the skyways are a mix of public corridors and privately owned interiors where or obstructing pathways is discouraged. To avoid crowds, steer clear of peak rushes between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays, when commuters and office workers fill the routes. The system is particularly advantageous seasonally: in winter, it offers a climate-controlled escape from extreme cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping to -41°C, allowing safe traversal of 80 blocks without outdoor exposure. During summer, the air-conditioned pathways provide relief from highs reaching 42°C, making it a practical alternative to street-level heat.

References

  1. https://www.minneapolis.org/map-transportation/minneapolis-skyway-guide/
  2. https://skywayaccess.com/
  3. https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/RCA/24976
  4. https://www.startribune.com/whats-the-longest-skyway-in-minnesota/600356277
  5. https://hennepinhistory.org/building-bridges-the-minneapolis-skyway-system/
  6. https://www.minnpost.com/minnesota-history/2013/07/minneapolis-oldest-skyway-still-use-turns-50/
  7. https://www.calgary.ca/bike-walk-roll/plus-15-network.html
  8. https://placesjournal.org/article/multilevel-metropolis-urban-skyways/
  9. https://www.startribune.com/where-did-the-idea-for-minneapolis-skyways-come-from/507565812
  10. https://www.mplsdowntown.com/2025-plan-2/development-committee/
  11. https://americansongwriter.com/the-replacements-skyway/
  12. https://www.startribune.com/from-different-backgrounds-pair-launched-first-skyways/600033971
  13. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minneapolis-skyway-good-question/
  14. https://hennepinhistory.org/edward-baker-mastermind-of-the-skyways/
  15. https://www3.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/structure/minneapolis-skyways
  16. https://streets.mn/2013/10/19/evolution-of-the-minneapolis-skyway-system-1962-2002/
  17. https://finance-commerce.com/2017/07/top-projects-of-2016-series-wells-fargo-downtown-east-corporate-campus/
  18. https://streets.mn/2025/02/26/minneapolis-skyway-system-deserves-another-look/
  19. https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/RCA/25331
  20. https://abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Minneapolis.pdf
  21. https://ampers.org/minneapolis-skyways-elevated-glass-steel-bridges-connect-downtown/
  22. https://www.esinationwide.com/how-are-skywalk-bridges-built.php
  23. https://libraryarchives.metro.net/dpgtl/usdot/1983-the-way-to-go-benefits-of-quality-design-in-transportation.pdf
  24. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/MNBC2020P1/chapter-7-fire-and-smoke-protection-features
  25. https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/1895-sky-bridges-pedestrian-circulation-through-the-urban-fabric.pdf
  26. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/a-guide-to-art-on-the-skyways/
  27. https://www.startribune.com/kiosks-meant-to-help-visitors-find-their-way-are-popping-up-in-downtown-minneapolis/600369789
  28. https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g43323-d296048-t1019488-Can_a_disabled_person_take_a_motorized_scooter.html
  29. https://www.startribune.com/ranking-the-downtown-trees/600324130
  30. https://ids-center.com/
  31. https://www.usbankplazampls.com/main.cfm?sid=tbuilding&pid=aboutprop
  32. https://www.wellsfargocenter.com/experience/
  33. https://skywayaccess.com/building/mayo-clinic-square/
  34. https://www.targetcenter.com/plan-your-visit-1/getting_here
  35. https://www.mlb.com/twins/ballpark/transportation/pedestrian
  36. https://skywayaccess.com/usbankstadium/
  37. https://homesmsp.com/2018/01/minneapolis-condos-connected-skyway.html
  38. https://www.365nicollet.com/
  39. https://moveminneapolis.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2019-Skyway-Map-Final-Version.pdf
  40. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mspmhhh-hilton-minneapolis/
  41. https://travel.usnews.com/Minneapolis_MN/Things_To_Do/Minneapolis_Skyway_System_65626/
  42. https://www.touridscenter.com/about.html
  43. https://33southsixthcitycenter.com/main.cfm?sid=welcome&pid=wcenter
  44. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/downtown-next-report.pdf
  45. https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/RCAV2/51409/Skyway-Access-Updated-Staff-Presentation.pdf
  46. https://accesspress.org/more-must-be-done-to-make-skyways-safer-accessible-to-all/
  47. https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/PriorFileDocument/-64032/WCMSP-190546.PDF
  48. https://www.governing.com/community/the-twin-cities-skyways-face-an-uncertain-future
  49. https://www.twinsummitconsulting.com/post/exploring-the-economic-revitalization-of-downtown-minneapolis-part-3-of-4
  50. https://finance-commerce.com/2011/02/increased-foot-traffic-in-minneapolis-skyway-a-sign-of-improving-economy/
  51. https://minneapolis2040.com/policies/skyways/
  52. https://tcbmag.com/downtown-minneapolis-population-surpasses-60k/
  53. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/beneath-the-skyway/
  54. https://www.mplsdowntown.com/yesmpls/
  55. https://www.urbanequityinstitute.org/private-paths-and-public-space-a-comparative-history-of-grade-separated-pedestrian-systems-in-minneapolis-and-montreal/
  56. https://www.startribune.com/once-celebrated-the-skyways-of-minneapolis-are-now-being-blamed-for-downtowns-empty-streets/600334258/
  57. https://accesspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AP_-January-2024-web.pdf
  58. https://minneapolis2040.com/media/2018/pdf_minneapolis2040_updated-june-2024.pdf
  59. https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/FileV2/51696/Skyway-Access-and-Governance-Staff-Response-Memo-Sept-19-2025.pdf
  60. https://hensonefron.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DowntownMpls-map1.pdf
  61. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adriapolis.skywaymappgoogle&hl=en_US
  62. https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2024/06/the-minneapolis-skyway-system-that-allows-you-to-traverse-downtown-without-going-outside/
  63. https://airial.travel/attractions/united-states/minneapolis/minneapolis-skyway-system-yNZ9YOpB
  64. https://www.mplsdid.com/maps
  65. https://www.startribune.com/need-help-navigating-the-skyways-there-s-an-app-for-that/472181743
  66. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/guide-to-minneapolis-skyway/89-505194466
  67. https://www.eatrightpro.org/news-center/events-and-deadlines/fnce-2024-coffee-chat-savvy-travel-tips
  68. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/beneath-the-skyway/transcript/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.