Mill Ruins Park serves at the focus for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Mississippi River programs. Programs take place in various locations along the riverfront including Mill Ruins Park, Nicollet Island and Minnehaha Park. Mill Ruins Park, an archaeological site located at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis, features the majority of the programs offered. A bright blue and green trailer located at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge (Portland Ave. and West River Parkway) is the meeting point for several programs. Call 612-313-7793 for more information.

Biking the Bridges

July 9, 1pm
Explore the bridges of the Mississippi River on this leisurely 2 hour guided bike tour on bike paths. Meet at the Mill Ruins Park trailer located at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge. 612-313-7793, $6 Adults, $4 Children

A River Runs Through It

July 10, 1pm
Can you swim and fish in downtown Minneapolis? Take a hike and talk about the river's health and river pollution’s' effect on wildlife and habitat historically and today. Enjoy a fun activity as part of the hike. Meet at the Mill Ruins Park trailer at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge.612-313-7793. $4 Adults, $2 children

Riverfront Walking Tour

July 16, 1pm
Join experienced Mill Ruins staff for a fun program featuring favorite sites, stories and activities that tell the story of the riverfront’s past. Meet at the Mill Ruins Park trailer located at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge. 612-313-7793, $6 Adults, $4 Children

Wonderful Waterways

July 16, 1pm
Learn how scientists evaluate the quality of streams and rivers and their surrounding habitats. Perform the same experiments that scientific professionals use to evaluate stream and river quality. Meet at the Minnehaha Park bandstand, 612-313-7793. $4 Adults, $2 children

Digging Under the Bridge

July 23, 1pm
Join a simulated archaeological dig under the Stone Arch Bridge. Literally uncover the area’s past in this fun program suitable for all ages. All equipment provided. Reservations required. 612-313-7793, $6 Adults, $4 Children

Loving and Loathing the Locks

July 24, 1pm
Discover what the river was like before and after construction of the locks. Minneapolis was home to both the first and last lock built on the Mississippi River. The tour will begin at the Upper St. Anthony Lock, travel to the site of the Meeker Island lock and end at Lock #1 at the Ford Dam. Participants provide their own transportation between sites- either bike or car. Meet at the Mill Ruins Park trailer located at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge. 612-313-7793. $4 Adults, $2 children

Waterworks

July 30, 1pm
What is the quality of the water in the Mississippi River? How do we know? Learn and perform some simple tests that tell a lot about the river. Meet at the Mill Ruins Park trailer at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge. 612-313-7793. $4 Adults, $2 children

Nicollet Island Tour

July 31, 1pm
Discover the people, houses, and stories of this fascinating island. Meet at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. 612-313-7793, $6 Adults, $4 Children