Midtown Greenway

The 5.5-mile former railroad corridor in South Minneapolis used year-round by cyclists, pedestrians, and as a canvas for public art and political messaging

Midtown Greenway — Minneapolis, MN

The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile paved trail running through a below-grade corridor in south Minneapolis, connecting the Mississippi River to the Chain of Lakes. Built on a former Milwaukee Road rail trench, it opened in phases between 2000 and 2007 and has become one of the busiest bike commuter routes in Minnesota.

The railroad corridor dates to the late nineteenth century, when freight lines cut through what would become dense residential neighborhoods. When rail use declined, the trench sat largely dormant until community advocates and the city began converting it to a public trail in the late 1990s. The Midtown Greenway Coalition, a nonprofit, took on stewardship of the corridor and continues to maintain it year-round. The Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle suspension span over Hiawatha Avenue, opened in 2007 and completed the grade-separated route across one of the trail's most difficult crossings.

The corridor runs directly through the part of south Minneapolis most affected by the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The Midtown Sheraton, which sits immediately adjacent to the trail, was used as a homeless shelter during that period and was subsequently boarded by police. A large encampment was cleared from the Greenway itself in December of that year, and the city installed new signage prohibiting camping along the route. Graffiti, murals, and posted flyers addressing policing, housing, and immigration have appeared along the retaining walls and bridge supports throughout the years since.

Infrastructure work along the corridor is ongoing. Aging street bridges are replaced on a rolling schedule, and the Southwest Light Rail Green Line Extension introduced a new station at Lake Street that is set to open in 2027. The reopening of Nicollet Avenue after the demolition of a former K-Mart building is also reshaping the streetscape at one of the Greenway's key crossings. Murals painted beneath bridges — some responding directly to the 2020 uprising, others addressing housing affordability and immigration — continue to accumulate along the route, making the retaining walls a running record of the neighborhoods the trail passes through.

Alex Pretti on mural under Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
August 15, 2026 — Mural under Hennepin Avenue on the Midtown Greenway that depicts the killing of Alex Pretti. The mural was painted in summer of 2026 in response to Operation Metro Surge.
WE RISE mural under Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis
August 15, 2026 — Mural under Hennepin Avenue on the Midtown Greenway that reads "WE RISE". The mural was painted in summer of 2026 in response to Operation Metro Surge.
Midtown Greenway and Fremont Avenue in Minneapolis
June 28, 2026 — Midtown Greenway shown at night. The Midtown Greenway trail goes from the west metro suburbs to the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
Group of Bikers on the Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis
June 22, 2026 — A group of bikers moving down the Midtown Greenway in Uptown Minneapolis.
Midtown Greenway and Nicollet Avenue Construction, Minneapolis
May 24, 2026 — A biker rolls down the Midtown Greenway during Nicollet Ave construction.
Demolition of the 10th Avenue Bridge over the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, with heavy machinery and debris visible. Street signs indicate S 10th Ave and E 29th St.
March 20, 2026 — Demolition of the 10th Avenue Bridge over the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis. This demolition is part of a recurring summer project to replace aging bridges along the Midtown Greenway, many of which were constructed concurrently.
December on the Midtown Greenway
December 2, 2025 — A winter scene along the Midtown Greenway, the 5.5-mile rail-to-trail corridor that runs through the heart of Minneapolis. The trench and bridge structures visible here date back to the early 20th century, when the Milwaukee Road railroad used this grade-separated route to move freight without disrupting street traffic. After rail service declined, the corridor was converted in stages beginning in the late 1990s, becoming one of the city’s most heavily used bicycle and pedestrian routes. The snow-covered path shows how the greenway remains active year-round, with cyclists continuing to use the historic trench even in mid-December.
Biking through Minneapolis Fall Colors
November 1, 2025 — Colorful leaves on the bike trails around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. Seen between the Midtown Greenway and Lake oif the Isles in November 2025.
Midtown Greenway Fall Colors November 2025
November 1, 2025 — Beautiful fall colors on the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis. This has to be my favorite time of the year!
Dean Parkway and Midtown Greenway Fall Colors
November 1, 2025 — Fall colors on the Midtown Greenway at the Dean Parkway exit. A great time of the year!
Dean Parkway and Midtown Greenway Fall 2025
October 28, 2025 — Midtown Greenway and Dean Parkway. This is such a wonderful time of the year on this bike trail as the colors change.
Cyclists and pedestrians on the Midtown Greenway beneath the Uptown Transit Station in Minneapolis.
October 27, 2025 — The Midtown Greenway in Uptown Minneapolis passes beneath the Uptown Transit Station as a Metro Transit bus moves along the bridge above in October 2025. Cyclists and pedestrians use the grade-separated trail below, highlighting the corridor’s role as a major east-west route for biking and walking through south Minneapolis. Autumn foliage lines the greenway, contrasting with the concrete transit structure overhead.
Graffiti and construction at Nicollet Ave and Midtown Greenway
September 22, 2025 — A biker passes through construction on Nicollet Ave to get to the Midtown Greenway. The construction is happening as the city opens up Nicollet Avenue after demolishing the former K-Mart building.
Spin and Lime Bikes need saving
September 16, 2025 — Shared mobility bikes and scooters from Lime and Spin are seen behind a newly installed fence along the Midtown Greenway path in Minneapolis, beneath the Interstate 35W overpass. This section of the multi-use path, a vital east-west bicycle and pedestrian corridor, was closed while addressing ongoing concerns regarding open drug use that had been prevalent along this segment of the Greenway throughout the summer
Biker on Martin Olav Sabo Bridge over Haiwatha
September 13, 2025 — A cyclist travels across the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle suspension bridge spanning Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis. Opened in 2007, the bridge was designed to provide a safe, grade-separated connection for trail users along the Midtown Greenway, avoiding the busy highway and light-rail tracks below.
Midtown Greenway at Lake Street Station skateborder
September 8, 2025 — The new Lake Street Station, part of the Southwest Light Rail Green Line Extension. The train line which has been under construction for almost a decade is set to open in 2027. The orange station shown here serves Lake Street above and the large amount of residential apartments below. Skateboard seen skating down the Midtown Greenway trail.
Emerson Ave in Uptown Minneapolis
August 22, 2025 — A woman walks across the Emerson Avenue Bridge in Uptown Minneapolis, which spans the Midtown Greenway.
Graffiti on a Stop Ahead sign in Minneapolis
July 8, 2025 — Graffiti modifies a "Stop Ahead" traffic sign in South Minneapolis. The original warning has been altered to read "DON'T STOP GIVING HEAD," transforming a regulatory notice into a provocative statement.
2025 Mural on Minneapolis Midtown Greenway
July 8, 2025 — Bikers travel along the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis, passing a vibrant mural painted beneath a bridge. This public artwork, created in the wake of the Minneapolis Uprising, reflects community narratives and cultural themes. The Midtown Greenway, a former railway corridor, was transformed into a 5.5-mile multi-use path in 2000, serving as a vital transportation and recreational route through the city. Murals along the Greenway often commemorate local history and express community identity, making this site a significant cultural landmark.
Bike mural on the Midtown Greenway by Cadex Herrera in Minneapolis
July 8, 2025 — A vibrant mural by artists Cadex and Ethan Herrera adorns a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. Created in 2025, the artwork depicts figures engaged in cycling and running, reflecting the active use of this urban corridor. The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile-long path, was repurposed from an abandoned railway line, transforming it into a vital route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Surveillance Camera over Midtown Greenway
April 15, 2025 — A surveillance camera is positioned on the Pleasant Avenue Bridge, overlooking the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile-long rail-with-trail corridor, was developed from a former railway line into a vital path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Light rail tunnel construction from the bike trail
September 21, 2024 — Construction is underway on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Minneapolis, as seen from the Midtown Greenway. This extensive infrastructure project aims to connect Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie via a new light rail line. The construction visible here involves the tunneling and bridge work necessary to integrate the new transit line into the existing urban landscape. The Midtown Greenway itself is a popular multi-use trail that runs through the heart of Minneapolis, providing a vital corridor for cyclists and pedestrians.
Night photo of bike trail through Minneapolis
September 15, 2024 — The Midtown Greenway pedestrian bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is illuminated at night, with red tail lights from cyclists marking the path below. This corridor, originally a railroad line established in the early 20th century, was transformed into a protected bike and pedestrian route in the early 2000s. The Greenway serves as a vital east-west transportation artery, connecting the Uptown neighborhood to the Mississippi River and supporting the city's sustainable transit initiatives.
Bikers on the Midtown Greenway in September 2024
September 15, 2024 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a 5.5-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. Opened in phases starting in 2000, it connects various neighborhoods and provides a vital transportation and recreation artery through the city.
Midtown Greenway Jogger in June 2024
June 17, 2024 — A lone jogger uses the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis after a rain shower. This 5.7-mile paved trail follows the path of a former railroad line, converted into a public corridor in the late 1990s. The Greenway serves as a vital artery for non-motorized transportation and recreation, connecting diverse neighborhoods across South Minneapolis.
Venture Bikes Midtown at night
April 7, 2024 — Venture Bike Shop on the Midtown Greenway. The bike shop replaces a previous bike shop that closed a couple years ago.
Very colorful red orange and yellow sunset on trail
March 3, 2024 — The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile-long rail-with-trail corridor, traverses south Minneapolis, providing a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians. Developed from a former railway corridor, primarily the Milwaukee Road's Short Line, it officially opened as a multi-use path in 2000.
Time for a target run protest flyer
February 10, 2024 — Flyers protesting the construction of a new Minneapolis Police Third Precinct are displayed near the former precinct site on Minnehaha Avenue in South Minneapolis. One flyer, designed to resemble a Target advertisement, sarcastically invites the public to "Celebrate the opening of the NEW Police Precinct at 2633 Minnehaha Ave." and depicts a shopping basket containing items like charcoal and bolt cutters. A smaller accompanying flyer explicitly states "NO NEW THIRD PRECINCT!" and includes a QR code for more information.
Soithside Strong No New Precinct
February 10, 2024 — A protest flyer advocating "Southside Strong No New Precinct!" is affixed to a pole along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, photographed in February 2024. This flyer, featuring a vibrant artistic design and a QR code for more information, expresses community opposition to the rebuilding or relocation of the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct. The original 3rd Precinct building was destroyed during the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising following the murder of George Floyd.
Snoopy flyer reads No New Precinct
February 10, 2024 — A protest flyer featuring the character Snoopy, accompanied by the phrase "No New Precinct" and "We'll do it again," is affixed to a surface along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. This flyer expresses opposition to the proposed rebuilding of the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct. The original 3rd Precinct building was destroyed by protesters on May 28, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd.
Repair Pot Holes Quit Buffing Graffiti
February 4, 2024 — Graffiti on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis reads "Repair Pot Holes, Quit Buffing Graff...". The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long rail-to-trail path for bicycles and pedestrians, converted from a former railway corridor in the early 2000s.
Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis at night, with a lit trail under an overpass beside apartments.
November 12, 2023 — The Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis is a multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. Opened in phases starting in 2001, it connects the Mississippi River to the Chain of Lakes. The trail serves as a vital transportation and recreation artery, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to travel through the city separated from vehicular traffic.
A mural of bikers on the greenway
November 3, 2023 — A mural depicting cyclists adorns a building along the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis. This 5.7-mile paved trail, established on a former railroad corridor, serves as a critical piece of active transportation infrastructure connecting city neighborhoods.
The Midtown Greenway Bridge in Minneapolis, a stone arch structure, carries traffic over a waterway surrounded by autumn foliage.
October 25, 2023 — The Midtown Greenway Bridge, a stone arch structure in Minneapolis, carries vehicular traffic over a waterway. Autumn foliage surrounds the bridge and lines the banks of the waterway. This bridge is part of the Midtown Greenway, a 5.7-mile paved multi-use trail in Minneapolis that runs through the heart of the city. The trail follows a former railroad corridor and is a vital piece of the Twin Cities' active transportation network, popular for biking and walking. Keywords: Autumn, Biking, Colors, Fall, Midtown, Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis, Twin Cities
A cyclist rides on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis during autumn. The path is lined with trees displaying fall foliage and fallen leaves cover the ground.
October 25, 2023 — A cyclist rides on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during autumn. A sign visible on the path reads "ADOPT-A-GREENWAY." The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile multi-use trail constructed on a former railroad corridor, connecting the Mississippi River to the Chain of Lakes. It serves as a key transportation and recreation route for the Twin Cities, maintained by the city and supported by community volunteer programs like Adopt-a-Greenway.
Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, MN, features a canal with trees displaying autumn colors and an arched stone bridge in the background.
October 25, 2023 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, features a paved trail alongside a canal, bordered by trees displaying vibrant autumn foliage in late October 2023. An arched stone bridge spans the canal in the background, reflecting the fall colors on the water's surface.
A lone bicyclist rides on the leaf-covered Midtown Greenway path in Minneapolis during autumn.
October 25, 2023 — A lone bicyclist travels along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis during late October 2023. The paved path is covered in fallen autumn leaves, with vibrant red and yellow foliage lining the route. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long parkway built on a former railroad corridor, connecting the Mississippi River to the Chain of Lakes.
Inspire Apartments illuminated at dusk along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
October 6, 2023 — Inspire Apartments sits along the Midtown Greenway in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, on a site previously home to the Elan complex. The Greenway itself runs about 5.5 miles through south Minneapolis along a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor, connecting the Chain of Lakes to the Mississippi River. Much of the trail sits in a sunken former rail trench, which lets it cross under city streets rather than at intersections. It's used year-round by commuters and cyclists, with volunteer patrols and lighting added over the years to support nighttime travel. Apartment and condo development along the corridor, including this building, grew substantially after the trail's renovation in the early 2000s.
Critical Mass Minneapolis Flyer on the Midtown Greenway
August 5, 2023 — A flyer for Critical Mass on the Midtown Greenway. It was held on July 29, 2023.
Critical mass flyer on the midtown greenway
August 5, 2023 — A flyer for Critical Mass on the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis. It was held on July 29, 2023.
Minneapolis and Bde Maka Ska and wildfire smoke
July 23, 2023 — Minneapolis's downtown skyline is obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires, viewed from the vicinity of Bde Maka Ska. The lake, one of the city's Chain of Lakes, is a popular destination for recreation and is bordered by parkland and residential areas. The presence of wildfire smoke highlights the increasing impact of climate change on air quality across North America.
Bikers cross road with hazy skies
May 18, 2023 — Bicyclists navigate the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis under a sky obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile-long trail built on a former railroad corridor, serving as a vital piece of the city's active transportation network. This trail provides a safe and accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting various neighborhoods and parks across the city. The heavy haze, a result of widespread wildfires, significantly impacted air quality across the Midwest during the summer of 2023, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by urban areas.
Man and bicyclist on a biking trail with wildfire smoke
May 18, 2023 — The Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis, a 5.7-mile paved urban trail, was developed on a former railroad corridor. It serves as a vital artery for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting diverse neighborhoods and providing a safe, car-free environment for recreation and commuting. On this day, wildfire smoke from Canada created a hazy atmosphere, impacting air quality and visibility for those using the trail for biking and jogging.
Midtown Greenway trail under 28th Street in Minneapolis, lined with bridge supports.
May 2, 2023 — The Midtown Greenway passes beneath 28th Street in Minneapolis. The paved trail runs through a corridor of concrete bridge supports and adjacent street access points.
Sticker reading defend east phillips
March 19, 2023 — A sticker advocating for "Civil Disobedience" in support of the East Phillips neighborhood is affixed to a utility box in South Minneapolis. The sticker reflects ongoing community efforts to protect the East Phillips neighborhood from the proposed Roof Depot expansion, a project that has faced significant opposition due to environmental and health concerns. The "Defend East Phillips" movement has utilized various forms of activism, including protests and community organizing, to advocate for the neighborhood's well-being and resist development perceived as harmful.
Fencing around the roof depot in Minneapolis
March 19, 2023 — Fenced off Roof Depot building in South Minneapolis as seen from the Midtown Greenway.
Midtown Greenway bike trail in the snow
March 19, 2023 — Construction is underway for new developments adjacent to the Midtown Greenway and 11th Avenue in Minneapolis, as seen on March 19, 2023. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor, providing a vital active transportation link through the city. The adjacent 11th Avenue is a key thoroughfare that has also seen significant infrastructure development.
Reggie LeFlore train mural in Minneapolis
March 19, 2023 — This mural by Reggie LeFlore, located on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, depicts a stylized steam locomotive. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile paved trail built on a former railroad corridor, connecting the Mississippi River to the western edge of the city. It is a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians, and the mural adds a vibrant artistic element to the urban landscape.transportation hub.
Weak Mayor Sticker seen on the Midtown Greenway
February 19, 2023 — A sticker reading "Weak Mayor" with the website WEAKMAYOR.COM is affixed to a sign along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor, serving as a vital transportation and recreation artery for the city.
Roof Depot and the Midtown Greenway February 2023
February 19, 2023 — The Roof Depot Urban Farm is situated near the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This area, once a hub for industrial activity, has seen transformations in its land use. The urban farm itself represents a contemporary effort to repurpose urban spaces for agricultural purposes, contributing to local food systems and community engagement.
November rain on the midtown greenway bike trail in Minneapolis
November 4, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis is a 5.5-mile paved trail for pedestrians and cyclists. Constructed on a former railroad corridor, it was developed in phases, with significant portions opening in the early 2000s. The trail provides a vital transportation and recreational link through the city.
Lake Street sign illuminated at night during rainfall on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.
November 4, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway occupies a below-grade rail corridor once used by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, converted to a bicycle and pedestrian route beginning in the late 1990s. The trail runs roughly five and a half miles across south Minneapolis, linking the Chain of Lakes near Uptown to the Mississippi River at the West River Parkway. Lake Street, one of the city's principal commercial corridors, crosses the Greenway on a bridge above the trail. Signage along the route marks nearby cross streets and neighborhood landmarks for cyclists and pedestrians using the corridor.
Yellow leaves on the Midtown Greenway
October 27, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis is a 5.5-mile paved multi-use trail that runs through the heart of the city. Originally a railroad corridor, it was converted into a public path in the early 2000s. The trail provides a vital connection for cyclists, walkers, and runners, offering a safe and scenic route away from vehicle traffic. This image captures the path during autumn, with fallen leaves blanketing the asphalt, highlighting the seasonal beauty of the urban landscape.
Cyclist on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis below a pedestrian bridge and apartment buildings.
July 12, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis is a 5.5-mile-long trail developed on a former railroad corridor, providing a vital artery for cyclists and pedestrians through the city. Adjacent apartment buildings, constructed in recent years, demonstrate the integration of modern residential development with the trail's active use. A pedestrian bridge spans the greenway, connecting neighborhoods and enhancing access to this popular urban path.
Minneapolis Midtown Greenway May 2022
May 1, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile paved urban trail in Minneapolis, follows a former railroad corridor. This section near 10th Avenue shows the trail passing under a bridge, with a large industrial building and ongoing construction in the background. Opened in 2000, the Greenway transformed a disused rail line into a vital path for cyclists, pedestrians, and commuters, connecting various Minneapolis neighborhoods and serving as a significant piece of the city's active transportation network.
Midtown Greenway May 2022
May 1, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis, photographed in May 2022, is a 5.5-mile paved multi-use trail. It was developed on the former Milwaukee Road railroad corridor, which was abandoned in the 1980s. The Greenway officially opened in phases between 2001 and 2006, transforming a disused railway line into a vital urban pathway. Today, it serves as a popular route for cyclists, walkers, and runners, connecting various neighborhoods and offering a car-free transit option through the city.
Midtown Greenway at Park Avenue exit
May 1, 2022 — Construction is underway for the Midtown Greenway expansion project at the Park Avenue crossing in Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor, connecting the Mississippi River to the western edge of the city. This corridor was originally established in the late 19th century for freight rail service. The current construction aims to enhance the trail's accessibility and safety, reflecting the ongoing development of urban transportation networks. The presence of tower cranes indicates significant structural work, likely involving bridge modifications or new construction over the trail.
Spring Rain on the Midtown Greenway 2022
April 30, 2022 — A rainy night on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis in April 2022.
Soo Line Community Garden on Midtown Greenway
March 23, 2022 — The Soo Line Community Garden sign on the Midtown Greenway pictured in March 2022.
Freewheel Bike Center storefront boarded up on Minneapolis's Midtown Greenway.
March 4, 2022 — Freewheel Bike operates a shop location along the Midtown Greenway, a converted rail corridor that runs roughly five miles through south Minneapolis. The building also carries signage for the Midtown Bike Center, which has offered repair services, rentals, and secure bike parking for commuters using the trail. The Greenway sits in a former railroad trench built for the Milwaukee Road, later repurposed for bicycle and pedestrian use starting in the 2000s.
Midtown Greenway beneath the Hennepin Transit Center in Minneapolis at dusk.
March 4, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway, a former railroad corridor converted into a multi-use trail in Minneapolis, passes beneath the Hennepin Transit Center. The trail, established in the early 2000s, serves as a key east-west transportation and recreation route. The transit center, built over the trail, integrates public transportation with the urban environment. This image, taken at dusk, highlights the architectural design of the transit center and the pathway of the Greenway.
Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis at night, with steam rising over snow-covered buildings.
January 2, 2022 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, a 5.5-mile multi-use trail, traverses a former railroad corridor. This image shows the trail during a winter night, with steam rising from buildings due to sub-zero temperatures. Developed from an underutilized industrial route, the Greenway now serves as a critical transportation and recreational link, connecting neighborhoods and providing year-round access for cyclists and pedestrians.
Cyclists and pedestrians travel the Midtown Greenway trail beneath the Hennepin Avenue bridge in Minneapolis.
November 6, 2021 — The Midtown Greenway follows a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor that cuts below street level through south Minneapolis. The trail runs roughly 5.5 miles between the Mississippi River and the Chain of Lakes, opening in phases between 2000 and 2007. Hennepin Avenue crosses above the trail on a bridge near Uptown, one of more than 30 street crossings along the route. The nonprofit Midtown Greenway Coalition maintains the corridor for cyclists, walkers, and commuters year-round.
Night view of the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis with Winston Smith graffiti on a bridge wall.
October 21, 2021 — The Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis is a multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. The "Winston Smith" graffiti visible on the retaining wall refers to Winston Smith, a protester who was killed by federal law enforcement officers a block away from this location in June 2021.
Midtown Greenway bike trail in Minneapolis with fresh asphalt, yellow center lines, and fall foliage overhead.
October 12, 2021 — The Midtown Greenway occupies a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor that runs roughly five and a half miles through south Minneapolis, connecting the Mississippi River to the Chain of Lakes. The trench-level trail was converted for cycling and pedestrian use beginning in the 1990s, with the paved bikeway completed in phases through the early 2000s. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board crews periodically repave and restripe the corridor to manage wear from year-round commuter and recreational traffic. The route is maintained as a car-free path, separated from cross traffic by bridges and underpasses at most major streets.
Press for help post on bike trail
September 6, 2021 — A Push For Help sign on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.
There no such thing as good police poster
September 6, 2021 — A sign for the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis is covered in graffiti and a poster. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long trail built on a former railroad corridor, connecting the Mississippi River to the Chain of Lakes. The poster, which reads "BEWARE! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GOOD POLICE," reflects sentiments expressed during the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd.
A sticker referencing Winston Smith is affixed to a sign along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
September 6, 2021 — A sticker referencing Winston Smith, an activist and artist whose 1995 death was attributed to police brutality, is affixed to a sign along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This 5.7-mile paved trail, established on a former railroad corridor, serves as a critical route for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting the Mississippi River to the city's western edge. The presence of such political messaging on public infrastructure reflects the Greenway's role as a space for diverse expression and commentary within the urban environment. The trail, originally a railway line, was transformed into a multi-use path, highlighting the adaptive reuse of industrial corridors for community benefit.
Midtown Greenway bike path in Minneapolis passes under an overpass and alongside buildings decorated with graffiti art.
September 6, 2021 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis is a 5.5-mile multi-use trail developed on a former railroad corridor established by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century. Opened in phases between 2001 and 2006, it serves as a critical transportation and recreation artery connecting neighborhoods in south Minneapolis. The overpass in the image carries vehicular traffic over the trail, while the adjacent buildings are decorated with graffiti art, reflecting the trail's integration into the urban environment.
Sunset walkers joggers bikers on Midtown Greenway
September 6, 2021 — Cyclists and pedestrians utilize the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis at sunset. This 5.7-mile paved trail follows a former railroad corridor, offering a vital transportation and recreation link through the city. Opened in phases starting in 2000, the Greenway transformed a disused industrial right-of-way into a popular urban path. It connects various neighborhoods in South Minneapolis, providing a safe and accessible route for biking, walking, and commuting, separate from vehicular traffic.
Fuck Proud Boys Minneapolis graffiti
August 5, 2021 — Graffiti reading "Fuck Proud Boys" and "ACAB" is spray-painted on a concrete support pillar beneath an overpass in South Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway, a popular multi-use trail, runs through this area and has historically been a site for public art and political expression.
Cyclists ride the Midtown Greenway bike trail in Minneapolis under haze from Canadian wildfire smoke.
July 29, 2021 — The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile bike and pedestrian corridor built along a former Milwaukee Road rail trench that cuts through south Minneapolis. Completed in phases through the early 2000s, it connects the Chain of Lakes to the Mississippi River and sees heavy year-round commuter and recreational traffic. In late July 2021, Canadian wildfire smoke drifted into the Twin Cities, pushing regional air quality into unhealthy ranges for several days. The trail's below-grade route runs past the Midtown Greenway Coalition's maintained corridor and remains one of the busiest bike commuter routes in the state.
Graffiti reading RIP Winston Smith on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.
June 5, 2021 — Graffiti memorializing Winston Smith, who was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021, is visible on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile paved multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. The graffiti, which includes the number "1312" (a numerical code for "All Cops Are Bastards"), appeared in the context of protests and unrest following Smith's death. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder.
Midtown Sheraton from the Midtown Greenway
May 28, 2021 — The Allina Commons building, formerly the Midtown Sheraton Hotel, stands in South Minneapolis. The structure, originally built as a hotel, has been repurposed and is now part of the Allina Health system. Adjacent to the building is the Midtown Greenway, a popular urban trail developed on a former railroad corridor. The Greenway provides a vital link for cyclists and pedestrians through the city, connecting various neighborhoods and parks.
Flyer about the 2020 George Floyd protest on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis with anti-police graffiti nearby.
April 10, 2021 — A flyer posted on the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway commemorates the "Minneapolis Uprising" that began on May 25, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The flyer includes an image of buildings engulfed in flames and text describing the events as "righteous rebellion" and "revolutionary violence." Graffiti on a nearby structure, visible in the background, echoes the sentiment with slogans such as "Abolition Now" and "Burn All Precincts." The Midtown Greenway is a popular urban trail built on a former railroad corridor, which became a site of public assembly and protest during the unrest.
Abolition Is a Practice poster on a pillar along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.
April 8, 2021 — A poster advocating for police abolition is affixed to a pillar along the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway, a multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. The poster, titled "Abolition is a Practice," outlines the philosophy and actions of abolitionist movements, emphasizing collective care, support, and the development of freedom-building practices. It also lists concrete actions such as prisoner support, court and jail support, and tactics of self and collective defense. The presence of such messaging on public infrastructure reflects the ongoing discourse and activism surrounding policing and justice, particularly in the context of events like the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020.
Fire Fire Gentrifire Protest sign
March 20, 2021 — A protest sign reading "Fire Fire Gentrifire" is displayed on a fence along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The sign reflects concerns about gentrification, a process often associated with rising housing costs and displacement of long-term residents. The Midtown Greenway is a popular multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor, connecting various neighborhoods in Minneapolis. This sign likely emerged during a period of heightened social and political activism, possibly in relation to the Minneapolis Uprising or broader discussions about urban development and community impact.
Keep the greenway enjoyable for all sign
December 17, 2020 — A new regulatory sign stands on the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile-long rail-to-trail urban corridor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. The sign lists rules including prohibitions against sleeping, camping, and erecting structures like tents or tarps. Its installation followed the eviction of a large homeless encampment from the greenway on December 17th and 18th.
Freewheel Bike Center with boards
December 17, 2020 — The Freewheel Bike Center, a bicycle shop located on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, stands boarded up. This measure was taken during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Posters calling for 'Justice for Calvin Horton' are affixed to the plywood, referencing a man allegedly killed by a pawn shop owner during the same period of unrest. Hennepin County later announced it would not prosecute the case due to a stated lack of evidence, a decision that fueled further calls for accountability.
Graffiti reading “Replace RBG With fucking nobody” on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.
September 24, 2020 — Graffiti reading “Replace RBG With fucking nobody” is painted on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The message refers to the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020.
Really big GEORGE FLOYD graffiti on Midtown Greenway
August 22, 2020 — Graffiti commemorating George Floyd is visible on a retaining wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, photographed on August 22, 2020. This artwork emerged in the aftermath of the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed Floyd's murder in May 2020. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long rail-to-trail path, converted from a former railway corridor, that serves as a vital transportation and recreational corridor through South Minneapolis.
Hennepin County encampment signage in August 2020
August 10, 2020 — A notice from Hennepin County and the Regional Railroad Authority concerning encampments and COVID-19 guidelines is posted on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, observed on August 10, 2020. This sign provided essential contact information for shelter assistance and a COVID-19 nurse triage line, addressing the critical public health and housing needs during the pandemic. It detailed restrictions on encampments, citing a Governor's Executive Order, and outlined health and safety protocols for residents, including requirements for social distancing, face coverings, and limits on group size and tent density. The Midtown Greenway, a significant urban corridor repurposed from a railway, serves as a key pedestrian and bicycle route through South Minneapolis, where such notices inform the public and those experiencing homelessness about available resources and regulations.
Sheraton Hotel in Minneapolis with boarded ground-floor openings beside the Midtown Greenway at night.
June 17, 2020 — The Sheraton Hotel in Minneapolis is seen at night from the Midtown Greenway, with plywood covering multiple ground-level doors and windows. The boarding was in place in mid-June 2020, after Minneapolis Police cleared and closed the hotel during the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd. Stairways, fencing, and landscaping along the Greenway are visible in the foreground, placing the hotel directly beside the pedestrian and bicycle corridor.
Midtown Greenway and Midtown Sheraton, Minneapolis
June 16, 2020 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. To the left is the Midtown Sheraton, which was used as a homeless shelter during unrest.
Minneapolis' Midtown Greenway at night
October 4, 2019 — The Midtown Greenway walking and biking trail as seen late night. The trails runs through Minneapolis from the river to St. Louis Park
A "Renter Power!" mural on a concrete wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, beneath an elevated structure.
July 23, 2019 — A mural proclaiming "Renter Power!" is visible on a concrete retaining wall beneath an elevated structure, likely a bridge or overpass, along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor, popular with cyclists and pedestrians. The mural's message reflects advocacy for tenant rights and affordable housing, a significant issue in urban environments. The artwork, integrated into the infrastructure, serves as a public statement within the community's shared spaces.
Mural by Cori Nakamura Lin & Tori Hong on Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis, addressing housing affordability and eviction statistics.
July 23, 2019 — This mural, created by Cori Nakamura Lin and Tori Hong, is located on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The artwork addresses the issue of housing affordability, highlighting statistics about renters spending a significant portion of their income on housing and the disproportionate impact of evictions on low-income communities and communities of color. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile paved rail trail that runs through the city, serving as a vital corridor for cyclists and pedestrians.
A John Deere feller buncher sits at the Southwest LRT construction site in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, used for clearing trees for the new transit line.
June 21, 2019 — A John Deere feller buncher, a heavy-duty forestry machine, is parked at the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction site in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. This equipment was used for site preparation, clearing trees and vegetation to make way for the new transit line. The "KEEP BACK 300 FT / 90 M" warning on the machine highlights the safety protocols necessary for such large-scale construction projects. The Southwest LRT, a major transit expansion, aims to connect Minneapolis with its western suburbs, transforming the transportation network and the surrounding urban environment.
The Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Minneapolis, illuminated at night
April 25, 2018 — The Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Minneapolis. Opened in 2000, the bridge connects the Longfellow and Seward neighborhoods, over Haiwatha Ave. The bridge is named in honor of Martin Olav Sabo, a U.S. Representative from Minnesota.

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Minneapolis Photographer

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