Midtown Greenway

Biking, fall colors, bridges, and art along Minneapolis’s Midtown Greenway

Midtown Greenway — Minneapolis, MN

Photographs from 2023 show the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis as an active corridor for everyday biking and walking, from a posted Critical Mass flyer to autumn rides, bridges over water, and trail-side art. Built on a former railroad corridor, the Greenway links the Mississippi River and the Chain of Lakes and anchors east–west travel across South Minneapolis.
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.
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.
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 following a mass shooting that occurred hours earlier, claiming five victims. The closure also addressed ongoing concerns regarding open drug use that had been prevalent along this segment of the Greenway throughout the summer. The Midtown Greenway, a former railway corridor, serves as a significant urban greenway and bike trail, connecting various neighborhoods and providing a crucial transportation route for cyclists and pedestrians in Minneapolis.
Midtown Greenway at Lake Street Station skateborder
September 8, 2025 — The Lake Street Station, a key component of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Minneapolis, provides public transportation along the Green Line extension. This station connects downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, significantly expanding regional transit options. Situated alongside the Midtown Greenway, it offers convenient access for both light rail passengers and users of the popular urban trail. The modern infrastructure serves as an essential hub for daily commuters and residents within the city's transportation network.
Emerson Ave in Uptown Minneapolis
August 22, 2025 — A woman walks across the Emerson Avenue Bridge in Uptown Minneapolis, which spans the Midtown Greenway. The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile rail-with-trail path, was developed from a former railway corridor and opened in phases between 2000 and 2006. This infrastructure provides a vital east-west connection for pedestrians and cyclists through South Minneapolis. Modern residential buildings line the corridor, reflecting ongoing urban development in the area.
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. Security cameras like this are deployed in urban environments to monitor activity and enhance public safety along transportation routes. Their presence in Minneapolis public spaces reflects ongoing efforts to maintain order and address security concerns.
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. The trail features public art, including murals like the one visible here, which enhance the urban environment. Cyclists utilize the path year-round, demonstrating its importance for active transportation and community access.
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. The presence of graffiti on the overpass above suggests the ongoing cultural life of the urban environment.
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. This infrastructure serves as a vital transportation artery, connecting various neighborhoods and offering a car-free route across the city. The image shows a bridge carrying vehicular traffic over the Greenway, illustrating the integration of modern urban development with historical transportation routes in the Uptown Minneapolis area.
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. This protest art emerged during the period following the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising, when the original Third Precinct building was destroyed and community members opposed its reconstruction or relocation within the area. A smaller accompanying flyer explicitly states "NO NEW THIRD PRECINCT!" and includes a QR code for more information, reflecting ongoing community opposition to the police presence in the neighborhood.
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. The presence of such flyers on public infrastructure like the Midtown Greenway reflects ongoing public discourse and protest regarding policing and community safety in the city.
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. The Midtown Greenway, a former railway corridor, serves as a vital urban trail and public space where such expressions of dissent are often displayed.
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. This message critiques municipal priorities, highlighting public concerns about infrastructure maintenance versus the removal of street art. Visible patches of paint indicate previous attempts to remove graffiti, underscoring an ongoing dialogue between street artists and city maintenance. As a vital transportation and recreational corridor, the Greenway often serves as a canvas for public expression, reflecting community concerns within the urban environment.
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. This image was taken on a mid-November evening, highlighting the pathway illuminated by streetlights as it passes by residential buildings.
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 mural, completed by November 3rd, 2023, reflects the Greenway's primary use for biking and walking, transforming an industrial corridor into a valued community asset. The trail's development highlights the ongoing significance of Minneapolis's public spaces for transportation and recreation.
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.
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.
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. This area has been a focal point for urban development and community engagement, particularly following the Minneapolis Uprising in 2020, which highlighted the need for equitable development and public space improvements.
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. The artwork references the area's history as a 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. The sticker, placed on February 19, 2023, likely reflects public sentiment or commentary on local governance, potentially in the context of events like the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020, which brought increased scrutiny to city leadership and public safety.
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 water tower in the background, bearing the "Dennit Duva" inscription, is a remnant of the area's industrial past. 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. This image captures the trail during a late November rain, highlighting its use in various weather conditions and seasons.
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.
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.
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. This incident occurred during the period of unrest following the murder of George Floyd, and Smith's death became a focal point for ongoing activism and community grief in Minneapolis. The trail itself is a vital piece of urban infrastructure, providing a safe and accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians through the city.
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. The graffiti and poster suggest a commentary on public space and social justice issues within the urban environment.
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. The messages likely relate to social and political tensions, with "ACAB" being a common anti-police slogan. The presence of such graffiti reflects ongoing activism and dissent within the urban environment.
Bikers during wildfire smoke on Midtown greenway
July 29, 2021 — Bikers biking down the Midtown Greenway while wildfire smoke from Canada blankets Minneapolis.
Graffiti memorializing Winston Smith is visible 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. The wall appears to have been recently painted over in sections, suggesting an ongoing effort to remove graffiti.
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. These new rules replaced previous notices concerning encampment safety, indicating a policy change regarding unsheltered individuals utilizing the public space. The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) manages the greenway, aiming to maintain it as a multi-use trail for public enjoyment.
Freewheel Bike Center with boards
December 17, 2020 — The Freewheel Bike Center, a community 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. The Midtown Greenway, a former rail corridor converted into a bicycle and pedestrian route through south Minneapolis, became a site for political messages during that period.
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. Such public art became a significant form of expression during the period, transforming urban spaces into sites of remembrance and protest.
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.
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.

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