Photo Set

Minneapolis Bike Trails

A man and his dog on the Midtown Greenway — October 13, 2026 — People and animals using the Midtown Greenway

Paved path along Cedar Lake Trail with Bryn Mawr Station and light rail infrastructure visible through morning fog in Minneapolis. — September 28, 2026 — A morning of heavy fog on the Cedar Lake Trail near the Bryn Mawr Station of the new Green Line Extension.:

Cyclists and pedestrians share the Midtown Greenway trail in Minneapolis on a sunny afternoon. — September 10, 2026 — The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile bicycle and pedestrian corridor built into a former Milwaukee Road rail trench on Minneapolis's south side. Opened in stages beginning in 2000, it runs mostly below street level between Uptown and the Mississippi River.

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.

WE RISE mural under Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis — August 8, 2026 — New mural in progress at Hennepin Ave on the Midtown Greenway in Uptown Minneapolis. Featuring Alex Pretti, who was disarmed by federal agents before being shot to death along with ICE on ICE violence, federal agents at Whipple and other scenes of violence in Minneapolis by federal agents.

EWOK Operation Metro Surge Mural in Minneapolis — August 8, 2026 — New mural in progress at Hennepin Ave on the Midtown Greenway in Uptown Minneapolis. Featuring Alex Pretti, who was disarmed by federal agents before being shot to death along with ICE on ICE violence, federal agents at Whipple and other scenes of violence in Minneapolis by federal agents.

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.

Bikers rolling down the Midtown Greenway bike trail in Minneapolis — June 22, 2026 — A group of bikers rolling down the Midtown Greenway in the early days of summer. IMO it's impossible to overstate how important the greenway is to Minneapolis, we're so lucky to have it.

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.

New striping on Midtown Greenway trail in Minneapolis — May 11, 2026 — New striping on the Midtown Greenway near the West Lake Street Station of the new Metro Transit Green Line Extention project.

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 — Winter 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.

Person jogging under Cedar Lake Trail overpass with new lighting, Minneapolis skyline visible beyond graffitied concrete wall. — November 19, 2025 — The Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis shortly after being reopened with new overhead lighting beneath an overpass. The trail, a major bicycle and pedestrian route into downtown, had been closed for several years during nearby light-rail construction.

Lake Street over Bde Maka Ska Channel 2025 — November 1, 2025 — Lake Street bridge over the channel between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska on a fall day.

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 of 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.

Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension curves through autumn forests and residential neighborhoods between Cedar Lake — October 27, 2025 — The new rails of the Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension. Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska and Cedar Lake.

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.

Cyclist in yellow jacket riding on Cedar Lake Trail toward hazy Minneapolis downtown skyline on autumn morning. — October 16, 2025 — Biking towards Downtown Minneapolis on a autumn morning, a foggy haze covers the tops of the buildings.

A metal bench sits beside yellow wildflowers and construction fencing along the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — October 9, 2025 — New bench installed on the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. The trail was rebuilt following construction of the new green line extension light rail project.

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.

Skateboarder rides past Lake Street light rail station under construction on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — 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.

Woman walking across Emerson Avenue Bridge spanning the Midtown Greenway in Uptown Minneapolis. — August 22, 2025 — A woman walks across the Emerson Avenue Bridge in Uptown Minneapolis, which spans the Midtown Greenway.

Two cyclists ride on Cedar Lake Trail near Bryn Mawr Station during Southwest Light Rail construction in Minneapolis. — July 25, 2025 — Bikers on Cedar Lake Trail near Bryn Mawr Station in Minneapolis on July 25, 2025.

Fencing around Kenilworth Tunnel construction in Minneapolis — July 15, 2025 — Construction fencing lines a section of the Midtown Greenway corridor in Minneapolis during work associated with the Southwest Light Rail Transit project. The barriers separate the trail from an active construction area tied to the Kenilworth Tunnel, a grade-separated segment built to carry Green Line Extension trains through the Kenilworth corridor. The Southwest LRT project, now the Green Line Extension, is intended to connect Minneapolis with St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie.

Cyclists ride beneath a mural-painted bridge on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — July 8, 2025 — Bikers travel along the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis, passing a vibrant mural painted beneath a bridge. 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.

Mural by Cadex and Ethan Herrera depicting cyclists and runners along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — July 8, 2025 — A vibrant mural by artists Cadex and Ethan Herrera on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. Created in 2025, the artwork depicts figures engaged in cycling and running. The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile-long path, was repurposed from an abandoned railway line.

Beautiful sunset around Cedar Lake in Minneapolis — June 11, 2025 — A spectacular sunset around Cedar Lake yesterday. Although probably made possible by incoming wildfire smoke.

Surveillance camera mounted on Pleasant Avenue Bridge above the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — April 15, 2025 — The Midtown Greenway follows a below-grade rail corridor once used by the Milwaukee Road for freight and passenger trains through south Minneapolis. The trench was converted to a bicycle and pedestrian trail in phases beginning in 2000, running roughly 5.5 miles from the Chain of Lakes to the Mississippi River. Pleasant Avenue is one of more than two dozen street crossings that bridge over the corridor rather than intersect it at grade, a design carried over from the original rail line.

Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis at sunset, a former railroad corridor lined with bare trees and dormant grasses in golden light. — January 30, 2025 — Sunset over the Cedar Lake Trail, a multi-use path in Minneapolis. This trail occupies a former railroad corridor. Opened in the early 1990s, the Cedar Lake Trail was among the first such conversions in the region, transforming disused railway lines into public infrastructure for active transportation and recreation.

Paved Midtown Greenway trail lined with autumn foliage in Minneapolis. — October 26, 2024 — The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis is a 5.5-mile paved multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor.

Paved pathway lined with trees displaying autumn foliage in red, yellow, and green on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — October 26, 2024 — Colorful leaves on trees on the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis.

Paved Midtown Greenway trail lined with autumn foliage and an orange residential building in Minneapolis. — October 24, 2024 — Fall colors along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The trail is a 5.5-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor.

A cyclist rides a motorized unicycle along the Midtown Greenway surrounded by autumn foliage in Minneapolis. — October 24, 2024 — A rider on a motorized unicycle travels along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis during fall.

Southwest Light Rail Transit tunnel construction equipment and barriers visible from the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — 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.

Pedestrian bridge spans the Midtown Greenway bike trail at night in Minneapolis with red cyclist lights below. — 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.

Cyclists ride along the Midtown Greenway past a mural-covered underpass in Minneapolis. — September 15, 2024 — Bikers on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, a 5.5-mile-long multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor.

Midtown Exchange building illuminated at night above the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — September 3, 2024 — The Midtown Exchange, originally constructed in the 1920s as a distribution center for Sears, seen from the Midtown Greenway.

Joyful Riders Club in Minneapolis August 2024 — August 24, 2024 — A group of cyclists participates in a night ride organized by the Joyful Riders Club on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.

A vandalized infrastructure project sign on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis displays graffiti over text about President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. — July 25, 2024 — A vandalized sign indicating project funding by President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on the Midtown Greenway in Uptown Minneapolis.

Paved recreational trail with shelter structure and wooden fencing at sunset along Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — July 25, 2024 — The re-opened Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail that was closed for years due to light rail construction.

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.

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.

A protest flyer parodying a Target advertisement opposes the new Minneapolis Police Third Precinct opening at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue in South Minneapolis. — 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.

Protest flyers affixed to concrete opposing Minneapolis Police Third Precinct reconstruction at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue. — February 10, 2024 — A protest flyer is affixed to a concrete structure near the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct in South Minneapolis. The flyer, reading "Someday, wildflowers will grow from the ruins of all police precincts," expresses a radical sentiment regarding policing. Another smaller flyer with a QR code explicitly states "NO NEW THIRD PRECINCT!" and directs to information, reflecting ongoing community opposition to rebuilding the facility at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue. The original Third Precinct building was destroyed during the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, making the site a focal point for discussions about police presence and community safety.

A colorful protest flyer reading "Southside Strong No New Precinct!" is taped to a pole along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — 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.

A protest flyer featuring Snoopy with text "Well do it again" and "No new precinct" affixed along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — 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.

A protest flyer taped to a purple surface along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis opposes rebuilding the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct. — February 4, 2024 — A flyer is affixed to a surface along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, advocating against the reconstruction of the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct. The flyer reads "MPD 3rd Precinct 1984 - 2020 Still Burning In Hell No New 3rd Precinct." This message refers to the original 3rd Precinct building, which was burned by protesters on May 28, 2020, during the Minneapolis Uprising following the murder of George Floyd.

A protest flyer on the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge opposes the new Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue. — February 4, 2024 — A protest flyer is affixed to the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge in South Minneapolis, part of the Midtown Greenway. This radical art expresses opposition to the planned replacement of the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct. The new "community safety center" at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue is located approximately a quarter mile from the bridge. This facility replaces the original precinct building, which was burned during the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020. The city anticipates the new building will open in the first quarter of 2025, nearly five years after the original structure's destruction.

Protest flyer with warning symbol affixed to bridge informational sign opposing Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct construction. — February 4, 2024 — A protest flyer is affixed to an informational sign on the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge in South Minneapolis, a structure that carries the Midtown Greenway over Hiawatha Avenue. The flyer expresses community opposition to the proposed construction of a new Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue South. This facility is intended to replace the original 3rd Precinct building, which was destroyed during the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising. In February 2024, the city signed a purchase agreement for the new site, with an anticipated opening in early 2025, five years after the original precinct was burned.

Graffiti on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis reads "Repair Pot Holes, Quit Buffing Graff..." — 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.

Colorful mural depicting cyclists on a building along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — November 3, 2023 — A mural depicting cyclists adorns a building along the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis.

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.

Red bicycle and pedestrian detour sign stands among overgrown vegetation along the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — August 11, 2023 — Nature taking back a trail after it was closed for Light Rail train construction.

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.

Biker on Cedar Lake Trail during heavy wildfire smoke — June 14, 2023 — A biker on the Cedar Lake Trail with smoke from the Canadian Wildfires on June 15, 2023.

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.

Civil disobedience sticker on utility box in East Phillips neighborhood, South Minneapolis. — 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.

Fenced Roof Depot building site in South Minneapolis viewed from the Midtown Greenway in winter. — March 19, 2023 — Fenced off Roof Depot building in South Minneapolis as seen from the Midtown Greenway.

Construction site along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis with snow-covered ground and building framing visible. — 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.

Reggie LeFlore's green and yellow train mural under a bridge on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — March 19, 2023 — A mural by Reggie LeFlore on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. 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.

"Weak Mayor" sticker with website URL affixed to sign along Minneapolis 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.

Brick industrial building with chain-link fence and water tower at Roof Depot Urban Farm in Minneapolis. — February 19, 2023 — The Roof Depot Urban Farm is situated near the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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.

Metro Blue Line train near U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis under storm clouds. — July 12, 2022 — Storm clouds loom over the Minneapolis skyline on July 12, 2022, with the U.S. Bank Stadium visible on the left. The image also features the Metro Blue Line light rail, a key component of public transit in the Twin Cities. Opened in 2004, the Blue Line connects Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis, serving as a vital link for commuters and visitors. The infrastructure facilitates access to the city's core employment centers and cultural attractions.

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.

Family walks on trail near Riverside Plaza — June 8, 2022 — A family walks down a trail near Riverside Plaza in Minneapolis.

Colorful abstract mural displayed in a ground-level storefront window along Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis's North Loop. — May 10, 2022 — The North Loop is a former warehouse district on the northwest edge of downtown Minneapolis, redeveloped since the 1990s into offices, apartments, and lofts. Cedar Lake Trail runs along its western edge, connecting the neighborhood to the regional bike path network that links downtown to the Chain of Lakes.

Cyclist on Cedar Lake Trail with Minneapolis downtown skyline in background. — May 6, 2022 — A cyclist rides along the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis, with the city's downtown skyline visible in the background.

Protest Sticker on Bike–Pedestrian Sign, Minneapolis — May 1, 2022 — A small protest sticker reading “Revolution is not a one-time event” has been placed on a “Yield to Peds” sign along a Minneapolis bike and pedestrian bridge. The bold, woodcut-style illustration echoes the city’s activist visual culture, where handmade graphics, mutual-aid posters, and political stickers have become common markers in public space since 2020. The sign stands near a long, elevated path, with downtown’s skyline softly out of focus in the distance—an everyday setting layered with the quiet reminders of ongoing organizing and civic expression. Seen along many commuter routes, stickers like this often circulate through local art networks and community print studios, becoming part of a broader landscape of grassroots messaging that blends into the city’s infrastructure: crosswalk poles, trail markers, bridge signs, and bike lanes. The placement here reflects how Minneapolis’s trail system frequently doubles as a corridor not only for transportation but also for political communication and neighborhood identity.

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.

Justice for Amir Locke flyer on a Midtown Greenway pillar in Minneapolis. — March 23, 2022 — A flyer demanding justice for Amir Locke is affixed to a pillar along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. Locke, a 22-year-old, was killed by Minneapolis police during a "no-knock" warrant execution in February 2022. The flyer calls for accountability for the police department and city officials, questioning the necessity of such raids. The Midtown Greenway is a popular multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor, now a significant piece of urban infrastructure for recreation and transportation in the city.

Haiwatha LRT Trail, Minneapolis — March 8, 2022 — The Haiwatha LRT trail in Minneapolis during spring thaw.

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 message on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis referencing the Supreme Court vacancy. — 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.

Orange notice from Hennepin County regarding encampment restrictions and COVID-19 resources posted on the Midtown Greenway in — August 10, 2020 — Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Council's Regional Railroad Authority posted this notice along the Midtown Greenway during the summer of 2020, directing people living in encampments to shelter hotlines — 612-348-9410 for families, 612-248-2350 for single adults — and a COVID-19 nurse triage line at 612-348-5553. The notice cited Governor Tim Walz's executive order allowing counties to restrict or close encampments if adequate housing or shelter space became available, or if an encampment's size threatened residents' health and safety. It also listed pandemic guidelines: tents spaced at least 12 by 12 feet apart, six feet of distance between people, cloth face coverings for anyone over age two, outdoor gatherings capped at 25 people, and no more than 10 tents per encampment. The Midtown Greenway runs roughly five and a half miles through south Minneapolis along a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor, now used as a bicycle and pedestrian trail beneath street level.

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.

Samatar Crossing near Downtown Minneapolis — May 4, 2020 — The Samatar Crossing shared use path near downtown Minneapolis. The path leads from Cedar Riverside to near US Bank Stadium.

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