Field Trips

Mill City Museum

An architectural masterpiece overlooking the Mississippi, Mill City Museum has become a downtown Minneapolis landmark.

The museum, built on the riverfront amid ruins of what once was the world's largest flour mill, is rich in history. Visitors of all ages learn about the history of the flour industry, the river and Minneapolis.

Field Trips

Our engaging field trips include the lesson of your choice (40-50 minutes), a self-guided scavenger hunt, the award-winning Flour Tower show and the "Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat" movie starring local storyteller Kevin Kling. Visits last approximately three hours. Groups are welcome to extend their stay by scheduling a 25-minute lunch or by exploring the St. Anthony Falls Historic District.

Field Trip Options

People Track: Berry Wheat Bop

Through music, movement and interactive play, students follow Berry Wheat on a journey from the fields of a Bonanza farm to the mills of Minneapolis. Students learn the many steps needed to bring bread to their families.

People Track: Bonanza Farm

Students meet 1880s pioneer Mary Dodge Woodward and learn what life was like on a 1,500-acre farm, using primary sources and artifacts. Using their research, student groups present a piece of Woodward's story.

People Track: The Falls Guy

Austrian-born engineer William de la Barre engages students in learning about what brought him to Minneapolis, his lifelong career and the workings of the Washburn A Mill.

People Track: Round the Mills

Students bring the old Washburn A Mill back to life. On this guided tour of hte building, they'll explore artifacts and people who helped build Minneapolis into the flour milling capital of the world!

Flour Track: Field to Table

Students experience the journey of wheat from field to table, learning what's involved with producing bread. Students bake biscuits from scratch and examine artifacts.

Power Track: The Waterfall That Boosted A City

Students become boosters for the blossoming city of Minneapolis in 1880. To do so, they must learn as much as they can about St. Anthony Falls, how the Mississippi provided resources for Minneapolis and how the river was changed to create power.

Flour Track: Kitchen Tested

Beginning in the 1900s, test kitchens were an important part of the development and marketing of food products. Participants in this lesson bake chocolate chip cookies with varying ingredients, then use their creativity to promote and "sell" their cookie to the rest of the class. Only the best and most trusted recipes wear the proud label "Kitchen Tested!"

Power Track: The River That Powered Minneapolis

Students discover the power that ran early industries in Minneapolis. Hands-on water activities show students how the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls influenced life in this newly developing city.

A Taste of Immigration

By exploring geography and history, students find out about the flour and food of 5 nationalities that have made Minnesota their home.  Students make an ethnic recipe from scratch.