Minnesota Historical Society

Every object tells a story, and Collections Up Close presents short, illustrated features that highlight the stories behind selected items in the Minnesota Historical Society’s collections. Written by MHS staff members engaged in collecting, preserving, and interpreting these tangible pieces of Minnesota history.

An attraction for all ages, Mill City Museum chronicles the flour milling industry that dominated world flour production for roughly a half-century and fueled the growth of Minneapolis, recognized across the nation and around the world as “Mill City.”

Built within the ruins of a National Historic Landmark — the Washburn A Mill — the museum provides a multi-sensory, interactive journey. The story of flour milling — and its impact on Minneapolis, the nation and the world — comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower and other hands-on exhibits.