Water Power Park

Background:

The first visitors at Water Power Park

Water Power Park, on the northern edge of Hennepin Island, offers a historical perspective of Minneapolis along with spectacular viewing platform just feet away from the St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River. Xcel Energy developed the new riverfront park as part of re-licensing its St. Anthony Falls hydroelectric plant. Also as part of the re-licensing agreement, Xcel Energy collaborated with the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory to create two experimental channels to study ecological and hydrological interactions among the channels, the floodplain and vegetation. The outdoor lab is a world-class facility that uses two historical flood bypass channels associated with the St. Anthony Falls hydroelectric project.

The 1.4 acre park includes panels throughout the area that tell stories of the local flour and saw mills, as well as the story of one of the nation's first hydroelectric plants. Electricity has been produced at this site for over 120 years. Water Power Park also includes benches, lamps, walkways, and railings to reflect upon its rich history. The park is open to the public from approximately March 15 through November 30, from dawn until shortly after dusk.

Read more about the St. Anthony's Hydro Plant.