Foshay Tower Museum

The Foshay Tower is without a doubt the most recognizable landmark in the Twin Cities and has one of the most interesting histories behind it. Plumbing magnate Wilbur Foshay built this endearing homage to the Washington Monument in 1929. However, he was not around very long to enjoy it. After he had commissioned John Philip Sousa to write a rousing march for the tower's pretentious three-day opening, his check to the composer bounced and Foshay found himself being whisked off to prison shortly after the building's completion.

At 447 feet housing 32 stories, the Foshay Tower was the tallest building in the Midwest for more than 40 years. It was dwarfed by the IDS Tower in 1973 and by other skyscrapers built since then, but it still offers the only bird's-eye view of the city open to the public. The open-air observation deck on the 31st floor is the only one of its kind in town, indoors or out, and on a clear day you can see for 30 miles. Also on the 31st floor, there is a museum, which includes photos, videos and sheet music for John Philip Sousa's Foshay Tower-Washington Memorial March. The 32-story obelisk has such a novel design that the architects had it patented, and Foshay's limitless ego led him to carve his name in 10-foot letters at the top.

Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. The tower is open April-October.

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• Attraction Type: Historical Buildings
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