Skyway System

On 7th Street, between Marquette and 2nd Avenues in downtown Minneapolis, is the city's first skyway bridge. Now ubiquitous in the city, this 2nd story span was revolutionary when it debuted in 1962. The network of skyways connecting buildings in the downtown areas often surprises visitors. Built to protect downtown workers and shoppers from the elements, the skyways have developed into little cities within cities with restaurants, shops and services. Minneapolis and St. Paul each have about five miles of skyways connecting numerous downtown blocks, making it easy to go from store to store without ever venturing outside.

Connecting to hotels and some apartment buildings, the skyways make it possible to live, eat, bank, work and shop without going into the open air. The public's love of the skyways has clearly played a part in the continued commercial vitality of the downtown areas.

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