Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Visitor Centre

For well over a hundred years people dreamed of navigating the Mississippi above the St Anthony Falls in Minneapolis. Whilst congress passed the legislation in 1937 the lock to allow the upper falls to be passed was not completed until 1963.

The locks here were narrower and shorter than most on the river and traffic was sparse. In 2015 the lock  was closed to prevent the spread of two invasive species of Asian Carp.

Since it closed to navigation the entire structure has become a national park and small visitor centre has been established in the lock complex (in the former observation tower). From here you can get fantastic views of the upper falls which provide an amazing spectacle because of the hydraulic jump caused by modification of the falls with a sophisticated  dam in response to a partial collapse.

The lock provided a lift of 49 feet which is 10% of the height loss between Minneapolis and St Louis. The drop of water through the falls has, over the years, provided energy for lumber mills, textile mills, flour mills and hydro-electric power systems. From the visitor center you can see lots of evidence of the use of water power in the past since it overlooks the Mill Ruins State Park.. Also from the visitor centre you get a great view of the famous Stone Arch Bridge just downstream.

Guided  tours are provided three times a day and are free of charge. At other times you can just go up to the observation room/visitor centre where there is lots of information and great views.