Located along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, St. Anthony Main is a historic gem full of stories waiting to be uncovered—some charming, some chilling. Once the site of bustling industry and pioneering urban development, this picturesque cobblestone street now blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy.
But beneath the surface of its charming café patios, scenic riverwalks, and 19th-century architecture lies a storied past filled with mystery, transformation, and—if local tales are to be believed—phantoms of a forgotten age. If you’re a history buff with a taste for the supernatural, this riverside locale is calling your name. Let’s explore St. Anthony Main from its industrious roots to its spectral whispers.
The History
Birth of the First City in Minnesota
St. Anthony Main was part of what was originally called Saint Anthony—a separate city before merging with Minneapolis across the Mississippi River. Settled in the mid-19th century, this riverside community became the first permanent European-American settlement in what is now Minneapolis. Founded in 1849, Saint Anthony predated Minneapolis by several years and served as a commercial and industrial hub powered by the mighty St. Anthony Falls.
The Falls were central to the area’s growth. Harnessed for their immense hydraulic power, they fueled flour and lumber mills that lined the riverfront. The area quickly blossomed into a prosperous community of entrepreneurs, mill workers, and immigrants seeking opportunity. The mill industry created not just products, but an entire neighborhood centered around progress and productivity.
The Flour Milling Capital of the World
By the late 1800s, Minneapolis—now merged with St. Anthony—had gained international fame as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Companies like Pillsbury and Washburn-Crosby (which would become General Mills) rose to prominence here. The boom brought with it railroads, grain elevators, warehouses, and riverboats, all of which passed through or near St. Anthony Main.
Many of the old brick buildings still standing along the Main Street area were originally mill offices, storage facilities, and storefronts. Remnants of iron rail tracks can still be spotted embedded in the cobblestones, offering a glimpse into its industrial heyday.
Decline and Revitalization
As milling technology advanced and industries moved westward, St. Anthony Main fell into decline during the mid-20th century. Factories closed, buildings became derelict, and the once-thriving hub seemed forgotten. But in the 1970s, thanks to preservationists and urban planners, St. Anthony Main experienced a dramatic rebirth.
The beautiful historic structures were restored, and businesses began to return. Today, it’s a lively area filled with small businesses, a movie theater, restaurants, and one of the best pedestrian riverfronts in the Twin Cities. And while the shiny new developments in Minneapolis continue to rise, St. Anthony Main holds on fiercely to its past—with a whisper or two coming back to haunt it.
The Haunt
Ghosts of the Falls
For paranormal investigators and ghost enthusiasts, St. Anthony Main offers more than just pretty views. Local legend has it that the spirits of workers who lost their lives during the industrial rush still walk the cobblestones. Milling accidents were tragically common in the 19th century. The combination of dangerous machinery, no safety regulations, and volatile grain dust (a known explosive hazard) led to many untimely deaths.
Tour guides and local historians report hearing disembodied voices in the early morning fog—whispers of men calling for help or the metallic clang of phantom machinery. Some say these sounds echo from the spirit world, a residual haunting stuck on repeat due to the traumatic energy imprinted during those industrial days.
The Shadow Man of Main Street
One of the most commonly reported paranormal occurrences involves a dark, shadowy figure seen walking down Main Street late at night. Described as tall, faceless, and wearing 19th-century industrial garb, this specter has been sighted by night shift workers, bar closers, and even joggers. Always silent, always alone, he vanishes when approached. Paranormal investigators speculate he could be the spirit of a foreman who died in a mill fire, his dedication so intense he still patrols his route more than a century later.
The Tunnels Beneath
Beneath the surface, an extensive network of tunnels once connected the mills and warehouses of St. Anthony Main. Originally built for transporting goods and allowing easy coal delivery, these tunnels have become the subject of ghost tales and supernatural lore. Locals and urban explorers have reported hearing footsteps following them, temperature drops, and even catching EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) on recordings.
One particularly eerie tale involves the spirit of a young boy who was rumored to have been trapped in a cave-in during a tunnel construction project. Modern-day paranormal teams have reported childlike giggles, fleeting shadows, and unexplained cold spots when investigating these underground passageways.
The Haunted Theater
The historic St. Anthony Main Theatre—originally built in the early 20th century—experiences its share of unusual activity. Beyond regular showtimes and popcorn sales, employees have reported missing objects, lights turning on by themselves, and the occasional seat lowering as though someone invisible had just sat down.
One former worker claims to have seen a woman in clothing from the 1920s standing in the projection room, only to disappear when approached. Professional investigators who have conducted late-night EVP sessions report strange audio feedback and motion detector triggers even when the building is empty.
Conclusion: A Paranormal Playground with Historical Roots
St. Anthony Main isn’t just a scenic riverside district—it’s a portal to the past, echoing with the stories, triumphs, and tragedies of those who came before us. With its rich industrial history and long-standing structures, it’s no wonder that spirits may linger, drawn to the place they once called home—or prison.
Whether you’re a hardcore paranormal investigator looking to catch your next Class-A EVP or a casual ghost enthusiast eager to sense some spectral energy, St. Anthony Main offers a compelling mix of public accessibility and genuine atmosphere. By day, it’s a charming riverfront stroll through history. By night, it’s a stage for the supernatural—with the soft glow of gas lamps illuminating the same cobblestones walked by restless spirits.
So grab your EMF meter, wear comfortable shoes, and keep your eyes—and third eye—open. The spirits of Minnesota’s oldest settlement are waiting to tell their stories, if you’re brave enough to listen.