"We support the St. Anthony Falls Upper Lock as the centerpiece of an iconic civic and cultural destination, reflective of our shared history, and our stewardship of clean water, for the use and enjoyment of all."

The Falls

The Falls initiative will transform the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock into an iconic visitor, interpretive, and event center connected to Water Works Park and anchoring the Central Riverfront experience on the mighty Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis.

Friends of the Lock & Dam

The Falls is an initiative of Friends of the Lock and Dam, a public nonprofit whose mission is to "re-purpose the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock to a world class destination visitor and interpretive center, consistent with the Central Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan and fully integrated with the Water Works/RiverFirst Initiative."

Latest News

Rowing the Mississippi Together to Close the Gap

Rowing the Mississippi Together to Close the Gap

September 15, 2019

September 15, 2019 Friends of the Lock & Dam was proud to sponsor the City of Minneapolis canoe in Wilderness Inquiry’s 2019 Great River Race, the Race to Close the Achievement Gap! Learn more about this amazing annual event here. Mayor Frey led a team of Minneapolis staff in a strong showing, paddling for the … Read More

Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commemorate Groundbreaking at Water Works

Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commemorate Groundbreaking at Water Works

August 28, 2019

Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board celebrated a milestone today when they commemorated groundbreaking on the expansion of Mill Ruins Park known widely by its project name, Water Works. The occasion was marked by a “golden shovel” ceremony featuring Minneapolis Park Board Superintendent Al Bangoura and Commissioner Jono Cowgill; the Parks Foundation’s Tom Evers, … Read More