As it turns 25 years old, let’s celebrate the Midtown Greenway

Twenty-five years ago this month, the first phase of the Midtown Greenway opened up, connecting South Minneapolis’ West Isles, Uptown and Phillips neighborhoods. It would take years for the off-street biking and walking trail to come to completion and make it to the Mississippi River. But when it did, it became the best urban bike infrastructure in the country.

This means that it’s a great time to pause and offer the Midtown Greenway a happy birthday. Today, it’s a 5.5 mile, below-grade trail that cuts across the diverse neighborhoods of South Minneapolis. Because it’s car-free, it offers an unparalleled experience for over 5,000 people each day to get around the city without a car.

The trail’s railroad roots

The Midtown Greenway owes its life to two valiant public efforts. The first ha