Members: ToXiC & Myth
Pictures by: ToXiC

The Exploration:

It was a hot summer night. Me and Myth were biking along the West Bank thinking of things to explore. We had been on an exploring spree for about a week, day in day out. So as we are kind of resting on a railway above the West Bank Tailraces I noticed a red haze appear on the sidewalk to my left as I looked down it hit me. I looked back up to my right and saw it. I knew where we were going to go explore that night. A giant old exploded mill that had stood there for over a century, an iconic figure to Minneapolis Heritage, and one hell of a temptation!

(Left: Some old room in the basement)
(Right: Tetrachloride aka Fire Extinguisher)

Gold Medal Flour.

I pointed to it and Myth couldnt agree with me more. To the top!

I knew where an entrance lay from a former exploring mission. So we proceeded to open the *---------------------CENCORED SECTION--------------------------*

(Left: Hallway in the basement)
(Right: Im actually not sure what that is)

We were on the center stares coming up as I noticed there were large glowing halogen lights above us. I was kind of surprised, even not knowing where we were exactly, I thought the building was abandoned. I decided to ignore it while exploring the old abandoned sub basement section which was decently large.

(Left: Myth really likes collecting gears & bolts)
(Right: I-35w under construction)

After roaming around that basement I decided that it was time to head up into the main levels. With the lights on we were quiet and cautious. We didnt know what was up there. It could be just some lights on for ambience, or it could be a lit storage room. We didnt know. As we got up we realized it was just decorations for the Mill City Museum. As im writing this I need to make a mental note to go back and take some Halogen Light FX Photos (Look at the Long Exposure Photos from High Bridge for an example).

(Left: I think a bum is giving me the finger)
(Right: Ahhh beautiful downtown)

We decided we wouldnt hang around the lights for too long since it was night time and there could be janitors or security roaming the premises. So up and up we went. As a person im in fairly good shape with all the walking and biking I do but I just absolutely hate stairs, but good things come to those who wait or atleast work to climb up all those stairs. So we arrived at the upper floors. Quiet a site, I wish it was in the day time, there would be some very cool photos to take.

(Left: ToXiC leaning on top of the GMF sign)
(Right: The sun rise)

There was some old Machinery, Debri, Dead Pigeons, not to too much more. Considering this building had blown up in the 90's and had been abandoned since the 1960's it was in nifty shape. We toured around hopelessly looking for artifacts. It was then that I found a ladder leading to the roof. I signaled Myth to join me.

(Left & Right: Art.)

What a beautiful site. Downtown Minneapolis Lit Up at Night. Just a spectacular view of downtown, West Bank, East Bank, Pillsbury, Stone Arch Bridge, the Upper Dam, the I-35w Bridge being rebuilt. Just beautiful. The memory of climbing up that ladder and just looking out will be treasured for as long as I can remember it.