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Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis
Since 1888, the northern edge of Lake Harriet has been home to a public pavilion—though it’s been no stranger to drama. The first pavilion, built on Thomas Lowry’s property, went up in flames in 1891. Enter architect Harry W. Jones, who crafted a pagoda-like successor, only to see it burn down in 1903. Unfazed, Jones designed a third, classical revival-style pavilion in 1904, but that, too, met its fate in 1925, when a windstorm toppled it.
A temporary bandstand followed until 1986, when Milo Thompson’s modern bandshell took its place. Originally painted blue, it gained a tan makeover in 2004 thanks to developer Mark McGowan’s all-volunteer restoration campaign. Not content to stop there, 2023 saw a fresh round of renovations, including structural repairs, accessibility updates, and a return to its blue roots. More upgrades are on deck, set for completion by 2025.
The picturesque bandshell sets the stage for Minneapolis’s summer Music and Movies in the Parks series.
Pro tip: Swing by the nearby Lake Harriet Yacht Club at the cozy sailing pavilion. They host regattas, clinics for beginners, safety workshops, and women’s classes. The Minneapolis Park Board also runs multi-session lessons for kids and adults, while the Twin Cities Sailing Club offers members access to a fleet of boats and informal lessons on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Even if you’re not a member, those mornings are prime time to soak in the sailing scene and pick up a few tips.
A temporary bandstand followed until 1986, when Milo Thompson’s modern bandshell took its place. Originally painted blue, it gained a tan makeover in 2004 thanks to developer Mark McGowan’s all-volunteer restoration campaign. Not content to stop there, 2023 saw a fresh round of renovations, including structural repairs, accessibility updates, and a return to its blue roots. More upgrades are on deck, set for completion by 2025.
The picturesque bandshell sets the stage for Minneapolis’s summer Music and Movies in the Parks series.
Pro tip: Swing by the nearby Lake Harriet Yacht Club at the cozy sailing pavilion. They host regattas, clinics for beginners, safety workshops, and women’s classes. The Minneapolis Park Board also runs multi-session lessons for kids and adults, while the Twin Cities Sailing Club offers members access to a fleet of boats and informal lessons on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Even if you’re not a member, those mornings are prime time to soak in the sailing scene and pick up a few tips.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Minneapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Lake Harriet Bandshell on Map
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Sight Name: Lake Harriet Bandshell
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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