Longfellow: More Than Just the Falls

Dave Kowalski — Columbia Heights
Retired Fridley history teacher, third-generation Northeast, obsessed with the Minneapolis streetcar system and working-class neighborhood history.

Alright, so you've probably been to Minnehaha Falls. Everyone has. It's iconic, a real postcard-worthy spot. But here's the thing: most folks just snap a pic of the waterfall, maybe grab some seafood at Sea Salt, and then they're off. What most people don't know is that the neighborhood right around it, Longfellow, is a whole world unto itself, especially beautiful when the crisp autumn air starts rolling in and the leaves are putting on their annual show.

As a Columbia Heights guy, I've got a soft spot for neighborhoods that have kept their genuine character, places that aren't trying too hard to be the next big thing. Longfellow, named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow because his epic poem 'The Song of Hiawatha' made the falls famous, is exactly that kind of place. It’s got that classic Minneapolis vibe: tree-lined streets, sturdy homes, and a surprising number of independent businesses that feel like they've been there forever.

A River Runs Through It (and a Lot of History, Too)

Before any of us were here, this land around the falls was a sacred spot for the Dakota people, a place of power and beauty. Fast forward to the 19th century, and it became a tourist destination, even before Minneapolis was much more than a collection of burgeoning mill towns. The area where Minnehaha Park now sits was once home to various enterprises, from inns to pleasure gardens, all trying to capitalize on the natural wonder. But the neighborhood that grew up around it? That was built on the sweat and grit of working folks.

Think about it: the river, the falls, that meant hydropower. The flour mills upriver needed workers, and the burgeoning railroads that snaked through the area needed engineers, conductors, switchmen. Longfellow became a place where people put down roots, built families, and created a community that was, and still is, fiercely proud and independent. Minnehaha Avenue, which is really the spine of the neighborhood, used to be the main drag for streetcars, connecting these working-class enclaves to downtown Minneapolis. It was the original commuter highway, if you will, but with a lot more clanging bells and fewer traffic jams.

The Unsung Heroes of Minnehaha Avenue

Head down Minnehaha Avenue today, especially between 38th and 46th Streets, and you'll get a real sense of Longfellow's heart. It's not flashy, but it's full of places that are genuinely local. And for me, nothing quite captures the enduring spirit of this stretch like the Riverview Theater at 3800 42nd Avenue South.

Here's the thing about the Riverview: it's not just a movie theater; it’s a living piece of history. Opened in 1948, it's a beautiful example of Art Deco design, still rocking a single screen, showing first-run movies at prices that make you feel like you've time-traveled back to when a dollar really meant something. In an age of multiplexes and streaming, this place is a defiant, charming anomaly. Stepping inside, with its classic marquee and vintage decor, feels like a warm hug. It's the perfect spot for a cozy October evening, whether you’re on a date or just want to escape for a couple of hours and get lost in a story.

Right next door, you'll find Mother Earth Gardens at 3738 42nd Avenue South. In October, this place is humming. It's not just for serious gardeners; they've got all the pumpkins, gourds, mums, and fall decor you could imagine. It’s a great place to pick up something to make your porch look festive or just wander through the vibrant displays. It’s been a neighborhood staple for ages, providing a green thumb to the community.

And if you need a warm-up after a walk along the parkway, or just a spot to sit and soak in the neighborhood vibe, I often stop by Fireroast Cafe at 3800 37th Avenue South. It's one of those no-fuss, welcoming spots where the coffee is hot, the pastries are fresh, and you'll see everyone from students to retirees sharing tables. It’s a real community gathering place, and it’s been around long enough to see a few generations of Longfellow residents come through its doors.

The Parkway's Autumnal Embrace

Speaking of walks, you can’t talk about Longfellow without talking about the Minnehaha Parkway. What most people don't know is that the parkway, which connects Minnehaha Falls all the way to Lake Harriet, wasn’t always the beautifully landscaped greenway we enjoy today. It was part of the visionary plan by Horace Cleveland and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in the late 19th century to create a 'Grand Rounds' park system, essentially bringing nature's beauty into the city for everyone. In October, this stretch is simply breathtaking. The oaks and maples along the creek explode in color, and it’s less crowded than some of the bigger lakes. It’s perfect for a bike ride or just a slow stroll, watching the leaves drift down.

Longfellow isn't trying to impress anyone with glitz or trendy new spots. It’s just quietly doing its thing, holding onto its history, and nurturing a community that values authenticity. It’s a place where you can still feel the echoes of the past, see the beauty of the present, and grab a good cup of coffee while you're at it. So next time you're thinking about the falls, stick around a bit. Explore the avenues. You might just find your new favorite corner of the Twin Cities.

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Photo by paul on Pexels