The651.com

Avid bikers, joggers, and dog walkers have been enjoying St. Paul’s paved path along the north side of the Mississippi River for a while now. But last month, a stretch of that path officially became the first signed section of the Mississippi River Trail, known as the “MRT” for short.

Cyclists celebrating the first signed section of the Mississippi River Trail, a stretch of paved path in St. Paul!

The MRT, which follows the river from its headwaters in Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, provides about 3,000 miles of on-road bicycle trails and pedestrian pathways. I personally think it’s an honor for St. Paul’s 17-mile (or so) stretch of trail to be the first official part of the MRT!

You can access St. Paul’s trail from many places, including Crosby Farm, Lilydale, and Upper Landing Park (behind the Science Museum of Minnesota). I recently checked out the Upper Landing entry point off Shepard Road and Chestnut. There are about 20 parking spots at Upper Landing, but even more underground parking underneath all those nearby condos. Just look for the sign that says “City House Parking.”

Speaking of City House, you have to check out this amazing, newly-opened building just off the MRT. The beat-up looking brick building is an old sack house that has been there for ages. Next to it is a tall building you’ll recognize as the St. Paul Municipal Elevator. Together, they are reminders of St. Paul’s history as a port city, when grain ruled the market.

City House (formerly called the sack house) is the small brick building. The St. Paul Municipal Elevator is the tall building. Both speak volumes about St. Paul's rich river history.

To some, these buildings are eyesores. I think they’re beautiful. I’ve always fantasized about the sack house (which is now being called City House) as being an amazing potential location for a riverside wine bar. OK, so it hasn’t turned into quite that, but it is open to the public now, and it’s a great spot to take in the city’s river history and beauty.

With concrete floors, glass garage-like doors that open to reveal expansive views of the river, and exposed brick on the inside, City House is a great additional to St. Paul Parks & Rec’s rental options. The opening is so recent that the city doesn’t have a web site up for City House yet, but I hear it’s coming soon.

If you want to stop at City House during a bike ride or run, it’s open from sun up to sundown, and it’s the perfect spot to rest in the shade, sip your water, and read all about the history of these buildings. History buffs should follow this link and read up on the rich and colorful past of the sack house and grain terminal.

John Anfinson, a local park historian, was right when he wrote, “If cities have a spirit or soul, St. Paul’s is surely felt strongest near the river and in places, such as the Municipal Elevator and Sackhouse, that are carried along in the current of the river’s history.”

Check it out and let me know what you think.

What: City House, open daily from dawn to dusk

Location: Off Shepard Road & Chestnut Street/Eagle Street (they merge)

Rent it: Call the Harriet Island Event Coordinator for more information, 651-292-7010