Skyway or the Highway

Minneapolis boasts the largest contiguous skyway system in the world. This interconnected network of elevated walkways not only shields pedestrians from the elements but also weaves through the City's rich history. Recent years have seen some changes to the Skyway System, but it still presents a unique opportunity for pedestrian-centered travel.

The origins of the Minneapolis Skyway System date back to the 1960s when the city faced the dual challenges of harsh winters and a desire for downtown revitalization. The first Skyway, linking the Northstar Center and the Roanoke Building, was constructed in 1962. Over the subsequent decades, the Skyway System expanded organically, linking major office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers. The 1970s and 1980s witnessed significant growth, with new segments added to enhance connectivity and accessibility. The Skyway became a vital component of Minneapolis urban life, shaping how residents and visitors experienced the city.

Unfortunately, recent decades saw a slow decline in the use and popularity of the Skyway. The pandemic only accelerated the emptying out of the many restaurants and stores that once serviced downtown workers and tourists. Just this summer, the Skyway lost one of its treasured tenants, Taco John’s.

While Minneapolis’s Skyway System is certainly unique, it’s not the only of its kind in the United States. For example, Houston is home to an expansive underground tunnel system that spans over 6 miles long. Much like the Minneapolis Skyway, the Houston tunnels shield pedestrians from unpleasant weather conditions.

These types of pedestrian-centered systems offer protection from extreme weather conditions, which may become more integral to urban connectivity as our cities face challenges presented by a changing climate. It’s hard to know the future of Minneapolis’s Skyway System (will Taco John’s ever return?), but the existing infrastructure presents an opportunity for the City to connect its downtown area in a way that caters to pedestrians while simultaneously keeping them out of the cold.