Foshay Tower Museum in Minneapolis, MN

Foshay Tower Museum in Minneapolis, MN is one of the most easily identifiable landmarks in the city. It also is a historic place with lots of interesting stories swirling about it. The history about this museum is that a plumbing tycoon named Wilbur Foshay built this structure in honor of the Washington Monument back in 1929. Right before it was to be opened, he commissioned John Philip Sousa to create a march for the opening ceremonies but his check bounced and he was then hauled off to prison!

This is just one of the stories you will likely hear when you visit the Foshay Town Museum. For over 40 years, this structure was the tallest building in Minneapolis and even the Midwest. At 447 feet tall with 32 stories, it was quite a testament. However, many skyscrapers have been built since then and now it is just a great landmark to the Minneapolis citizens. There are some great details to see when you visit too.

This Foshay Tower Museum has the best view of the city and is the only one open to the public. There is an open air deck for observation on the 31st floor which is really the best game in town for the incredible view it offers. When the weather is pretty and clear, many people say they can see for miles and miles.

It is the 31st floor which houses the museum. You can see the printed sheet music for the commissioned John Philip Sousa march that didn't happen. The Foshay Tower Museum has such a unique obelisk design that the architects patented it to keep it from being copied. And if you look close, you can see the Foshay name carved into the tower at the top. Admission is an affordable $4 for adults and $2 for kids and seniors. Be sure to visit between April and October when the museum is open.