Minneapolis Skyways050

The first skyway bridge, at Marquette and 2nd Avenues, was pretty revolutionary when it debuted back in 1962. Now it's just one small part of a seven-mile climate-controlled network of glass-enclosed pedestrian overpasses that connects over 60 city blocks. Skyways allow shoppers and officeworkers to doff all that winter gear (or stay comfortable in business attire during hot, humid summers), and get from A to B to C - or even IDS! - more easily in inclement weather. Kids love to tear along the wide, carpeted stroller-friendly walkways, and parents can give them that freedom without worrying about oncoming traffic - the vehicular kind, anyway. There might not be any cars up there, but some sections get pretty congested during rush hours. When you don't have the corridors to yourself, it's best to follow road rules: walk on the right, pass on the left, and leave some distance in front of the stroller! The skyways connect hotels and shopping areas to parking ramps, offices, and city services ... even a museum. They're so heavily used that the main access to many shops and restaurants is on the Skyway Level (that's the button to select in elevators). As a result, the sidewalks here can seem eerily deserted at all but the busiest of times. But the system has its drawbacks, since routes are finite, and not necessarily direct. For longer treks it's likely to be less of an inconvenience, but crossing a particular street can involve walking the equivalent of two blocks. Consult this skyway map to plan trips. The skyways are also monitored by a network of security cameras.