Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Here in the Minneapolis, we have plenty of places to go to get everything we need. From grocery chains to delis to shopping malls, the Twin Cities are rife with amenities that keep us clothed, fed, and entertained. But what about the long-lost places that used to sustain and entertain us? These 6 spots from the Twin Cities are long gone now, but every Minneapolitan misses them.
The Young-Quinlan building in Minneapolis was once home to a department store owned by Elizabeth Quinlan. Built in 1926, its design is notable for having a facade on every side of the building, which makes it stand out at its location in downtown Minneapolis. The store sold everything from clothing to housewares until finally closing in 1985. Today, the building's five floors have been restored and serve as smaller retail spaces.
Great Northern Market was an old-school Minneapolis grocer that was around throughout the 1970s. While it is long gone today, many have fond memories of visiting this store that displayed its produce fish stands on the sidewalk, just like in the movies.
This grocery store chain once had many locations throughout the Twin Cities. Though not so different from the Cub Foods of today, Country Club Markets are still a nostalgic memory for anyone who lived in Minneapolis during the late 20th century.
Long before Macy's took over the well-known downtown Minneapolis building - and then subsequently closed in 2017 - it was home to Dayton's. Founded in 1902, the department store was the place to go for just about anything you needed. The Dayton's name came to an end in 2001, when it became Marshall Fields. Later, all Marshall Fields stores became Macy's, and the rest is history. Still, it's impossible to pass by that building without remembering Dayton's.
In its heyday, this Minneapolis department store chain had 7 locations throughout the Twin Cities. The first was on Nicollet Avenue, but Powers extended into St. Paul and some Twin Cities suburbs. Sadly, the Powers legacy ended in the 1990s. Most of the stores were sold and eventually demolished.
This once popular Twin Cities chain will be best remembered by those who were around in the 1960s and 1970s. The store had half a dozen locations throughout Minneapolis and beyond. They sold groceries, home goods, haircuts, medication, and other necessities. Eventually, a company called Zayre purchased Shoppers' City, and the stores were thereafter known as Zayre Shoppers' City.
Do you remember any of these closed places in Minneapolis? Are there any other that bring back a twinge of nostalgia? Let us know in the comments down below! And for more old places in Minneapolis, check out our list of 5 stores you’ll remember if you grew up in Minneapolis.
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