1. New Records At Oar Folkjokeopus
Many locals have fond memories of buying their favorite tunes at the Oar Folkjokeopus record store, which also doubled as a popular hangout spot. With its unique and sometimes exclusive inventory, this shop was one of the staples of the Minneapolis rock scene. It was a sad day for music lovers when they closed, and it’s certainly missed.
2. Bob McCoy And His Museum of Questionable Medical Devices
Everyone knew about Bob McCoy and his quirky Museum of Questionable Medical Devices. When shopping in the area, you could stop in the museum and check out his collection, which was full of odd and outrageous inventions from the past, like soap products for weight loss and magnetized band aids.
It closed in 2002 after McCoy retired, and a portion of the collection can still be viewed at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, but most will agree—it certainly doesn’t live up to the original!
3. Breakfast, Baked Goods And Sandwiches From Lincoln Del
Lincoln Del used to serve up the best reubens in town, along with other offerings that people still salivate over, like baked goods, potato salad and cheesy puffy omelettes. It was open for over 60 years before closing in 2000, and so far nothing has been able to replace it in the hearts of Minneapolitans.
4. Live Music At The 400 Bar
The 400 Bar hosted live music on the West Bank for decades. It was chock full of fantastic music history and hosted early performances for bands like Semisonic, Golden Smog, The White Stripes and Arcade Fire.
While closed for now, there are plans to reopen the bar in the Mall of America. Yet many know that the new, polished live music venue and restaurant won’t hold a candle to the dark and shabby, but beloved, original.
5. The Weather Forecast, As Told By Bud Kraehling
Bud Kraehling was an iconic Minneapolis TV personality. Adored throughout the city, Kraehling served as the weather forecaster for the Twin Cities’ WTCN (now WCCO) news station and forecasted the weather like nobody else could.
He worked for almost 50 years before retiring, and many people still wish they could tune in to him again.
6. Cold Sweets From Liberty Frozen Custard
When open, Liberty Frozen Custard wowed Minneapolitans’ taste buds with their tasty frozen treats. The spot was reminiscent of a 1950s ice cream shop, complete with steel diner-like tables and chairs and an old pinball machine, and served sweet favorites like ice cream, shakes, malts and sundaes.
7. “Prince’s Place”
Minneapolitans are proud of their local music scene, and they’re especially proud that their state gave the world Prince. There was even a nightclub in Minneapolis called Glam Slam (originally opened by Prince himself), known to locals as “Prince’s Place,” which was affiliated with the legendary musician and even played unreleased Prince songs—that is, until it was closed due to a fire and then reopened as a new club called Epic.
8. Uptown As Punk Central
Since the 60s and 70s, Minneapolis has known for its hardcore punk scene, especially in Uptown. You used to see plenty of wild and colorful hairstyles, spiked Mohawks, piercings and dark clothing. Uptown has changed quite a bit in recent years though, and the infamous punk scene that the area was known for has greatly diminished.
9. Retro Games At Rusty Quarters Arcade
Rusty Quarters was THE place to go for fun times playing your favorite classic video games. They were stocked with lots retro games that are tough to find nowadays, especially since this joint closed down for good.
10. Dayton’s Department Stores
Minneapolitans used to love to shop at Dayton’s, both a local company and one of the Midwest’s leading department stores. Many remember strolling through the Dayton’s on Nicollet Mall, but the entire chain has long since been out of business. It was bought out by Marshall Field’s and, eventually, Macy’s, the latter of which is now in its old Nicollet Mall spot.
11. The Old Walker Library
Everyone knows of the Walker Library on Hennepin Avenue, and that the popular spot was closed for a while during renovations. Open again, this favorite reading destination has gotten a makeover, with a more modern design and better functionality.
Of course, this means that the older and slightly outdated, but still loved, prior library version will never be seen again.
12. The Quintessential Pillsbury Mill
Flour milling is a huge part of Minneapolis’ history and helped put the city on the map. Pillsbury Mill was the largest flour mill in the world for 40 years. Its huge sign can be seen from afar and is an iconic part of the city.
While abandoned for a while, this historic mill is now going to be turned into a set of apartments. It may be disappointing that locals will have to say goodbye to the mill for good, but it’s not all bad; the apartments are intended to be affordable housing for local artists.
13. The Country Bar And Grill
The Country Bar and Grill in Uptown, while known to many as a dive bar, was still a very popular hangout spot. I mean, come on, where else in Minneapolis could you find a bar that has karaoke, tasty chicken wings AND antler chandeliers? Yep, nowhere—at least for now.
But there are rumors circulating that it might be coming back, so keep your fingers crossed.
14. The Original Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater is a prime destination for all Minneapolis shows and performances, and has been a local favorite for many years. In 2006, a new theater building finished construction along the Mississippi River in downtown, and the old building was demolished and turned into a green space and an extension of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
While the newer building is very impressive, those that were there for its early years still fondly remember the smaller, simpler and original theatre where it all began.
15. The Tiny And Cramped Back Room Of Foxfire Coffee Lounge
Foxfire Coffee Lounge was a true Minneapolis gem. On the outside, it looked like any other café, with charming décor, vibrant red tables and a variety of baked goods.
But its back room, which served as a music venue, was an entirely different story. It wasn’t a very large space, but people still crammed into the spot to listen to great local musicians perform. It was a huge contribution to the Minneapolis music scene and, since its closing, there just hasn’t been a new spot that can compare.
16. A Vikings Game At The Metrodome
Proud Minnesota Vikings fans have plenty of great memories of donning purple, white and gold and cheering on their favorite football team on at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
Home to the Vikings from 1982 to 2013, the stadium has just recently been demolished and will be replaced by a new venue shortly. If you were hoping to say one last goodbye to the famous football spot, it’s too late now.
17. Or A Twins Game, For That Matter
Speaking of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Twins fans will also never have a chance to see the baseball team play in the stadium again. Since 2012, the Twins have been playing in the newly built Target Field instead and, with the demolition, Twins fans will have nothing but memories of the past baseball stadium.
18. A Gritty, Grungy Block E
In the early years of downtown Minneapolis, Block E was not the type of place you wouldn’t want to take your grandma, if you know what I mean. The infamous area was a gritty, seedy part of town, known for drunks and prostitution and sketchy hang out spots like Moby Dick’s bar and Rigle Sport’s Alternative Arts.
Of course, people loved the Block E, despite all its flaws, and still miss the area that’s since been replaced by an enclosed shopping center, holding chains like Applebee's, Starbucks and an AMC movie theatre. While the past Block E may not have been the safest spot in Minneapolis, at least it had some character.
19. Uptown Bar & Café
Locals miss this quintessential Minneapolis diner-like spot that served up the best bloody marys in town for over 80 years.
It had been around longer than many of the regulars that liked to stop by for a tasty breakfast in the morning or great live music at night. Nowadays you’ll find a new retail development in its spot instead.
20. A Young Bob Dylan Strolling The Streets Of Dinkytown
Minnesota native Bob Dylan lived in Dinkytown when he moved there in the fall of 1959. While he had initially planned on enrolling in the University of Minnesota, he never did.
It was in Dinkytown that Dylan traded his electric guitar for an acoustic, was introduced to folk music, heard Woody Guthrie and read “Bound for Glory” for the first time. Many fans can easily point out Bob Dylan landmarks such as the building where he lived and places he performed before his career really took off.
21. The Golden Gophers’ Good Old Glory Days
Minneapolitans are true fans of the Golden Gophers, the University of Minnesota football team. They always sport their gold and maroon colors during football season, even if the team isn’t doing its best.
While residents may stand by their Gophers regardless, many remember the glory days of the past, when the team won five national championships between 1934 and 1941 and another in 1961. That’s not to say that the Gophers won’t rise to their prior triumphs again, but many people hold a certain fondness for those good old glory days.
22. Biermaier's Used Books
Minneapolis locals overlooked the creaky floorboards and towering stacks of volumes when shopping at Biermaier’s Books—in fact, the unique and slightly run down character of the Dinkytown used book store made it even more lovable.
Bill Biermaier owned the popular shop for over 40 years before closing, and it served as one of the only used book stores in the area and supplemented many with affordable good reads.
23. Nicollet Mall As You Know It Now
A large portion of the well-known Nicollet Avenue is taken up by Nicollet Mall, a busy shopping and dining district. The area was one of the first commercial spots in Minneapolis and still seems to be constantly evolving.
Right now, it’s in the process of being renovated, once again, to become a new and “revitalized” district. Say goodbye to the Nicollet Mall you know, and watch as it transforms right before your eyes.
24. Boots And Workwear From Kaplan Bros Store
Kaplan Bros opened in 1926 and quickly became a favorite shop for all gear related to Minneapolis work and cold weather. They particularly had a great variety of boots for wearing in the winter or while on the job, with many hard to find brands.
There was a huge community of loyal Kaplan customers that were beyond disappointed when the shop closed down in 2013, and they’re still hard pressed to find an adequate replacement.
25. The Historic Tanks At Fort Snelling Military Museum
The volunteer-run Fort Snelling Military museum was a great spot to visit. It had over 70 vintage vehicles from World War II through to the first Gulf War, all of which had been restored by volunteers.
Lots of work was put into the museum, which is why it’s so disappointing that the U.S. government decided to move the collection to other Army museums throughout the country.
26. Heidi’s Fine Cuisine
Heidi’s restaurant was a local hot spot in Uptown Minneapolis that had great quality and delicious food in a fine dining atmosphere. Unfortunately, Heidi’s doors closed last year when the married owners split, leaving many foodies still craving their delicious eats.
27. Town Hall Brewery Before The Renovation
Open since 1997, Town Hall Brewery hasn’t been in Minneapolis as long as other well-known locations, but it’s still adored by many locals. Its great local beers quickly made it a popular drinking spot. It was recently renovated to become a newer, larger space, and the original spot where people first fell in love with the fantastic drinks and great atmosphere is gone now.
What's something you miss in Minneapolis? Tell us in the comments below! 
