W Minneapolis–The Foshay has been a part of the Minneapolis skyline for nearly a century in the iconic Foshay Tower. This storied but hip property is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. It is, by all means, a Midwest landmark—using the original elements of its Art Deco design paired with a modern air of trendiness, tying everything together to create an air of timelessness. The towering structure’s 10-foot tall “FOSHAY” letters can be seen bright and proud from across the city (it’s still the only rooftop sign in downtown Minneapolis), symbolizing its continuing legacy in the city’s skyline.
Photo courtesy W Minneapolis-The Foshay
W Minneapolis–The Foshay Showcases Wealth, Scandal, and the City's Best Views
Rising 447 feet into the air, boasting 32 stories and dating back to 1929, W Minneapolis—The Foshay was ideated by art-student-turned-moneybags-businessman Wilbur Foshay, who “made it big” by building up three utility company empires during the 1920s (which would later collapse, during the Depression, running him into debt and a stint as a criminal).
The building named in his honor is modeled after the Washington Monument and was known to be the tallest skyscraper between Chicago and the West Coast until the mid-1970s, when The IDS Center nabbed its title. The building went through many iterations of hosting businesses, including big names like Colgate toothpaste.
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Settling into comfort at W Minneapolis–The Foshay
Photo courtesy W Minneapolis-The Foshay
In classic “W” fashion, the property is quite fashionable—with a sultry and dim air of sophistication in the lobby paired with a touch of flair and purposeful pops of color to add vibrancy to the atmosphere.
I enjoyed walking the hallways and admiring worldly, elegant design elements including African mahogany, Italian marble, a silver and gold plated ceiling, and ornamental bronze work.
Visitors can spend time admiring the sweeping views of the city skyline from the 30th-floor observation deck (said to be one of the few open-air observation decks in the nation) or stroll through the museum on the floor below to learn about its history. One of my favorite experiences from staying on-site was exploring the Foshay Museum, which recounts the building’s unique origins and continuously dynamic operations.
There are 229 recently renovated rooms, compact but contemporary overnight accommodations that feel like stepping back into a night out in the glamorous Gatsby- era of the 1920s (but with creature comforts of today’s age). The in-room mini-bar offers everything needed to enjoy a raucous night in or get ready for (or recover after) a spirited night out.
Other amenities on-site include a modest on-site fitness center with cardio and weights equipment, a business center, and the “Whatever/Whenever” concierge service to assist in making any overnight visit exceptionally special.
Dining and drinking at the W Minneapolis–The Foshay
Photo courtesy W Minneapolis-The Foshay
Grab an upscale meal at the W Minneapolis–The Foshay in the award-winning on-site restaurant, Manny’s Steakhouse, which features prime cuts of meat and a 300-bottle wine list. Or, grab a drink at the well-trafficked bar and lounge space, The Living Room—which has a “modern-chic vibe,” craft cocktails, and a live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.
Don’t miss stopping into Prohibition Bar on the 27th and 28th floors—it’s an elevated (literally) speakeasy with impeccable drinks and panoramic views of downtown. This bar lives in what would have been Wilbur Foshay’s own penthouse if bankruptcy and scandal hadn’t transformed the tower’s history and future following the great depression. This dimly lit space feels classic, with original wood panel bookshelves, a fireplace, leather seating, and lacquered black cocktail tables.
Photo courtesy W Minneapolis-The Foshay
Explore beyond the hotel’s four walls
The W Minneapolis–The Foshay is an experience in and of itself, but it’s also set in a great location for exploring the downtown neighborhood—close to numerous sports, shopping, entertainment, and music venues. Be sure to spend some time exploring the Mill District neighborhood—an up-and-coming former warehouse district that’s been transformed into a walkable riverside oasis of a neighborhood with lots of trendy spots to dine and drink.
If in town on a Saturday, visit the Mill City Farmers Market, which features a range of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. The market occurs every Saturday, May through September from 8 AM – 1 PM, Saturdays in October from 9 AM – 1 PM and on the first and third Saturdays from November through April, from 10 AM – 1 PM.
Photo: savethepolarbears /Shutterstock
Stroll along the scenic riverfront here and check out Gold Medal Park (if you’re there on a Saturday in the summer, be sure to grab a coffee from Misfit Coffee Co.’s cute “coffee trailer”) and Stone Arch Bridge, which offers nice views of the skyline across the water and sights of the “birthplace of the city on the Mississippi River” — St. Anthony Falls. These falls are the only natural waterfall on the river. They are considered a sacred site to the Mdewakanton Dakota, who know Mississippi River as hahawakpa, “river of the falls.” The Dakota inhabited this place for thousands of years before Western settlers took over the land.
Don’t miss stepping into the Guthrie Theater, which is open to the public daily, and offers access to the “Endless Bridge” and Amber Box for nearly unmatched Minneapolis views. Then, hop across the river and explore the Northeast Arts District to admire the public street art and step into the Northrup King building. This revitalized 101-year-old former seed warehouse is now home to more than 300 artists’ workshops. It’s open to the public on Saturdays from 12 PM – 4 PM, and I spent many hours perusing the studios and stopping in to chat with the creative folks working on-site.
This neighborhood also has a thriving craft brewery scene for beer, cider, and hard kombucha. As a gluten-free girl, I was pleased with the offerings at BŪCH Fermentary & Taproom which serves organic hard kombucha and boasts an awesome patio space to hang out and play board games and hang out.
For a casual dinner, try Graze: Provisions + Libations—a food-hall-style eatery serving seemingly every type of cuisine you can think of in a warm and bustling atmosphere. If you seek a fancier dining experience, The Hewing Hotel’s on-site restaurant, Tullibee, serves fresh dishes sourced hyper-locally in a cozy environment that feels like a trip far further north to Scandinavia.
Outdoors lovers like myself will appreciate a trip to the community-focused Loppet Foundation, which hosts a different adventure in every season. Here, you can affordably rent out bikes to circle the chain of lakes, or cross-country skis to trek across the park, crunching over the fresh sparkling snow. All of this exploration is within walking distance or a short public transit or Uber ride from the W Minneapolis–The Foshay. 