North Loop at a glance
The North Loop is in Minneapolis's Central community, northwest of downtown, between downtown and the Mississippi River. Its main residential and commercial area runs roughly from the railroad tracks and Cedar Lake Trail on the southeast to Plymouth Avenue on the northwest. Streets run parallel to the river, at a 45-degree angle to the rest of the city grid.
It is also called the Warehouse District, from the years when Minneapolis was a Midwestern shipping hub. The Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places, listed on November 3, 1989. It includes about 62 structures on seven square blocks, mostly six to eight stories, with the Chicago Commercial style as the predominant design.
Streets, buildings and history
For most of its history the North Loop was industrial, with a large railroad yard, warehouses and factories. In the 1980s it became the center of the Minneapolis art scene, and the Wyman Building at 400 First Avenue North once housed more than twenty galleries. Many old factories and warehouses have been converted into lofts, condominiums, apartments and commercial space. The neighborhood's population rose from 4,291 in 2010 to 7,540 in 2020.
Washington Avenue is the main thoroughfare. Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, opened in 2010 on the southwest edge, served by Target Field Station, where the Blue and Green light rail lines meet. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the neighborhood's largest employer, stands at the southwest end of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge.
Nails and beauty near North Loop
The North Loop's mix of lofts, offices and restaurants makes it a lunch-hour and after-work neighborhood. A spa on North 2nd Street lists nails, waxing, facials, brows and lashes under one roof, which suits a single stop on the way home. Call ahead for evenings and weekends.
In winter, the walk from a parking ramp to the door can be long and cold. Gloves and a pocket hand cream protect a fresh manicure. See the winter care guide.
- The Ten Spot North Loop103 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401(612) 248-8159thetenspot.comNails, waxing, facials, brows and lashes.
All Minneapolis salons are in the nail salon directory.
Questions about North Loop
Where is the North Loop?
In Minneapolis's Central community, northwest of downtown, between downtown and the Mississippi River.
Why do the streets run at an angle?
They run parallel to the river, at a 45-degree angle to the city grid.
What is the Warehouse Historic District?
A National Register district listed in 1989 with about 62 structures on seven blocks, mostly six to eight stories.
How do I get to the North Loop by train?
Target Field Station, at the southwest edge, is a terminus for the Blue and Green light rail lines.
Where can I get nails done in the North Loop?
The directory lists a spa on North 2nd Street offering nails, waxing, facials, brows and lashes.
Is the North Loop good for after-work appointments?
Its mix of offices and lofts makes evening appointments popular. Call ahead for availability.
What changed in the North Loop after the 1980s?
Artists arrived in the 1980s, and from the mid-1990s many warehouses became lofts and condominiums. The population rose from 4,291 in 2010 to 7,540 in 2020.
Sources: [1] en.wikipedia.org [2] thetenspot.com