Do you ever wish you could travel back in time? Many of us have, at one point or another, dreamt of going back to see how people once lived. We might never be able to truly step into years gone by, but we can still get a sense of life in decades past through photos and videos.

In the past, we’ve looked at images of Minnesota in the 1950s and 1960s. But today, we’d like to go back even further in time. Below, you’ll find historical footage of Minneapolis from the 1940s. This fascinating footage gives a small glimpse of what life was like 80 years ago in the City of Lakes. Check it out!

Much of the footage is taken from above. You can see how busy Minneapolis was, even in the 1940s. In addition to car traffic, the streetcar lines were still running!
Old picture new view/YouTube
You’ll also catch glimpses of some downtown buildings. How many of these buildings still stand today?
Old picture new view/YouTube
In this building, you can see what is today called the CenturyLink Building. Built in the 1932, it was the city’s second-tallest building through the 1950s. It has also been called the Qwest Building and the Northwestern Bell Telephone Building.
Old picture new view/YouTube

Related Stories

The Story Of The Lost Train Of Pine City Is An Unforgettable Minnesota Urban Legend

The Story Of The Lost Train Of Pine City Is An Unforgettable Minnesota Urban Legend

 Now You Can Buy A Piece Of Minneapolis, Minnesota History When You Bid On The K From The City's Infamous Kmart

Now You Can Buy A Piece Of Minneapolis, Minnesota History When You Bid On The K From The City's Infamous Kmart

 These Old Photos Of Minnesota's St. Paul Winter Carnival Will Take You Back To The 1940s

These Old Photos Of Minnesota's St. Paul Winter Carnival Will Take You Back To The 1940s
Here, two Minneapolis hotels stand tall over the city streets. How many people must have stayed over the years in the Hotel Curtis and the Leamington Hotel? Today, both have been demolished.
Old picture new view/YouTube
In the street-level footage, it’s neat to see all the old cars driving along the city streets. It’s also fun to catch glimpses of the clothing styles of the era.
Old picture new view/YouTube
The video also includes footage of Minnesotans doing what we have always done best: enjoying the water.
Old picture new view/YouTube

This fascinating footage of the 1940s is a must watch if you’ve ever been curious about what Minneapolis was like in years past. Check out the full video below:

What do you think? What are your favorite memories of Minnesota from years ago? Let us know in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Minneapolis, MN, USA