As always, we dug up some photos from Minnesota’s past that are simply too fun to pass up. In these snapshots from the 1970s, everything in MN is looking very familiar. The tall skyscrapers are beginning to emerge in Minneapolis, and all the traditions we know and love are going strong throughout the state. So enjoy the brief window to the past, and spend some time reflecting on the positive memories you have from that decade.

1. Here is a look at downtown Minneapolis in '72 after the building of the IDS Center. It was slightly shorter than it is today in this photo at 775 ft.
Wikimedia/Roger Wollstadt
2. It absolutely dwarfs Foshay Tower which was once the tallest building.
Wikimedia/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
3. 4th of July is one of the holidays that MN always does well! Here the crowd is waiting for night to fall and the fireworks to begin!
Wikimedia/Flip Schalke via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
4. Another great 4th of July moment was captured in Sleepy Eye.
Wikimedia/Flip Schalke via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
5. This is the interior of the 3M plant in the mid 70s with an employee monitoring a machine. Do you know somebody who worked in this plant or did you work in it yourself?
Wikimedia/Flip Schalke via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
6. This group is lunching on Nicollet mall in downtown Minneapolis. It has always been a popular hangout for those who live and work in the area.
Wikimedia/Donald Emmerich via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

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7. In 1972, this shot was captured of St. Paul from a sightseeing boat on the river!
Wikimedia/Roger Wollstadt
Date: 25 July 1972
8. Instead of taking the sightseeing boat, these two were paddling down the Mississippi themselves. Who has paddled in more than one area of the Mississippi?
Wikimedia/Donald Emmerich via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
9. In New Ulm, adults are looking at the bargain merchandise set out for this massive sale.
Wikimedia/Flip Schalke via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
10. In front of Powers Dry Goods Store this man is taking a quiet break.
Wikimedia/Donald Emmerich via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
11. This is another amazing spot on the Mississippi near Nicollet Island.
Wikimedia/Donald Emmerich via U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
12. Here is a look at downtown Minneapolis' "Block E" in '73. It was demolished in the 80s.
Wikimedia/U.S National Archives and Records Administration

Do you like seeing this photos of MN’s past? Let us know and share your 1970s photos of Minnesota with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page!

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