Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city and half of the Twin Cities metro, sits at 260 meters (853 ft) above sea level on the Mississippi River. The city's terrain is gently rolling, shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Lowest point (Mississippi River) | 230 m |
|---|---|
| Highest point | 300 m |
| Coordinates | 44.9778° N, 93.2650° W |
| Country / Region | Minnesota, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown | 240–260 m |
| Uptown / Lake Calhoun | 255–280 m |
| Northeast Minneapolis | 250–270 m |
| South Minneapolis | 260–290 m |
| St. Paul (twin city) | 245–280 m |
| Bloomington / South Suburbs | 265–300 m |
Compare: Minneapolis and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 196 m |
| Chicago, IL | 179 m |
| Des Moines, IA | 250 m |
| Kansas City, MO | 310 m |
Interesting Facts About Minneapolis's Elevation
- Minneapolis has over 20 lakes within city limits – all at approximately 260 m elevation, formed by glacial kettles during the last ice age.
- The Mississippi River drops 24 metres at Saint Anthony Falls – the only waterfall on the Mississippi – which powered Minneapolis's flour mills.
- Minneapolis has the most extensive skyway system in the world: 13 km of enclosed pedestrian bridges link 80 blocks of downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Minneapolis
What is the elevation of Minneapolis?
Minneapolis sits at approximately 260 metres (853 feet) above sea level. The Mississippi River through the city is at about 230 metres.
Why does Minneapolis have so many lakes?
Minneapolis's 22 lakes were formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. As glaciers retreated, blocks of buried ice melted to form depressions (kettles) that filled with water.
Is Minneapolis colder than Denver?
Yes. Despite Minneapolis being at a lower elevation than Denver (260 m vs 1,609 m), Minneapolis has a harsher continental climate with cold Arctic air masses in winter. Minneapolis averages −13°C in January, Denver −2°C.