Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Plant and its tailrace in 2019
Location	W. side of Hennepin Island, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Architect	William de la Barre
Architectural style	Commercial
Part of	Saint Anthony Falls Historic District (ID71000438)
Designated CP	March 11, 1971

The Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant is a power plant located at Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This plant has always been a key part of how St. Anthony Falls creates electricity. Today, Northern States Power, also known as Xcel Energy, runs the facility.

The plant sits on Hennepin Island, right next to the famous Pillsbury A-Mill. St. Anthony Falls is the only waterfall on the Mississippi River. In the past, this powerful waterfall helped run the city's first sawmills, flour mills, and other industries. The Hennepin Island plant currently has five units that generate electricity.

Powering the Community

In March 2004, NSP/Xcel Energy received a new license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This license allows them to keep operating the plant. One important part of this license was creating a special recreation area. This area helps people learn about the history and changes of St. Anthony Falls.

Water Power Park was built on a part of the island that looks over the falls. This park lets visitors get very close to the powerful waterfall. It's a great place to see how the falls have been used for power over time.

Studying the River

In 2008, NSP/Xcel Energy worked with the University of Minnesota. They partnered with the university's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. Together, they created a new Outdoor StreamLab.

This lab improved two existing channels that help control floodwaters. Scientists use these channels to study the river's environment. They learn about the plants and animals that live there. They also study how water moves through the area. This helps them understand the river's ecology and hydrology better.

A Historic Landmark

The Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant is a very important building. It is one of 85 buildings that contribute to the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District. This historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Being on this list means the plant is recognized for its historical importance. You can find a full list of these contributing properties here.

Future Plans

Another company, Crown Hydro, LLC, has suggested building a new hydroelectric plant at the falls. This proposed plant would be on the opposite side of the Mississippi River. It would be built next to the famous Stone Arch Bridge.

• Hennepin Island

  This page is from the plant's owner, but it has some small errors. For example, the dates "1882" and "arc-lights" are for a different, much older plant. Also, "site of early sawmills" refers to a third plant.

  Outdoor StreamLab