Lost Twin Cities

Clearing out the old and making way for the new. Buildings have come and gone in Minneapolis and St. Paul. But sometimes this happens before we have the opportunity to appreciate them. This is the story of the buildings lost in the Twin Cities.

After World War II, people wanted to pursue the good life with houses in the suburbs, big cars cruising up and down streets and fast food places like Porky's. Aviation also expanded with bombers modified into luxury liners for Northwest Airlines.

Lost Twin Cities III revisits treasured Twin Cities places that no longer exist: The Minneapolis and St. Paul Auditoriums, Charlie's Cafe Exceptionale, the Cooper Theatre, the Aqua Follies and more.

Our latest installment of the Lost Twin Cities history series tells the stories of Northwest Airlines, Negro League baseball, Longfellow Zoo, Dayton’s Oval Room, St. Paul’s Public Baths and a lost Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece.