MINNEAPOLIS — For the second year in a row, the Mill City Museum has been nominated for the "Best History Museum in the Nation.
The downtown Minneapolis museum has been named among 20 nominees for a USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award.
Officials want to get the word out so they can get the top prize this year. In 2023, the museum came in fourth place on the list. The public can vote for the downtown Minneapolis museum daily through Feb. 12.
"History lovers can also support the museum online by sharing the hashtag #MCMTop10 on social media," Tuesday's news release stated.
The Mill City Museum opened in 2003 and it was built within the ruins of the Washburn "A" Mill, which had closed in 1965.
The old mill -- which in the 19th century was the biggest flour mill in the U.S. -- had been named a National Historic Landmark in 1983 but a fire gutted the vacant building in 1991.
A short time later, the Minnesota Historical Society announced plans to build a museum within the limestone and concrete walls of the old mill along the mighty Mississippi.
The museum showcases the rich history of the flour milling industry, the Mississippi River, and the city of Minneapolis. At one point, the city of Minneapolis was considered to be the "Flour Milling Capital of the World."
Visitors can experience "Minneapolis' growth through interactive exhibits," along with walking tours, multimedia shows, works from local artists and scenic views atop the Koch Rooftop Observation Deck.
"We are doubly honored to receive this nomination as we celebrate 20 years of welcoming visitors to Mill City Museum," said Mill City Museum Site Manager David Stevens in a news release. "We are so grateful for all the support received from Minnesotans last year. This recognition of the great work our staff does to tell the rich history of Minneapolis is tremendous."
The museum also displays free special exhibits in the Mill Commons area. Visitors can currently check out Spirits Dancing Photographs of the Night Sky by Travis Novitsky until April 7.
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