Explore Minneapolis' East Bank Neighborhoods
Nicollet Island - East Bank | Marcy-Holmes | University SE Como | Mid-City Industrial
East Bank Neighborhoods, Meet East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership
What is East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership?
The East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership (EBNP) is a nonprofit organization that serves the East Bank neighborhoods of Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2025, the merger of three local neighborhood organizations became official, marking the start of our work. From those three organizations, East Bank Neighborhoods has “adopted” five distinct neighborhoods - the Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood , the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood, the University Neighborhood (area that encompasses both the east & west banks of the University of Minnesota), the Southeast Como Neighborhood, and the Mid-City Industrial Neighborhood. You can read more about the neighborhoods below.
What does EBNP do?
In the City of Minneapolis, neighborhood organizations serve to represent, organize, and engage residents with things that are happening where they live.
EBNP’s mission is to foster community engagement, honor the neighborhoods’ history, and advocate for initiatives that enhance the quality of life for our residents and businesses. We address issues such as housing, public safety, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood beautification through collaborative efforts and active partnerships with local government, institutions, and stakeholders.
The EBNP is a hub for community participation, organizing events, programs, and forums that encourage dialogue and connection among neighbors. From advocating for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to supporting local arts and cultural activities, the EBNP plays a vital role in shaping the neighborhoods’ development while maintaining their unique identity. We work closely with the University of Minnesota to balance the needs of student renters with those of long-term residents, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive community.
East Bank Neighborhoods Map
“For the first time, all Minneapolis residents are represented by a neighborhood organization, and we’re so proud of that”
-Steven Gallagher, neighborhoods program manager for the City’s Neighborhood & Community Relations department from article for Neighborhoods day 2025 after the University Neighborhood was “officially-unofficially” brought under East Bank’s wing. (READ MORE)
Our Neighborhoods
Nicollet Island-East Bank
Rich in history, the Nicollet Island – East Bank area was first inhabited by Dakota, Ojibwe, and other native peoples. The neighborhood was platted in 1849 and joined the city of Minneapolis in 1872.
This area is home to a thriving community, with breathtaking river views, trails, restaurants, shopping, and much more! Take a break from the bustling city and go for a walk on Nicollet Island. You’ll see a swath of historic homes perfectly melded with the natural world, only a few minutes from downtown proper. Once you’ve seen the sites, meander back to the East Bank of the Mississippi where you can find everything you could possibly need within walking and rolling distance. Wether you are here for a good meal, a quick coffee, a grocery trip, or a night on the town - East Bank has it all. Not only can you park, walk, and roll through East Bank, but soon we will see improved transit networks that facilitate easier trips via mass transit and cycling.
A beautiful neighborhood to explore when you need a break from all of the looming skyscrapers downtown, East Bank neighborhood is a taste of city life focused on creating space for all to live, work, and play. MORE
Photo taken on Hennepin Ave Bridge headed northward from downtown, over Nicollet Island, and traveling into the East Bank neighborhood.
Marcy-Holmes
Marcy-Holmes is rich in cultural and historical buildings, landscapes, and streets. Four historic districts protect the St. Anthony Falls/Main Street SE area, 5th Street SE west of I-35W, several Greek properties, and a substantial portion of the Dinkytown business district. Dinkytown, the icon that it is, boasts a historical connection to Minnesota’s Prince, a plethora of local and chain restaurants & businesses, and a small college main-street type feel. If you are looking for a walkable area to live off-campus, Dinkytown is perfect for you. If you are visiting, you are bound to see college students at every turn while you enjoy the unique mix of historic sites, new housing construction, music venues, bars, restaurants, small shops, and more.
Main Street is Marcy-Holmes’ second most popular destination and has a completely different feel. If you haven’t heard of it, you may know it accidentally by it’s most iconic feature: the Stone Arch Bridge. While the West Bank of the Mississippi features iconic stops like Mill City Museum & Guthrie Theater, East Bank has the Pillsbury-A Mill, The Main Cinema, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, and more! It also has better parking for your walk to see St. Anthony Falls, so keep that in mind next time you visit.
These places are highly valued by neighborhood residents and visitors for their character and quality, and for the strong connection to the past that they convey. MORE
Photo of Stone Arch Bridge taken from Father Hennepin Bluff Park on it’s stretch down Main St. SE
Southeast Como
The Southeast Como neighborhood is in southeast Minneapolis about a half mile north of the Dinkytown commercial area and the East Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota. Tucked between the Mid-City Industrial neighborhood at it’s north and a sliver of industrial and railroad uses at its south, Southeast Como is a small oasis of multi-family homes and green space, with a small commercial district running through its center on Como Ave SE.
As a popular off-campus living neighborhood, SE Como serves as a home away from home for many students as they transition out of dorm life. It is also a popular neighborhood for graduate students, small families, or students with young children. Van Cleve Park and seven community gardens littered throughout the neighborhood mean you are never far from some sort of outdoor activity, giving it a unique identity among our five neighborhoods.
Both St. Paul Campus and East Bank are easily accessible by bike or via the #3 bus. It’s quiet, neighborhood streets are perfect for a quick walk to the corner store or an afternoon adventure. MORE
Photo of SE Como community garden volunteers at the Accord Native Pollinator garden in Van Cleve Park on the corner of 15th & Como SE
University
The University neighborhood stands out as one of the most unique and dynamic areas in Minneapolis. Remarkably, it was among the last neighborhoods in the city to gain official representation through a neighborhood organization—an unusual distinction that underscores its distinct character. Spanning both sides of the Mississippi River, the neighborhood functions almost like a small city within the city, with its own rhythm, identity, and infrastructure.
Anchored by the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus, the area thrives on a constant influx of students, educators, researchers, and visitors. It’s a dense hub of academic institutions, cutting-edge research facilities, and cultural venues, making it one of the most vibrant and intellectually driven areas in Minneapolis.
Beyond its academic and cultural energy, the University neighborhood also plays a critical role in the city’s transit ecosystem. It serves as a central node, seamlessly connecting thousands of daily commuters to major light rail lines, bus routes, and bike corridors. The neighborhood’s thoughtful design supports a highly walkable and rollable environment, making it accessible and inviting for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users alike. In many ways, it’s a model of urban connectivity and livability—constantly in motion, yet distinctly its own.
Aerial Photo taken from East bank looking northwest towards downtown from UMN Housing & Residential Life webpage
Mid-City Industrial
The Mid-City Industrial neighborhood is a primarily commercial and industrial district located in the heart of Minneapolis, within the broader Northeast community. Bounded by major transportation corridors—including Interstate 35W and several key rail lines—this area has long served as a vital hub for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Characterized by its low residential population and high concentration of industrial businesses, Mid-City Industrial plays a crucial role in the city's economy. Its infrastructure supports heavy freight movement, and the neighborhood is home to a diverse range of enterprises, from legacy manufacturing firms to newer distribution centers. While it does focus on industry, you can find a wealth of small businesses if you know where to look. Consider a night out at a lounge, brewery, or distillery. Grab a bite to eat at a deli or cafe. If you take the time to wade through the industrial uses, you are sure to find a unique spot you’ll come back to time after time.
Photo by Jon Platek via Wikimedia Commons