Minneapolis' Witch's Hat Tower Turns 100

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Witch's Hat Tower in Minneapolis' Prospect Park neighborhood is celebrating a big milestone this weekend.

The famous water tower is turning 100, and the public is getting special access to the structure that's atop the highest natural land area in Minneapolis.

The tower and Tower Hill Park were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, and both have a rich history going back to the 1830s.

Joseph Ring of the Prospect Park Historic District says the tower was constructed in 1914 after years of requests by neighborhood residents.

"The residents in Prospect Park came together and had a problem with water pressure because this is one of the highest parts of the city, so there was no really good water service ... especially in the summer," Ring said. "In 1906, they pooled their funds together, they bought what's called Tower Hill and gave it to the city as a park with a provision that they would hope there would be a water tower built on it."

The tower provides stunning panoramic views of Minneapolis and the surrounding metro. This weekend only, you can get the chance to climb its 115 stairs to the top.

The tower will be open to the public for free Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here for more information.