Under Pressure: Inside the City's Hidden Powerhouse

Go inside the large, powerful systems hidden beneath downtown that keep Minneapolis warm and cool -part of the City Stories festival.

What does it take to keep a city alive through freezing winters and sweltering summers?

Go behind the scenes and into the city’s hidden powerhouse—where the systems that heat and cool downtown Minneapolis roar to life. This is a rare chance to experience the scale, sound, and force behind the comfort we take for granted every day.

Move through a world of towering machinery and echoing energy as you follow the path that keeps the city running. Feel the intensity of the systems that generate heat in the depths of winter, and discover how that same network shifts to keep buildings cool when summer arrives.

Beneath the streets, an unseen network is constantly at work—moving energy block by block, connecting buildings, and sustaining daily life across downtown.

It’s big. It’s loud. It’s always on.
And most people never see it.

IMPORTANT: Know Before You Go

• This tour takes place in an active energy facility
• It can be loud at times; headsets will be provided so you can easily hear your guide
• As part of the experience, guests will be provided with safety gear, including a hard hat, safety goggles, and a high-visibility vest

Getting Around:

• The tour includes walking, stairs, and navigating around equipment
• Guests should be comfortable being on their feet for about 45 minutes
• Please note: this tour is not accessible

What to Wear:

• Closed-toe shoes are required
• Long pants are recommended

During the Tour:

• Please stay with your group and follow your guide’s instructions
• For your safety, equipment should not be touched unless invited

Photography Disclosure

Rethos staff, volunteers and contract employees may document this event for future promotional materials, fundraising or advertising of Rethos as well as Doors Open and City Stories events. By attending this event, participants grant full permission to Rethos to use photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, or any other record of this event, for any legitimate purpose without any monetary payment.

If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify a member of the event staff.

About City Stories

City Stories is a multi-day festival celebrating the architecture, history, and cultural stories of the Twin Cities through tours, talks, and experiences across the region. This festival is produces by Rethos and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's Minnesota Chapter. Buy tickets to other City Stories events here.