Walls of Color: Little Falls’ Outdoor Gallery

Walls That Talk: The Stories Behind Our Local Murals

If you’ve ever strolled through downtown Little Falls or crossed the bridge to the West Side, you’ve likely noticed that our city is a massive outdoor gallery. Our murals are more than just beautiful backdrops for photos; they are visual storybooks that capture the history, heart, and evolution of our community.

Most of these masterpieces were led by local artist Frank Gosiak, often with the help of local students and volunteers. Here is the story behind the art on our walls.

The Main Street Mural

Located on the street side of the Hennepin Paper Co. warehouse, this mural was completed in 1991.

• The Story: This massive painting depicts what Main Street Little Falls looked like at the turn of the 20th century. Interestingly, when Gosiak first began painting, the initial public reaction was a bit skeptical. However, as the vintage storefronts and figures came to life, it quickly became—and remains—a community favorite.

The Lumber Mural

As you cross the bridge to the West Side, look to your left at the Hennepin Paper Co. warehouse on Broadway Avenue West.

• The Story: This piece takes us back to the legendary logging era that built Little Falls.
• Look Closer: On the left, you’ll see what was formerly known as the Larson Boat factory. On the right is the Hennepin Paper Mill. Today, you can actually visit the ruins of that mill at Mill Park.

The Days From the Past Mural

Found on the side of the Little Falls Bakery and Deli (formerly Pete and Joy’s), this mural is a favorite for those who love a “hidden picture” challenge.

• The Story: Completed in 1994, this mural shows the progression of time. In the background, you’ll see tepees and Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, which gradually transition into modern buildings and cars in the foreground.
• A Local Touch: Gosiak used about 25 local kids as models for the people in the mural. One of those children was his niece, Gabrielle Meyer, who has since grown up to become a successful published author!

The Gail & Ax Mural

This mural often sparks the most conversation due to its unique imagery.

• The Story: While some mistakenly think it promotes tobacco, it is actually a powerful piece about awareness.
• The Symbolism: Look at the headstones in the cemetery. Instead of names, you’ll see the words “Asleep,” “Awake,” and “Awareness.” These represent the timeline of society discovering the harmful effects of tobacco. It was completed in 2000 by Gosiak and a group of local students.

Explore Even Further

The art in Little Falls doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Once you’ve toured our murals, take a deeper dive into our community by visiting the Great River Arts gallery, exploring our world-class museums, or following the Wayfinding Project through our local parks. Whether you’re an art critic or just looking for a beautiful stroll, there is always something new to see. Find more details at LittleFallsMN.com.

Exploring Little Falls

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