You're standing on 9th Street, looking up at that massive, obelisk-style tower. The Foshay. It’s a Minneapolis icon, a literal monument to the ego and eventual downfall of Wilbur Foshay. But if you're looking for keys at the Foshay Minneapolis MN, things get a little confusing. Are you looking for the literal room keys for the W Minneapolis - The Foshay hotel? Or are you hunting for those "Key to the City" collectibles that occasionally pop up in local history circles? Honestly, usually, when people search for this, they’re trying to figure out how to get into the building’s most exclusive spots—the Observation Deck and the museum.
The Foshay isn't just another hotel. It was the tallest building in the city for decades.
It’s weird.
The architecture is modeled after the Washington Monument, but it’s packed with Art Deco flourishes that make modern skyscrapers look like boring glass boxes. If you've got a key—or at least a reservation—you're stepping into a piece of 1929 that somehow survived the Great Depression and several massive renovations.
Getting Your Hands on Keys at the Foshay Minneapolis MN
If you’re checking into the W Minneapolis, your "key" is going to be one of those sleek, purple-branded plastic cards or a digital key on your phone. Standard stuff. But the access that key provides is what actually matters.
Unlike a Marriott in the suburbs, your room key here is a pass to a labyrinth. The elevators are original (though modernized), and they're fast. If you’re staying there, you get priority access to some of the higher floors, but don't assume a standard room key gets you onto the 30th-floor observation deck for free. Usually, there's a separate fee for that unless you've booked a specific package.
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The Museum and the Observation Deck Access
The real "keys" people want are for the 30th floor. This is the only open-air observation deck in the Twin Cities. It’s windy. It’s exhilarating. It’s also a bit terrifying if you don't like heights because the railing feels... historical.
To get up there, you usually head to the 30th floor via a dedicated elevator. You'll find a small museum dedicated to Wilbur Foshay’s life. The guy was a mogul who threw a three-day party to open the building, featuring John Philip Sousa, only to have his empire collapse into a Ponzi scheme scandal just weeks later. He never even paid Sousa for the "Foshay Tower Washington Memorial March."
- Pro Tip: If you're a hotel guest, always ask the front desk if they have a "Key to the Deck" promo running.
- The View: You can see for 30 miles on a clear day.
- The Vibe: It's quiet. Most people are at the bars downstairs, so you often have the skyline to yourself.
Why the Physical Keys are Collectibles
Now, if you're an urban explorer or a history buff, you might be looking for vintage keys at the Foshay Minneapolis MN. Back in the day, the tower used actual metal keys. These are heavy, brass, and usually stamped with "Foshay Tower" and a room number.
You can sometimes find these at local antique shops like Hunt & Gather or on eBay. They aren't just scrap metal; they're artifacts of the 1920s. Collectors prize them because the Foshay was the first skyscraper built west of the Mississippi to have such a distinct, tapered design.
People obsess over these keys because they represent the "Gatsby" era of Minneapolis. The building was completed just days before the stock market crash of 1929. Those keys unlocked rooms that were designed to be the height of luxury before the entire economy hit a wall.
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Navigating the W Minneapolis Experience
When you have the keys to a room at the W, you’re basically living in a hybrid of a museum and a high-end lounge. The rooms are tucked into the corners and straightaways of the original office floor plan. This means the layouts are often "quirky."
You might have a long hallway. You might have a bathroom that feels like it was converted from a 1930s executive closet. It’s cool, but it’s not "cookie-cutter."
Prohibition: The Bar on the 27th Floor
You don't need a room key to get into Prohibition, the speakeasy-style bar on the 27th floor, but you do need to dress like you belong there. This was originally Wilbur Foshay's private office. It has a wrap-around balcony, original wood paneling, and a safe that—rumor has it—was used to hide his more "flexible" accounting books.
Getting a table here on a Friday night is a feat. If you’re staying at the hotel, use your status. The concierge can often "find" a spot for guests when the general public is stuck waiting in the lobby.
The Technical Side of Foshay Access
Let's talk logistics. If you're looking for keys at the Foshay Minneapolis MN because you're planning an event or a photoshoot, you're dealing with a different set of gatekeepers. The building is managed by a combination of the W Hotel staff and a separate management group for the commercial spaces.
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- Photography Permits: Don't just show up with a DSLR and a tripod. Security is tight. You need "keys" in the form of written permission if you're doing anything professional.
- The Elevators: They use a destination dispatch system now. You scan your key, and the screen tells you which car to get into. If you haven't used one before, it's confusing. You don't press buttons inside the elevator; you do it all at the kiosk in the lobby.
- The "Key" to the Lights: Ever wonder why the Foshay glows different colors? The LED system is controlled by the engineering team. They change it for the Vikings (purple), the Twins (red/white/blue), or special awareness months.
Common Misconceptions About the Foshay
A lot of people think the whole building is a hotel. It’s not. There are still private offices and businesses operating out of the lower floors. If your key doesn't work in a specific elevator bank, you're probably trying to go to a law firm instead of your suite.
Also, people think the Observation Deck is open 24/7. It isn't. It closes at dusk or during inclement weather. Minneapolis winters are brutal, and standing on the 30th floor in a blizzard isn't exactly a "luxury experience."
Honestly, the Foshay is kind of a miracle. It should have been torn down a dozen times. In the 70s and 80s, when modernism was king, this "old" tower was seen as an eyesore. But it held on.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're heading there today or this weekend, here is how you actually maximize your access:
- Check the Weather First: If it's raining, the Observation Deck is a no-go. Don't waste the trip.
- Validate Your Parking: The Foshay is in the heart of downtown. Parking is a nightmare. If you’re visiting the bar or museum, ask about validation, though usually, it’s valet-only for the hotel.
- The "Secret" Museum: Even if you aren't staying there, you can usually pay a small fee (around $10-$15) at the desk to go up to the museum. It’s the best cheap date in the city.
- Look for the "F" Everywhere: From the door handles to the elevator plates, the letter "F" is etched into everything. Wilbur wanted you to know whose house you were in.
To make the most of your time at the Foshay, start by visiting the lobby early in the afternoon when it’s quiet. Grab a coffee, look at the gold-leaf ceilings, and then head to the 30th floor for the history lesson. End your night at Prohibition with a drink called "The Wilbur." It's the right way to experience the tower.
If you're hunting for a physical, vintage key, your best bet is hitting the North Loop's high-end antique dealers. They know the value of Foshay memorabilia and often keep a stash for serious collectors. Just be prepared to pay a premium for a piece of the 1929 dream.
To finalize your trip planning, call the W Minneapolis - The Foshay directly to confirm the Observation Deck hours for your specific date, as they change seasonally based on sunset times. If you are a local, keep an eye on the "Doors Open Minneapolis" annual event, which sometimes grants access to areas of the tower usually closed to the public.