These falls were seen in 1680 by Father Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan priest who is credited with being the first European to explore the area that is now Minneapolis.

The Mississippi River makes up the western extent and Washington and Fifth streets NE define the eastern boundary.

Despite its status as one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Saint Anthony West is part of the transformation taking place along the river.

[5] To balance the new development in other Northeast neighborhoods, St. Anthony West residents in 2004 revived an arrangement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to reclaim the 12-acre (49,000 m2) B.F. Nelson site as a public open space along the Mississippi riverfront.

[6] Saint Anthony West is also home to the world headquarters of Graco Inc., a manufacturer of fluid handling systems and components.