35th is a nice bridge to see things from:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Minneapol ... &t=h&hl=en
There's a park up on the bluff too, off of University Ave, where I sometimes go to see the panoramic version of the yards
Then, there's 44th. A long walk, but there's a ped walkway on it right above the engine shops
No holes in the chain link, of course which makes for interesting photography. I usually park on the east side in the BNSF lot somewhere and hoof it.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Minneapol ... &t=h&hl=en
Have fun in our little town
Here are some of my other fav spots if you're interested. http://www.trainweb.org/diez-mon/rrspots.html
Tim