Saint Paul Landmarks and Monuments

(Saint Paul, Minnesota - MN, USA)

Minnesota's fairly large state capital of St. Paul manages to possess a number of important buildings and historical landmarks within its boundaries. And of course, head next door and Minneapolis certainly won't disappoint on that front either.

The historic neighborhood of Summit Hill is where some of the capital's most noteworthy buildings live. These include gems such as the Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the F. Scott Fitzgerald House, the Frank B. Kellogg House, the James J. Hill House, the Minnesota Governor's Residence, and the Pierce and Walter Butler House, amongst others.

Very much the centerpiece and backbone of the city, the Minnesota State Capitol Building is easily the premier landmark in St. Paul and looks rather like a cross between a palace and a cathedral. This is actually the city's third Capitol, with the first suffering major fire damage in 1881 and the second being soon considered to be too small following its completion in 1883. The present incarnation was built between 1896 and 1905, at the cost of approximately US$4.5 million, and features one of the biggest unsupported marble domes on the planet.

Minnesota State Capitol Building

Address: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard / Aurora Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN), 55155, USA
Tel: +1 651 296 2881
In 1972, the Minnesota State Capitol Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with much of the interior being open to the general public. Guided tours are available most days and include a chance to gaze at the underside of the dome and admire the rotunda's numerous memorials. You can also climb the steep staircase to the roof and enjoy some stunning cityscape panoramas.
Open hours: self-guided tour, Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Guided tours, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 14:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 15:00
Admission: suggested donations

Summit Hill

Address: Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN), 55102, USA
A stroll around Summit Avenue and its Summit Hill neighborhood is strongly recommended, since this part of the city is known for its historic mansions. The area also boasts important connections to acclaimed American author Francis Scott Fitzgerald, who was born right here in St. Paul in the summer of 1896 and once lived at number 599 Summit Avenue - now a National Historic Landmark and named the F. Scott Fitzgerald House.

Also of note, the mansion named the James J. Hill House is one of the finest old residences in the city and is today called home by an art gallery, whilst also offering guided tours of its rooms in all their period grandeur. Just down the road, at 633 Fairmount Avenue, the Frank B. Kellogg House is another prominent National Historic Landmark and was once the home of American politician Frank Billings Kellogg, who famously received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1929.
Open hours: James J. Hill House, Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:30, Sunday - 13:00 to 15:30
Admission: James J. Hill House: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children, children five years old and under are free

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Address: 239 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN), 55102, USA
Tel: +1 651 228 1766
Officially named the Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul, the capital's Roman Catholic cathedral enjoys an elevated hilltop setting and some great views of the downtown district. This elegant domed church really is of epic proportions, being one of North America's largest and tallest. Built between the years 1904 and 1915, the cathedral boasts French-inspired architecture and is topped by a giant 23-meter / 75-foot wide dome, complete with spire. Inside there are more than 20 large stained-glass windows and various detailed religious statues, including evangelists in each of the main pier's four corners.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00; guided tour, Monday to Friday - 13:00
Admission: donations accepted

Fort Snelling

Address: 200 Tower Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN), 55111, USA
Tel: +1 612 726 1171
This important US National Historic Landmark dates all the way back to 1819, when its construction by the military played an integral part of the subsequent founding of St. Paul. The fort itself was built close to Native American settlements and remains in an excellent state of repair, considering its age. Onsite exhibitions concentrate on topics such as Minnesota military history (pre-Civil War to the two World Wars), the story of the fur and slave trade in the state, and the fort's strategic location, at the point where the Mississippi River meets with the Minnesota River.
Open hours: June to August, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children, children five years old and under are free