Attractions in St. Paul

St Paul's compact but stately downtown is built, like Rome, on seven hills: the Capitol and the Cathedral occupy one each, august monuments that keep the city mindful of its responsibilities. Downtown Saint Paul is a mecca of arts and culture. Listed below are just of few of our city's must-sees.

Harriet Island Regional Park
It's our own 'island getaway,' and it's right in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. Thousands of picnics and special events have taken place in this historic park that was once a real island. But this year, the biggest party of them all is happening over the Fourth of July weekend. It's the Taste of Minnesota. Check out the history of Harriet Island.

Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is eight acres of fascinating exhibits with a surprising and breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. Its permanent collection includes the Human Body Gallery, the Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery, the Mississippi River Gallery, a convertible-dome Omnitheater, a 3D laser show, and the new Environmental Experiment Center. The Omnitheater's new summer show is "Forces of Nature."

Cathedral of St. Paul
One of the most magnificent buildings in the Midwest, the century-old Cathedral of Saint Paul is a landmark for all - not just the 750,000 Roman Catholics for whom it is spiritual home. Crowned by a 120-foot-diameter dome, the building is inspirational and awe-inspiring to all who enter. A three-year renovation project was just completed, so you have a chance to see the Cathedral in all its splendor.

History Center
The Minnesota Historical Society's History Center is an architectural masterpiece made of Minnesota materials - Rockville granite and Winona limestone. With something for everyone, it is home to an innovative museum and a modern library. It is a great place for a family outing. Experience the wide range of Minnesota weather in the new exhibit "Weather Permitting" where ice fishing, tornadoes, summer boating and a replica ice castle are part of the fun.

Minnesota State Capitol building
The seat of government in Minnesota, the State Capitol building, clearly brings to mind the nation's capitol building in Washington, D.C. It is one of famed architect Cass Gilbert's most prominent and most beautiful buildings. Free guided tours of the capitol are offered every hour on the hour.

Minnesota Children's Museum
The Minnesota Children's Museum is at the heart of where fun meets learning. It's where kids can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull, and press it all! Children and their adult guests can explore six galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures. Burrow through a giant anthill, take the stage in a music studio, get nose-to-beak with a turtle, operate a big crane, and more!

Landmark Center
Saint Paul's Landmark Center is appropriately named. It has been a landmark public building for over a century, serving first as the federal courts building, and then as the main post office. In the 1970s, a group of determined citizens saved the building from the wrecking ball and restored it to its previous grandeur. It was designated a National Historic Monument and reopened to the public in 1978. Today, Landmark Center serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums, and special events.

Bronze PEANUTS statues in Landmark Plaza
Landmark Plaza is the home to Saint Paul's permanent tribute to native son Charles Schulz, the creator of the PEANUTS comic strip and characters. You can see "life-size" bronze versions of Charlie Brown and Snoopy under a tree (with no kite!), Lucy batting her eyes at Schroeder over a piano, and Sally and Linus enjoying the sunshine.

Saint Paul Public Library
It's been called one of the handful of architectural treasures in Saint Paul and downtown's new crown jewel. A local writer recently compared a visit there to spending time in an immense but inviting home of an English aristocrat with a huge collection of books. Take time to visit Central Library, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recently honored as one of the state's top preservation projects of 2002.

Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse
The stock market crash of 1929 had an unexpected benefit for Saint Paul. Because of the crash, the cost of labor and materials was much less than budgeted for.