5 Must Visit Historical Sites in Saint Paul
Providing Saint Paul visitors with award-winning exhibits and historic places to explore, the Minnesota Historical Society serves a vital role in the city’s impressive preservation of the past. With a focus on presenting authentic art, architecture, artifacts, and archives, fascinating legacies are waiting to be discovered. The historical society boasts 26 captivating sites and museums spread across the state of Minnesota. Today, we’ll dive into the top five beloved landmarks in Saint Paul, exploring the exciting activities and sights each one offers.
1. The Minnesota History Center
A physical representation of the state, the Minnesota History Center was crafted from Minnesota resources including granite from Rockville, travertine from Winona, and Minnesota hardwoods. It is known as the finest building constructed in Minnesota since the State Capitol was completed in 1905. The structure and the resources it holds tell the history of Minnesota with unrivaled credibility.
The museum’s award-winning, interactive exhibits present collections on various topics including Native communities, Black advancement, Minnesota weather, agriculture, war, and more. Each exhibit is designed to engage visitors in stories of the past with voices of real people reminiscing on their experiences, impressive special effects, and opportunities to learn through play. Be sure to stop by the giant Minnesota postcard, walk alongside the rotunda charm bracelet, catch a view of the Minnesota State Capitol from the Great Hall windows, and relax in the pollinator garden outside!
2. James J Hill House
Explore Saint Paul’s largest house, a 36,500-square-foot Gilded Age mansion built for railroad titan James J. Hill. It touts a phenomenal view of downtown Saint Paul and set James Hill back $931,275, the equivalent of approximately $22 million today! With 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, an 88-foot-long reception hall, and a two-story art gallery, the house is a massive symbol of success, resting on prominent Summit Avenue. Of the 440 original Victorian-era homes built along Summit Avenue, 373 remain—a retention rate unheard of in American architecture.
60 to 90-minute estate and neighborhood tours are offered, granting guests an enchanting glimpse into a transformational time in American history. Guides share stories of Hill’s family members, servants, workers, and guests while highlighting eye-catching details that bring the 1891 house to life. Don’t miss the monumental Art Gallery and Pipe Organ exhibits on your visit!
3. Alexander Ramsey House
Step inside one of the nation’s best-preserved Victorian homes, the Alexander Ramsey House, filled with over 14,000 original family objects and furnishings! It was constructed from 1868 to 1872, while Alexander Ramsey served in the U.S. Senate following his time as governor of Minnesota. This 11,000-square-foot mansion cost around $47,000 to build and featured the latest technologies—hot and cold running water, gas lighting, and hot water radiators! Alexander’s wife, Anna Ramsey, traveled to a department store in New York, decorating the home by sending two full boxcars of furnishings totaling more than $15,000 back to Saint Paul. Upon their passing, Ramsey’s granddaughters left the estate and its contents to the Minnesota Historical Society allowing public access to the immaculate grounds.
Visitation to the Ramsey House is granted exclusively for special events like Ramsey After Dark and for tours on the first Saturday of each month, making reservations highly encouraged. Tours explore the lives and legacy of generations of the Ramsey family, Victorian society, and domestic workers, bringing 19th-century Saint Paul to life.
4. Historic Fort Snelling
The confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, where Fort Snelling lies, is a place of major social and cultural significance. This National Historic Landmark sits on Dakota land with a history spanning over 10,000 years. Hear stories of the military fort and its surroundings, including insights into the lives of Native peoples, soldiers, and enslaved people; trade; how travel was accomplished; and how the landscape has evolved over the years.
Find yourself captivated by the views; take a guided walking tour; and learn from reenactments including rifle, laundry, and flag communication demonstrations depending on weather and seasonality. Visit the museum store in the Plank Museum & Visitor Center for unique souvenirs and a variety of grab-and-go foods including sandwiches, salads, beverages, and snacks.
5. Minnesota State Capitol
The Minnesota State Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and stands as a majestic symbol of the state's history and government. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the Capitol is renowned for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized by grand domes, imposing columns, and intricate details. The construction of this iconic structure was a colossal undertaking and is adorned with impressive murals, sculptures, and decorative elements that celebrate the state's natural resources and history.
Today, visitors can experience over 150 works of decorative and fine art throughout the building. At the Minnesota State Capitol, guests enjoy free admission and tours offered Monday through Saturday, along with a suggested itinerary for a seamless visit. Visit the Capitol Information and Tour Center in Room 126 on the first floor for brochures, schedules, gifts, and helpful information.
The Minnesota Historical Society offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant history of Saint Paul through these five landmarks. From showcasing the state's diverse narratives and complex history to the meticulous preservation of mansion homes, each Minnesota Historical Society site invites visitors to experience Minnesota's past in a tangible way. Whether you're an inquisitive resident or a curious traveler, these five curated sites offer an enlightening journey into the heart of Saint Paul's heritage. Use this list to build your own history tour and discover Saint Paul's most remarkable places during your visit.
*This blog post is sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society
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