Alive With History + Stunning Architecture

Saint Paul’s past is filled with stories of Native American people, rugged pioneers, brave immigrants, titans of industry, literary masters, architectural giants and notorious gangsters.

INDIAN MOUNDS PARK (200 BC–400 AD)

Evidence of the indigenous people who first called these river banks home is seen in six burial mounds high atop 450-million-year-old bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. lowerphalencreek.org/wakantipicenter

HISTORIC FORT SNELLING (1920 s )

This National Historic landmark resides on Dakota homeland and honors the history of Native people, traders, soldiers and veterans, enslaved people and immigrants. Find visitor center hours at mnhs.org/fortsnelling.

SUMMIT AVENUE HOMES (1855–1920)

Built between the Civil War and World War I, this 5-mile avenue is the longest stretch of intact Victorian homes in the United States. It’s worth taking a stroll or a drive any time of year.

JAMES J. HILL HOUSE (1891)

Called the “Empire Builder,” railroad magnate James J. Hill’s impressive Richardson Romanesque mansion sits on a Summit Avenue bluff with marvelous views overlooking the city. Open weekly for tours. mnhs.org/hillhouse

LANDMARK CENTER (1902)

Originally built as a federal courthouse and post office, the Landmark Center now serves as a cultural center. Its beautiful castle-like design is emblematic of Romanesque Revival architecture. Open daily for tours. landmarkcenter.org

MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL (1905)

Featuring the second-largest self-supporting dome in the world, this Cass Gilbert designed masterpiece features a beautiful rotunda, grand staircases, murals and works of art including its rooftop Quadriga — golden horses representing earth, air, water and fire. Free guided tours. mnhs.org/capitol

MARJORIE MCNEELY CONSERVATORY (1914)

Designed by Frederick Nussbaumer, the conservatory at Como Park is one of very few glass-domed Victorian-style indoor gardens in the U.S. Open daily. Free with donation suggested. comozooconservatory.org

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PAUL (1915)

The third largest Catholic church building in the country, the Cathedral of Saint Paul sits on a hill overlooking downtown Saint Paul and the Mississippi River. Guided tours are offered Tuesday–Friday at 1 p.m. cathedralsaintpaul.org

WABASHA STREET CAVES (1930 s )

Saint Paul has a notorious past as a refuge for Prohibition-era bootleggers and gangsters like John Dillinger and Ma Barker. The Wabasha Street Caves served as a speak-easy during that era and are on the National Register of Haunted Places. Find more on activities and tours. wabashastreetcaves.com