Historic mansion offers a rich history tied to Minnesota's railroad legacy and original owners. Visitors enjoy intricate architecture with magnificent woodwork from 1890. Guided tours provide a quiet, immersive experience that transports guests back in time.
Rich history fills the house, especially tied to the original owners and Minnesota's past. Knowledgeable staff share stories about the railroad legacy and the home's architectural beauty.
"The Guided Tours here are super nice and deeply knowledgeable."
"I found the historic home to be a really cool experience."
"The tour guides here are super nice and deeply knowledgeable."
Good to know
Tickets for the James J. Hill House must be purchased online in advance to avoid sellouts.
Expect limited street parking, especially on Sundays due to nearby events.
The holiday tour features beautifully decorated trees and runs during the festive season.
Massive dome and detailed stonework showcase classical architecture and rich history. Interior feels regal with marble finishes and stunning murals. Roof access offers views of golden sculptures and city skyline, while plaza hosts community events and memorials.
A beautiful historic building with deep significance, preserved with great care. Tours offer rich history and architecture insights, making it a great spot to learn about the state's legacy.
Good to know
Entry to the Minnesota State Capitol is free for all visitors.
Guided tours start at the beginning of every hour.
The Capitol closes at 3 pm on Saturdays.
Historic building offers phenomenal architecture and original courtrooms rich in detail. It features permanent exhibits like the Schubert Club Museum for history lovers. Elegant charm and upper-level balconies create a magical vibe perfect for weddings and events.
A beautifully restored historic building with detailed signage explaining its significance. Permanent exhibits include the Schubert Club Museum and displays on local history, making it a rich spot for learning and appreciating architecture.
Good to know
The Schubert Club Courtroom Concert Series is free and accepts donations.
Landmark Center hosts various free community events throughout the year.
The building features several interesting museums on the second floor.
Cathedral offers majestic architecture and intricate stained glass that showcase its rich history. Visitors enjoy a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and admire detailed sculptures during guided tours.
Historic elegance fills the cathedral with stained glass, sculptures, and detailed architecture. Warm hospitality and a peaceful atmosphere add to its rich sense of history.
Good to know
Visiting the Cathedral of Saint Paul is free, with optional donations.
Parking is often full during mass; consider street parking.
On Sundays, donuts and coffee are served after Mass.
Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center offers a quiet atmosphere and clean facilities. It provides a deep dive into local history with a nature-based history walk that reveals unique stories between two rivers.
The Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center offers a deep dive into local history between two major rivers. The history walk stays true to nature and presents stories that differ from typical school lessons.
Good to know
The bathrooms at the visitor center are clean and well-maintained.
Information about the park is readily available throughout the visitor center.
The visitor center offers a unique perspective on local history.
Tall water tower with 151 steps offers panoramic views of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Climb includes resting platforms with chairs for comfort. Listed on the National Register, it reveals the city's water system history and nearby scenic bridges.
A neighborhood landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Water Tower offers peaceful, scenic views of the Twin Cities and surrounding landmarks. It also provides insight into the city water system's history and features visible water elements and bridges.
Good to know
The Highland Water Tower opens to the public only twice a year, in July and October.
Visitors can climb 151 steps to reach the observation deck for scenic views.
Expect long lines during open days; arrive early to secure your spot.
Old star fort offers gorgeous river views and extensive hiking trails for outdoor lovers. Guided tours with volunteers in period clothing bring 19th-century soldier life and Native American history to life. Accessibility features like golf cart rides ensure all visitors can enjoy the experience.
Guided tours feature volunteers in period clothing who explain historical roles. The site covers Native American history and government dealings, including stories of Dred and Harriet Scott. A visitor center offers detailed history, and living history displays engage kids with reenactments.
Good to know
Tours or shows occur every 30 minutes, especially on weekends.
Veterans receive free admission to the museum and fort.
Parking is free at Historic Fort Snelling.
Rail museum blends historic trains with fun, offering a free caboose ride and hands-on engine exploration. Exhibits reveal rich railroad history in a family-friendly, interactive setting. Perfect for all ages curious about trains and the past.
Detailed exhibits showcase railroad history with a focus on trains and their development. The area features historic trains and offers a clear view into the past of rail transportation.
Good to know
The entry fee is $15 for adults, which includes a free 15-minute train ride.
There is plenty of parking available at the venue.
The museum is family-friendly and great for kids of all ages.
Three levels of museum-style displays showcase rich historic memorabilia and diverse antiques. Wide aisles and small museums create a well-organized space perfect for exploring history. Visitors enjoy Winter Carnival artifacts and many unique collections.
Informative exhibits showcase a wide range of historic items. The upstairs museum preserves a lot of history, making it easy to spend hours learning about the past.
Good to know
The store features a wide variety of antiques, from furniture to collectibles.
A museum section showcases historical items related to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
Expect to spend hours exploring the well-organized aisles filled with unique items.
Magnificent historic architecture creates a romantic vibe in the restored train station. Loud echoes fill the great hall, challenging conversations. Visitors enjoy a mini museum, a bar, and free ping pong, making it lively and engaging for all.
A beautifully restored train station with a historic feel and a mini museum showcasing its past. The building includes a rail car to tour and dining options within its preserved history.
Good to know
The Christmas market is held annually, featuring local vendors and festive activities.
VIP tickets are available for special events like the Bloody Mary festival.
Family-friendly events are regularly scheduled, making it a great place for kids.
Historic roundhouse hosts restored train cars with detailed rail history. Quiet, friendly space offers interactive kids' zone and caboose rides for family fun. Visitors enjoy walking through trains and learning about engineer seats and controls.
Several restored train cars sit inside a historic roundhouse, letting visitors walk through and explore. Staff and volunteers share extensive local rail history and explain the gauges, levers, and engineer seats that bring the railroad past to life.
Good to know
The museum hosts 'Tots and Trains' events on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 10:30 am.
Parking is very limited, so arriving early is advisable.
Admission includes train rides, making it a great value for families.
Boutique hotel in a restored historic convent offers intimate bar with cocktails named after its past. Spacious rooms mix modern amenities with old-world charm but thin walls mean noise carries easily, creating a lively atmosphere late into the night.
A restored historic convent forms the core of this boutique hotel, showcasing a cozy environment with well-preserved history. Original art and decor honor the building's rich, deep history with sincere reverence.
Good to know
Parking is available directly behind the hotel.
The hotel has a happy hour that goes until 6 pm.
Showing MN Wild tickets at the bar gets a free drink per ticket.
Historic charm shines through antique decor in a lively German-style brewery. Cozy heated biergarten with outdoor fire pits invites families and pets. Rich Minnesota roots blend with live music for a vibrant social scene.
Antique decor matches the historic building and creates a strong historical feel. The site holds a rich history connected to its roots in Minnesota.
Good to know
Oktoberfest celebration occurs annually in October with special events.
Tuesday night events feature live music and food specials.
Parking is limited to street parking, so arrive early.
Historic photos and old German brewery roots give a strong historical charm. Quiet, intimate space with a spiral staircase and balcony adds vintage flair. Large selection of Belgian and cave-aged beers completes the warm, relaxed vibe.
Historic photos and memories highlight the old German brewery setting. The building and atmosphere carry a strong sense of rich history throughout.
Good to know
The brewery hosts a Christmas beer tasting event every December.
Private event space is available for parties and gatherings.
Themed beer flights are offered regularly, including Trappist and Oktoberfest selections.