Minnesota State Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsGovernment Buildings
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Connect with this landmark government building designed by Cass Gilbert through its amazing stories — and learn about its incredible architecture, art and history.
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Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
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484 within 3 miles
Attractions
298 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Jim RAustin, Texas17 contributionsMinnesota State Capitol, St. PaulThe Minnesota State Cspitol was within walking distance of the Holiday Inn downtown where we stayed. The tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable. The Capitol building is one of the most beautiful and historic we have seen in the U.S. The story of its construction and the unique materials used was very interesting. There is no entry fee, but donations are appreciated.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 October 2023
- BigMerkGlasgow, United Kingdom2,566 contributionsSadly only saw the outside this time aroundWe visited here on a Sunday, so the building was closed. It did mean that there was plenty of free parking nearby though. We had a good walk around the huge impressive building and it’s surrounding area. Fortunately I had managed an inside visit last time I was here.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 October 2023
- SnowyShastaPortland, Oregon2,314 contributionsBeautiful capitol building with free toursWe visited on a Saturday morning, and the area near the capitol was not very crowded, and we were there right as the building opened at 10 AM. They do free tours every hour on the hour, at least when we visited, and they were high quality, the guide knew a lot and could answer questions. Unfortunately we didn't have long enough (they run about 45 minutes) and had to leave the group early, so we missed the ending highlight of seeing the golden horses on the roof up close. The interior of the building is lovely, and we were impressed that we could wander as we pleased on our way in and out, taking photos and admiring the many lovely artworks and architecture. This was definitely a highlight of our time in the area and well worth a visit. We just should have allocated more time!Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- Jessica KTarpon Springs, Florida631 contributionsCapitol BuildingBeautiful state capitol building with such an amazing history. Tours are offered throughout the day and take about an hour. We were on a time crunch so opted out of the guided tour (next time), and just walked around marveling at the beauty of this building. Well worth a visit.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 June 2024
- travelingCAgalSan Diego, California1,109 contributionsNice Civil War paintings!Whenever we are in a town with a state capital we make a point to visit. Parking was easy that day as it was a state holiday. I picked up the brochures in the visitor’s office and we did the self-tour. It was an average looking capital—not too fancy. There were some nice civil war paintings in the Governor’s waiting area. We were done in 30 minutes.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
112
Average
26
Poor
11
Terrible
4
ktkadish
Boston, MA101 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
A volunteer group provides guided tours of the property. During our tour, Jon shared the history of the building, detailed the architecture and artwork, and brought us into both legislative chambers (accessed by the galleries).
Supreme Court was in session which prevented us from viewing the chamber, and we didn't pass through the Governor's/AG's office area (s).
Stunning building, and thoroughly impressed with range of information covered.
Supreme Court was in session which prevented us from viewing the chamber, and we didn't pass through the Governor's/AG's office area (s).
Stunning building, and thoroughly impressed with range of information covered.
Written 5 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiscJMM
117 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We roamed the building while waiting for our tour to begin and were delighted by the information and stories told to us by the 2 docents in the House chamber. Both were retired State troopers and they knew some pretty cool stuff! Renovations on the Capitol were completed in 2017 and the building is in pristine condition. Our tour guide Kerry was hilarious and gave a fascinating talk. If you like history and appreciate gorgeous architecture, you will love it!
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby M
Upland, CA347 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
If you are in St Paul, Minnesota then you have to check out the capital. Free tours (self guided or guided). Parking limited right next to the capital but there’s pay stations around or near by and are reasonable prices. The only downfall is there’s no food inside, did not see food trucks or carts on the outside (we came when they were setting up for a Thai event on the weekend) and their gift shop has minimal stuff in to buy. Otherwise it’s a must see.
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahsOffAgain
London, United Kingdom153 contributions
Jul 2022
We arrived at 10am on Saturday for the first tour of the day. The guide was well informed and it meant we could see throughout the building and go on to the roof for the fab views. There are steps/stairs involved but the building is accessible if you go on the self-guided tour (we saw the lifts). Highly recommended.
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cenzt
Ohio19,575 contributions
Jul 2022
Great trip! We arrived at approximately 9:50 am and made our way inside the capitol to the tour information room. We were instructed to meet outside the room at 10 am. The tour started promptly and the tour guide started off by telling us some background information on the capitol itself. He then took us to various rooms in the capitol, explaining the importance and significance of each one. He explained the function and purpose of each room, along with providing additional fun facts along the way as well. Inside each room, the guide pointed out prominent features such as the paintings on the wall, the chandeliers, and inscriptions on the wall. For the finale, the guide took us to the roof to see the gold horse statue. He warned us ahead of time that there were 60+ steps in order to make it to the top. For those who did not want to make the climb, there was a seating area next to the staircase entryway. He gave us several minutes on the top to take pictures next to the statue.
Tip: The tour lasted roughly 50 minutes.
Tip: The tour lasted roughly 50 minutes.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,314 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited on a Saturday morning, and the area near the capitol was not very crowded, and we were there right as the building opened at 10 AM. They do free tours every hour on the hour, at least when we visited, and they were high quality, the guide knew a lot and could answer questions. Unfortunately we didn't have long enough (they run about 45 minutes) and had to leave the group early, so we missed the ending highlight of seeing the golden horses on the roof up close.
The interior of the building is lovely, and we were impressed that we could wander as we pleased on our way in and out, taking photos and admiring the many lovely artworks and architecture. This was definitely a highlight of our time in the area and well worth a visit. We just should have allocated more time!
The interior of the building is lovely, and we were impressed that we could wander as we pleased on our way in and out, taking photos and admiring the many lovely artworks and architecture. This was definitely a highlight of our time in the area and well worth a visit. We just should have allocated more time!
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,136 contributions
Jun 2021
We parked on the street near the capitol mall. We walked around the grounds looking at the statues, and went inside and looked around the building. The legislature was in a special session so we were not able to go into the House or Senate chambers. The building is very impressive and is one of the most beautiful state capitols we have visited. I just wish we had had enough time to tour it thoroughly.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan A
Alpharetta, GA1,151 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Road Trip! This is the 4th State Capitol we have visited on this road trip and ranks as one of the most beautiful we have seen. The tour is only about 45 minutes, but you are free to roam most of the building and see spaces not included on the tour. The guides are all volunteers and know a great deal about the building and state history as well. They recently underwent a very expensive and extensive renovation program and it shows well. I highly recommend a visit to this historic building if you are in the area.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee S
Australia3,931 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We arrived at 9.45 am to get on the 10am free tour the guilds are all volunteers & boy do they know there stuff about the building. From the Rotunda, the civil war painting, Senate & House chambers, Rathskeller in the basement.
If possible climb the spiral staircase to the Roof to see the Quadriga four gold horses & to see a wonderful view around St Paul, with the Cathedral on the hill. The tour is free & the tour office & small gift shop is on the first floor. This is a beautiful building with a lot of history & plenty of marble everywhere, this is a must see when Minnesota.
If possible climb the spiral staircase to the Roof to see the Quadriga four gold horses & to see a wonderful view around St Paul, with the Cathedral on the hill. The tour is free & the tour office & small gift shop is on the first floor. This is a beautiful building with a lot of history & plenty of marble everywhere, this is a must see when Minnesota.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerome M
Gary, IN1,625 contributions
Jul 2021
This Capito was very impressive. If you want the complete experience, take the guided tour because they will take up to the top of the building outside. You should be semi-fit to make the climb to the top. The gold statue on the top of the building was impressive. There are many things to see on the inside including murals and the Architectual designs. Compared to other Capitol Building that I visited, this rates in the top 10.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are some restaurants/cafes to eat lunch near the capitol?
Written 9 September 2019
Chinese Buffet at the corner of University and Rice.
Written 9 September 2019
Is there public parking near the capitol?
Written 28 August 2019
There is no free parking; however we found adequate street parking with meters that were easy to use and convenient enough to the Capitol and St. Pauls Cathedral that we only paid once long enough to catch both tours.
Written 31 August 2019
rdb88
Blaine, Minnesota
I would like to know if tours are being offered at the State Capitol? How much do they cost? What are the opening hours? Are the tours by appointment only or can you just show up?
Written 3 December 2016
The Minnesota State Capitol will reopen January 2017. Public guided tours will return Jan. 3. 45-minute guided tours will be offered on the hour, Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday, 1 to 3 pm. They are free.
Written 4 December 2016
Janet N
Saint Louis Park, Minnesota
I watched a youtube video with my students about the State Capitol and they mentioned that the chandelier in the building was lit once a year. When is it lit and why? My 2nd graders and I would like to know. We have quite a few guesses.
Written 26 March 2016
Hi ---Initially the state capital was going to be in Stillwater. I believe St. Paul was picked because it was on the Mississippi River and there was lots of travel there. Otherwise --- check the state capital site and it will give you information.
Written 8 May 2015
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