Minnesota State Capitol
4.7(858)google
4.6(46)yelp
Senior-FriendlyIndoorCity LandmarkFreeGuided TourEducationalHistoric BuildingArt
Overview
The Minnesota State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Minnesota, in its capital city of Saint Paul. It houses the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota House of Representatives, the office of the attorney general and the office of the governor. The building also includes a chamber for the Minnesota Supreme Court, although court activities may also take place in the neighboring Minnesota Judicial Center.
Practical Info
Mon8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeA premier year-round indoor architectural landmark featuring the world's largest unsupported marble dome. Weekday mornings (Monday through Friday) between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM are highly strategic; join the official historical society guided tour to stand on the upper roof logs for a glare-free close-up photo of the glittering Progress of the State golden quadriga sculptures.
Getting ThereCommanding downtown St. Paul at 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Transit convenience is flawless: ride the METRO Green Line light rail directly to the Capitol/Rice St station; the grand marble plaza and neoclassical pillars are right outside the station exit, requiring less than a 30-second flat walk. Paid public Lot Q sits north.
Travel Tips
- The main Capitol entrance mandates comprehensive airport-style security screenings; all backpacks and totes exceeding 12x14 inches must pass X-ray scans, and defensive pepper sprays are strictly confiscated.
- Accessing the outdoor loggia to photograph the famous golden Quadriga sculpture requires a pre-booked guided Quadriga Tour; the rooftop terrace remains deadlocked to general unescorted walk-in visitors.
- Weekday surface spaces across the Capitol Complex are strictly reserved for lawmakers and state employees; public visitors must bypass these tow-away zones and park exclusively in the paid Ramp F parking garage.
Reviews
Positive
- The majestic white marble dome and iconic golden Quadriga sculpture deliver immense visual impact; the gilded murals and legislative chambers are rich in heritage.
- The building is entirely free to enter for self-guided exploration, or you can join an excellent, highly deep guided historical tour led by volunteers at zero cost.
- Accessibility designs are highly modernized with smooth ramps, wide elevators, and clear multilingual or multimedia directional signs throughout the historic complex.
- The location is premium, high on a hill downtown with sprawling, manicured front lawns perfect for peaceful strolling while gazing out towards the Saint Paul Cathedral.
Heads up
- As the active core of state politics, the legislative chambers seal off completely during active sessions, political rallies, or high-profile events, causing closures.
- The capitol property doesn't offer free guest parking; its metered spaces are limited and pricey, making finding a spot exceptionally stressful on busy weekdays.
- For security reasons, visitors must pass through thorough airport-style full-body metal detectors and baggage scans, leading to long queues at the security checkpoints.
- The building interior lacks substantial dining amenities aside from a small basement vending area and espresso cart, forcing guests to leave the complex for real meals.