Explore Minnesota's vibrant capital, home to the Winter Carnival, world-class museums, and the Twin Cities' rich cultural heritage
311,527
Population (2020)
1858
Capital of State
1886
Winter Carnival Founded
80+
Languages Spoken
Overview
St. Paul is the capital and second-most populous city of Minnesota, with a 2020 census population of 311,527. Located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area alongside Minneapolis, St. Paul serves as Minnesota's governmental and cultural hub. The city is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers, which drove its historical development as a major riverport.
Named in 1841 by Father Lucien Galtier in honor of Paul the Apostle, St. Paul was designated as Minnesota's capital in 1858 when the state entered the union. Today, the city is known for its exceptional cultural institutions, historic architecture, diverse immigrant communities, and the world-famous Winter Carnival—the oldest winter festival in the United States, founded in 1886.
History & Government
Founding (1841): St. Paul was founded at Lambert's Landing, the last easily accessible point to unload boats coming upriver on the Mississippi River, about 14 miles downstream from St. Anthony Falls. The settlement was named Saint-Paul by Father Lucien Galtier in honor of Paul the Apostle.
Capital Status (1858): In 1849, the Minnesota Territory was formalized and St. Paul was named as its capital. When Minnesota was admitted as the 32nd state of the union in 1858, St. Paul became the state capital. The city was officially incorporated as a city in 1854.
State Government: St. Paul hosts the Minnesota State Capitol, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1904. The capitol features the Minnesota State House and Senate office buildings. The city operates with a mayor-council government, with Melvin Carter III serving as mayor since his election in 2018.
Economy: St. Paul has transitioned from industrial manufacturing to a service-driven economy. Major employment sectors include government, education, health services, finance, and technology. The city is a major education, health care, government, financial, and industrial center. Notable employers include the University of Minnesota, major hospitals, and corporate headquarters in various sectors. The Twin Cities region is known for significant contributions to medical device manufacturing, with companies like Medtronic originating in the area.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Major Museums
Science Museum of Minnesota: Founded in 1907, now features hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum includes an IMAX theater and serves all ages.
Minnesota History Center: An interactive museum with permanent and changing exhibits, concerts, lectures, family days, and special events throughout the year.
Minnesota Children's Museum: A favorite since 1981, offering thrilling hands-on activities and sensory play spaces for young learners.
Cathedral of Saint Paul: A stunning architectural landmark representing the city's religious heritage.
Hmong Cultural Center: A community exhibition on University Avenue celebrating the Hmong population's experience, art, and history.
Minnesota Transportation Museum: Houses regional history of buses and trains with several interactive exhibits.
Historic Sites & Neighborhoods
James J. Hill House: Rugged stone mansion reflecting the powerful presence of the Great Northern Railway builder, featuring fine detail and ingenious mechanical systems.
Summit Avenue: An old, wealthy neighborhood featuring Victorian mansions and historic character.
Minnesota State Capitol: A landmark government building designed by Cass Gilbert, featuring amazing architecture, art, and historical significance.
Family Attractions
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: Features spacious enclosures housing over 1,700 animals from around the world, including gorillas, orangutans, Siberian tigers, leopards, and polar bears.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the "Coolest Celebration on Earth" and the oldest winter festival in the United States, founded in 1886—predating the Tournament of Roses Festival by two years. The festival emerged when Eastern newspaper correspondents reported that Minnesota was unfit for human habitation due to its harsh winters. Local business owners responded by creating a wintertime festival showcasing the beauty of Minnesota winters.
Winter Carnival Legend: The carnival features King Boreas and the Queen of the Snows, while the mischievous Vulcan and his red-caped Krewe were created from Germanic traditions. The Royal Family makes over 400 appearances annually and knights hundreds of individuals each year, with ceremonies started in 1956.
Current Events: The festival, held annually in January, features dozens of free events including ice sculptures, parades, snow activities, and live music performances. Most events take place in downtown St. Paul, around Rice Park and Landmark Center, and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Education & Universities
St. Paul has the second highest number of higher-educational institutions per capita in the United States, surpassed only by Boston. The city is home to a dozen institutions of higher education:
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities: The largest university in the state with 54,890 enrolled, making it the ninth-largest American campus by enrollment.
Hamline University (Methodist; 1854): Considered the state's oldest private college or university.
College of St. Catherine (Roman Catholic; 1905)
University of St. Thomas (Roman Catholic; 1885)
Macalester College (1874)
Bethel University (Baptist; 1871)
Luther Seminary (Lutheran; 1869)
Concordia University (Lutheran; 1893)
Metropolitan State University
Frequently Asked Questions
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival was first held in 1886, making it the oldest winter festival in the United States—predating the Tournament of Roses Festival by two years. It was created to showcase the beauty and appeal of Minnesota winters after Eastern newspapers reported the state was unfit for habitation.
St. Paul is exceptionally diverse with over 80 languages spoken in its public schools. The city is home to significant immigrant communities including Irish, Somali, and Hmong populations. This linguistic and cultural richness makes St. Paul one of the most multicultural capitals in the United States.
The Minnesota State Capitol was designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, a St. Paul resident. The building was completed in 1904 and features stunning architecture, art, and historical significance. It houses the Minnesota House and Senate chambers and the ceremonial offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
St. Paul is home to numerous universities including the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Hamline University (the state's oldest private college), University of St. Thomas, Macalester College, Bethel University, and several others. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the largest with over 54,000 enrolled students.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory features spacious enclosures with over 1,700 animals from around the world, including gorillas, orangutans, Siberian tigers, leopards, and polar bears. It's a major family attraction offering close encounters with diverse wildlife species.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is held annually in January. Events include ice sculptures, parades, snow activities, live music performances, and many free family-friendly attractions. Most events take place in downtown St. Paul around Rice Park and Landmark Center.
The Twin Cities metropolitan area refers to Minneapolis and St. Paul together. The Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington MN–WI Metropolitan Statistical Area includes 15 counties, with 13 in Minnesota and two in Wisconsin. The Minnesota portion accounts for almost two-thirds of Minnesota's total population.
St. Paul and the Twin Cities region play a significant role in medical innovation and device manufacturing. The University of Minnesota has conducted major medical research, and companies like Medtronic—a leading medical device manufacturer—originated in the region, making it a hub for healthcare innovation.