Saint Paul (St. Paul for short) is the capital and second largest city of the US state of Minnesota. She is also the county seat of Ramsey County. In 2020, Saint Paul's population was 311,527. The city is located east of the Great Plains and southwest of Lake Superior, the upper Great Lakes, at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and forms with Minneapolis the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities ("twin cities").
St. Paul's historical sites showcase its Gilded Age prosperity,
influenced by railroad barons and European immigrants, with architecture
ranging from Romanesque Revival to Beaux-Arts styles.
Cathedral
of Saint Paul: Perched on a hill overlooking downtown, this Classical
Renaissance-style masterpiece, completed in 1915, is the third-largest
church in the U.S. and a National Shrine. Designed by architect Emmanuel
Masqueray under Archbishop John Ireland, it features a 186-foot
copper-clad dome, imported marble columns, large statues of the four
evangelists, and stunning rose windows. The interior includes six
chapels in the Shrine of Nations, honoring patron saints of European
settlers, with travertine walls adorned in sacred artwork and backlit by
colorful stained glass. Echoing with pipe organ music, it's a working
cathedral with daily masses. Visitors praise its ornate naves,
Michelangelo-inspired pieta, and free one-hour tours (available daily at
1:00 PM), describing it as awe-inspiring and spiritually uplifting.
Entry is free, though donations are appreciated; it's open to the public
and offers a peaceful respite amid the city. Located at 239 Selby
Avenue, it's a must for architecture enthusiasts.
Minnesota State
Capitol: This 1905 Beaux-Arts building, designed by Cass Gilbert, is
modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and features the world's
second-largest unsupported marble dome. Atop the structure is the iconic
golden quadriga sculpture—"The Progress of the State"—depicting four
horses symbolizing earth, wind, fire, and water, gilded in 23-karat gold
and raised in 1906. Inside, highlights include the Governor’s Reception
Room with dark wood panels, gold-tinted crown molding, hand-carved
mahogany furniture, and artwork depicting Minnesota's history, plus
artifacts like a Battle of Gettysburg flagpole. The House of
Representatives Chamber is the largest room, with ornate details
throughout. Free 45-minute guided tours (hourly) cover the Rotunda,
legislative chambers, Supreme Court, and rooftop (April-October, weather
permitting; 63 steps, not wheelchair-accessible) for city views and
close-ups of the quadriga. Visitors note its beauty, knowledgeable
guides, and educational value, though self-guided exploration is
limited. Entry is free; located at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard.
James J. Hill House: Built in 1891 on Summit Avenue, this
36,000-square-foot Richardsonian Romanesque mansion was the home of
railroad magnate James J. Hill, reflecting the Gilded Age's opulence. A
National Historic Landmark, it boasts five floors, 22 fireplaces, 16
crystal chandeliers, 13 bathrooms, and intricate woodwork. Daily guided
tours (75 minutes) explore the grounds and interiors, highlighting
Hill's life and the era's industrial boom. Visitors appreciate the
informative guides and the chance to roam post-tour, calling it a
stunning example of historic preservation. Street parking is available;
admission fees apply.
Summit Avenue: This 4.5-mile tree-lined
boulevard is the longest preserved stretch of Victorian-era homes in the
U.S., with 373 of the original 440 structures remaining, many on the
National Register. Lined with mansions from the late 19th century, it
reflects St. Paul's industrial wealth. Key spots include the James J.
Hill House and 599 Summit Avenue, F. Scott Fitzgerald's former home (a
National Historic Landmark where he finished "This Side of Paradise").
Walk, bike, or drive to admire the architecture; visitors enjoy gawking
at the lovingly maintained homes on sunny afternoons. Free to explore;
tours of select homes available seasonally.
Landmark Center:
Originally a 1902 federal courthouse and post office in Richardsonian
Romanesque style, this restored building now serves as a cultural
center. It features rooms with intricate architecture, city history
exhibits, and was once the office of Judge Warren Burger (later U.S.
Supreme Court Chief Justice). Free Thursday tours at 11:00 AM; visitors
highlight the friendly staff and beautiful interiors. Located downtown,
it's free and open daily.
Historic Fort Snelling: Built 1819-1825 at
the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, this strategic
fort protected U.S. borders and influenced territorial development.
Explore grounds with buildings, cannons, chapel, barracks, and
interpretive paths; staff in period costumes provide insights. Free
entry for Native Americans (plus up to 5 guests); visitors enjoy the
river views and historical recreations. Shuttle carts available; allow
time for walking.
St. Paul's museums emphasize science, history, and the arts, with
interactive exhibits for all ages.
Science Museum of Minnesota:
Overlooking the Mississippi River, this modern facility offers hands-on
exhibits on topics like dinosaurs, human biology, and space. Key
features include an Omnitheater for immersive films, a dinosaur gallery,
and experiments in physics and chemistry. Visitors rave about its
educational fun for families; admission includes exhibits and films.
Minnesota History Center: This innovative museum features changing
exhibits on state history, a research library, and interactive displays.
Highlights include timelines of Minnesota's past, from Native American
heritage to modern events. Guided tours available; praised for its
engaging storytelling.
Minnesota Children's Museum: Downtown, this
interactive space sparks creativity with exhibits like pretend play
areas, water features, and art studios. Aimed at kids under 10, it's
magical for families; admission required.
With top-ranked parks, St. Paul offers natural escapes year-round.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: This 450-acre park, over 100 years
old, includes a free zoo with animals like polar bears and gorillas,
plus the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory—a glass-domed tropical paradise
with 50,000 plants from 1,684 species across nine gardens (e.g., Sunken
and Japanese). Features a 1.67-mile lake path, fishing pier, boat
rentals, and seasonal events. Visitors love the serene gardens and
educational value; suggested donation for entry.
Lake Phalen: One of
St. Paul's largest lakes, encircled by a 3.1-mile trail with
wildflowers, weeping willows, bridges, and a waterfall. Ideal for
boating, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching; free access.
For offbeat experiences, St. Paul has quirky spots.
Museum of
Quackery and Medical Frauds: Housed in the Science Museum, it displays
dubious historical medical devices, highlighting pseudoscience.
Wabasha Street Caves: Carved into sandstone bluffs, these caves reveal
geological history and host ghost tours with tales of gangsters and
Prohibition-era speakeasies.
Schubert Club Museum of Musical
Instruments: Features rare historical instruments; a hidden treasure for
music lovers.
By Air
The primary airport serving St. Paul is the Minneapolis-St.
Paul International Airport (MSP), located about 10 miles southwest of
downtown St. Paul in Bloomington, MN. It's a major hub with direct
flights from over 150 domestic and international destinations via
airlines like Delta (which bases its largest hub here), American,
United, Southwest, and others. Major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago,
Los Angeles, and Atlanta have frequent nonstop flights, often taking 2-4
hours depending on origin.
Booking and Arrival: Use sites like
Kayak, Expedia, or airline apps to book. MSP has two terminals: Terminal
1 (larger, for most airlines) and Terminal 2 (for budget carriers like
Southwest).
From the Airport to St. Paul:
Public Transit: Take
Metro Transit Route 54 bus from Terminal 1 (Level 1 of the Blue and Red
ramps) or Terminal 2 (ground level). It runs every 20-30 minutes, costs
about $2-2.50, and takes 25-40 minutes to reach downtown St. Paul (e.g.,
Rice Park or Union Depot). Download the Metro Transit app for real-time
schedules and mobile tickets.
Light Rail: From MSP, take the Blue
Line light rail to downtown Minneapolis, then transfer to the Green Line
to St. Paul (about 1 hour total).
Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, or
taxis are available curbside; expect $20-40 and 15-25 minutes to
downtown St. Paul.
Shuttle/Car Rental: Shared shuttles like
SuperShuttle or rentals from Hertz, Avis, etc., are at the ground
transportation center.
For smaller regional flights, consider
St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP), but it's mainly for private and charter
planes.
By Train
Amtrak provides long-distance rail service to
St. Paul Union Depot, a historic station in downtown at 214 4th St E.
It's a convenient arrival point with connections to local buses and
light rail.
Main Routes:
Empire Builder: Daily service from
Chicago (about 8 hours) or Seattle/Portland (30-40 hours), passing
through scenic areas like the Mississippi River and Glacier National
Park. Fares start around $50-100 from Chicago.
Other connections:
Link via Chicago's Union Station for routes from the East Coast (e.g.,
Lake Shore Limited from New York) or Midwest.
Booking: Use
Amtrak.com or the app; book in advance for deals. Union Depot also
serves Jefferson Lines buses for regional travel.
Duration and Tips:
Trains are comfortable with Wi-Fi and dining cars, but schedules can be
limited (one daily departure on main lines). From the depot, walk or
take a short bus to most St. Paul attractions.
By Bus
Intercity buses are an affordable option, arriving at Union Depot or
nearby stops. Major carriers include Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and
Megabus.
Common Routes:
From Chicago: 6-8 hours, fares $30-60.
From Milwaukee or Madison, WI: 4-5 hours.
From Fargo, ND, or Duluth,
MN: 3-5 hours.
Longer trips: Connections from coasts via hubs like
Chicago or Denver.
Booking: Check Wanderu.com, Greyhound.com, or
JeffersonLines.com for schedules and tickets. Buses often have Wi-Fi and
power outlets.
Local Tip: Metro Transit's Route 3 connects north
Minneapolis to St. Paul via the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
By
Car
Driving offers flexibility, with St. Paul at the intersection of
major interstates. Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time
traffic and routes.
Major Highways:
From the East (e.g.,
Chicago, Milwaukee): Take I-94 west directly into St. Paul (about 400
miles from Chicago, 6-7 hours).
From the West (e.g., Fargo, Seattle):
I-94 east.
From the North (e.g., Duluth): I-35 south.
From the
South (e.g., Des Moines, Kansas City): I-35 north.
Tips: Expect
tolls on some routes (e.g., Illinois to Wisconsin). Winter driving
(November-March) can involve snow—check MnDOT.gov for road conditions.
Parking in downtown St. Paul is available via ramps, meters, or apps
like ParkMobile. Gas prices average $3-4/gallon in MN as of late 2025.
Rental Cars: If flying in, rent at MSP from major companies.
Local Transportation in St. Paul
Once arrived, St. Paul is walkable
in downtown, but for broader exploration:
Metro Transit: Buses,
Green Line light rail (connects to Minneapolis), and the A Line rapid
bus. Fares $2-2.50; use the app or Go-To Card.
Bikes/Scooters: Nice
Ride bike-share or Lime scooters for short trips.
Rideshare:
Uber/Lyft widely available.
Pre-European Indigenous Times
The land now known as St. Paul has
been inhabited for thousands of years, shaped by glacial forces and
serving as a spiritual and practical center for Native American
communities. Geologically, the area's bedrock formed around 500 million
years ago during the Cambrian and Ordovician periods, with layers of St.
Peter Sandstone, Glenwood Shale, Platteville Limestone, and Decorah
Shale exposed in places like Lilydale Park, rich in fossils.
Approximately 20,000 years ago, the Superior Lobe of the Laurentide Ice
Sheet covered the region, retreating to form the St. Croix moraine and
creating features like tunnel valleys and kettle lakes, including Lake
Como and Lake Phalen. Around 11,700–9,400 years ago, the massive Glacial
River Warren, draining Glacial Lake Agassiz (a vast body covering over
110,000 square miles), carved deep valleys through what is now St. Paul,
with retreating waterfalls shaping the landscape.
Archaeological
evidence indicates human presence dating back about 2,000 years, with
the Hopewell culture constructing up to 37 burial mounds at Indian
Mounds Regional Park, where the deceased were interred with artifacts
reflecting religious practices. The Dakota (Sioux) people, particularly
the Mdewakanton band, later occupied the area, calling the river
confluence Bdóte—a sacred site of creation in their cosmology. They used
the mounds for burials, wrapping bodies in animal skins, and revered
sites like Carver's Cave (Wakan Tipi, or "sacred lodge") with its
petroglyphs of rattlesnakes and bears. The Dakota and Ojibwe
(Anishinaabe) peoples lived in villages around rivers and lakes, such as
Bdé Wakháŋ (Mille Lacs), influencing the region's economy through
hunting, gathering, and trade. This Indigenous heritage persists, with
Dakota and Ojibwe communities continuing to shape Minnesota's cultural
and political landscape.
European Exploration and Settlement
(Late 18th to Mid-19th Century)
European contact began in the late
17th century, with French explorers like Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du
Lhut, traversing the Great Lakes and Mississippi River by the 1680s. The
region was contested: England claimed east of the Mississippi, while
France (and briefly Spain) controlled the west as part of New France.
Spanish traders from St. Louis, such as Manuel Lisa and José María Vigó,
engaged in fur trade from the 1780s to early 1800s. In 1805, the
Mdewakanton Dakota ceded 100,000 acres via Pike's Purchase to the U.S.,
enabling the construction of Fort Snelling (originally Fort Saint
Anthony) in 1819 at the rivers' confluence to secure fur trade routes
and assert American control. The fort, a sacred Bdóte site for the
Dakota, became a military outpost amid whiskey trade booms, leading to
bans on distillers nearby.
The 1837 Treaty with the Sioux further
ceded lands east of the Mississippi, opening the area to white
settlement. In 1838, Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant, a French-Canadian fur
trader and bootlegger exiled from the fort, established a saloon at
Fountain Cave (near modern West Seventh Street), attracting settlers and
forming the hamlet "L'Œil de Cochon" or Pig's Eye. By the early 1840s, a
few dozen homesteads lined a dirt road, serving as a trading post. In
1841, Father Lucien Galtier built a Catholic chapel and renamed the
settlement Saint Paul after the Apostle Paul to attract respectable
growth. The 1851 Treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota ceded vast
Dakota lands, accelerating development.
19th Century Growth
St. Paul formalized as the Minnesota Territory capital in 1849 under
Governor Alexander Ramsey, incorporating as a city in 1854 and becoming
the state capital upon Minnesota's 1858 statehood. Population surged
from 900 in 1849 to 10,000 by 1860, fueled by its role as the
northernmost navigable point on the Upper Mississippi at Lambert's
Landing, handling over 1,000 steamboats annually by 1858. The Saint
Anthony Trail linked to the Red River Valley, and railroads like the
Great Northern (headquartered by James J. Hill) transformed it into a
transportation hub. Key institutions emerged: Harriet Bishop founded the
first school in 1847; the Minnesota Pioneer newspaper in 1849; and
bridges like Wabasha Street (1859).
Demographics diversified with
waves of immigrants: French Canadians (1840s–1930s), Germans (first
synagogue 1856), Irish, Swedes (in Swede Hollow), Czechs, Poles, and
others. Educational and religious landmarks included Macalester College
(1853), Mount Zion Temple (1856), and Assumption Church (1856). By 1885,
population reached 120,000, with industries, parks (e.g., Como),
streetcars, and the St. Paul Union Stockyards challenging Chicago's
meatpacking dominance. Summit Avenue became a showcase of Gilded Age
mansions, like the 1862 Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House.
20th
Century Developments
St. Paul solidified as a financial and
commercial center, contrasting Minneapolis's milling focus. Breweries
like Yoerg and Hamm thrived; 3M relocated in 1906; Ford's assembly plant
opened in 1924, using local hydroelectric power. Banks financed
railroads; grand buildings rose in Lowertown, like Germania Bank (1889).
Higher education expanded: Hamline University (1854), University of St.
Thomas (1885), Concordia (1893), and others. The Cathedral of Saint Paul
(1906) and Minnesota State Capitol (1905, by Cass Gilbert) became icons.
Demographic shifts included Eastern European Jews and Mexican-Americans
on the West Side post-WWI; African Americans in Rondo, displaced by I-94
in the 1960s, sparking riots after MLK's 1968 assassination. Events like
the 1904 tornado ($1.78 million damage) and 1898 typhoid outbreak marked
challenges. WWII brought labor changes; post-war G.I. Bill aided growth.
Urban renewal razed areas but preserved landmarks like the 1902 Landmark
Center.
Modern Era (Late 20th Century to Present)
St. Paul has
embraced diversity and preservation, hosting Hmong refugees post-Vietnam
War (nearly 10% of population by 2004, encouraged by Vice President
Walter Mondale). The West Side maintains Mexican traditions via
festivals; flooding reduced with 1950s locks and dams. The Xcel Energy
Center hosted the 2008 Republican National Convention. Today, as home to
Travelers Companies and a financial hub, St. Paul balances historic
districts with modern commerce, while Indigenous revitalization efforts
reclaim roots in the Twin Cities area. Population hovers around 300,000,
with ongoing influences from its Indigenous origins and immigrant waves.
St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as the state capital and forms the eastern half of the Twin Cities metropolitan area alongside Minneapolis. Situated in the southeastern part of the state within Ramsey County, it lies at coordinates approximately 44°57′N 93°06′W. The city spans a total area of 145.51 square kilometers (56.18 square miles), with 134.63 square kilometers (51.98 square miles) as land and 10.88 square kilometers (4.20 square miles) as water, reflecting its strong ties to aquatic features. As of 2025, its population hovers around 310,000, making it Minnesota's second-largest city and a key urban center in the Upper Midwest. Geographically, St. Paul is positioned in a transitional zone between the prairie landscapes to the south and west and the forested regions to the north, influencing its diverse terrain and ecosystems.
St. Paul's topography is characterized by gently rolling hills, plateaus, and prominent bluffs that rise dramatically from the Mississippi River valley. The city's average elevation is about 834 feet (254 meters) above sea level, with its highest point exceeding 1,000 feet (305 meters) in areas like the Highland Park neighborhood. This varied relief stems from glacial activity during the last Ice Age, which sculpted the region into distinct zones: a belt of greater hills in the north and east, lesser hills transitioning southward, an intramorainic plain, river terraces, and the floodplain itself. The St. Paul-Baldwin Plains and Moraines subsection dominates, featuring end moraines (ridges of glacial debris) and outwash plains formed by meltwater deposits, creating a landscape that is topographically low compared to much of Minnesota but marked by subtle undulations. Bluffs, often 100-200 feet high and composed of limestone and sandstone, line the river's edges, particularly in areas like Dayton's Bluff and the West Side, offering panoramic views and contributing to the city's nickname as the "City of Seven Hills" in some historical contexts. These features not only define the skyline but also influence urban development, with neighborhoods perched on plateaus separated by ravines and valleys.
The Mississippi River is the defining hydrological element of St. Paul's geography, forming municipal boundaries on the west, southwest, and southeast sides and carving a deep, S-shaped bend through the city. This section of the river, part of Pool 2 managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, transitions from a narrow, bluff-lined channel in the north to a broader valley with bottomlands, backwaters, and terraces southward. The river's floodplain supports wetlands and islands, such as Pig's Eye Island in the southeast, which hosts a regional park and wastewater treatment facilities. Tributaries like the Minnesota River converge nearby, enhancing the area's water network. St. Paul also features several lakes and ponds, including Como Lake in the north-central area (part of a conservatory and zoo complex) and Phalen Lake in the east, remnants of glacial kettles. These water bodies cover about 7.5% of the city's area, influencing local microclimates and providing recreational spaces.
St. Paul experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), marked by significant seasonal variations. Winters are cold and snowy, with January averages around 11.2°F (-11.6°C) and frequent subzero temperatures, while summers are warm and humid, peaking in July at about 70.6°F (21.4°C). Annual precipitation averages 31 inches (787 mm), with thunderstorms common in spring and summer, sometimes bringing severe weather like hail or tornadoes. Snowfall totals around 52 inches (132 cm) yearly, contributing to the region's "cold temperate" designation. The city is partly cloudy year-round, with urban heat island effects amplifying temperatures by 5-10°F compared to rural areas. Climate change projections indicate more extreme heat events, increased precipitation intensity, and heightened drought risks, exacerbating issues like poor air quality from ozone and particulates.
St. Paul's layout is shaped by its natural features, with the downtown core nestled in the river valley and residential areas spreading across higher plateaus. The city is divided into 17 districts, including the historic Lowertown with its warehouses and arts scene, the West Side across the river with diverse communities influenced by Mexican and Middle Eastern immigrants, and the affluent Summit Hill atop bluffs featuring Victorian architecture. Major interstates like I-94 and I-35E crisscross the terrain, connecting to Minneapolis and beyond, while green corridors like the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area preserve natural buffers. The urban fabric integrates parks covering over 16% of the land, such as Indian Mounds Regional Park on the eastern bluffs, which offers views of the river and ties into indigenous history.
Environmentally, St. Paul blends urban density with natural preservation, part of the larger Mississippi River corridor that supports diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and migratory birds. However, proximity to the river poses flood risks, with about 20% of buildings vulnerable, as seen in historical events like the 1965 flood. The city's Climate Action and Resilience Plan addresses these by promoting green infrastructure, such as permeable surfaces and tree canopies to mitigate heat islands. Vegetation varies by elevation—prairie grasses on bluffs, hardwood forests in ravines—and water quality in the Mississippi has improved through restoration efforts, though challenges like invasive species and pollution persist. Overall, St. Paul's geography fosters a unique interplay of natural beauty and urban functionality, making it a resilient hub in the face of evolving environmental pressures.
As of the 2010 census, Saint Paul had 285,068 people in 111,001
households. The population density was 2085.4 people per square
kilometer. Statistically, 2.47 people lived in each of the 111,001
households.
The racial makeup of the population is 60.1 percent
White, 15.7 percent African American, 1.1 percent Native American, 15.0
percent Asian1, 0.1 percent Polynesian, and 3.9 percent other races; 4.2
percent descended from two or more ethnic groups. Regardless of
ethnicity, 9.6 percent of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
25.1 percent of the population was under 18 years old, 65.9 percent were
between 18 and 64 and 9.0 percent were 65 years or older. 51.1 percent
of the population was female.
The median annual household income
was $45,939. Per capita income was $25,576. 22.5 percent of the
residents lived below the poverty line.
Traffic
The locomotion takes place mainly by private motor
vehicles. Alternatively, there is public transit that connects downtown
to Minneapolis and the outskirts with buses and a tram line. Within the
last few years, the rapid growth of the Twin Cities has resulted in a
sharp increase in traffic, so that the volume of traffic is very high
during peak traffic times and traffic jams and waiting times must be
expected.
A special feature in Saint Paul are the so-called
Skyways, which connect more than forty street blocks and parking garages
with closed bridges and tunnels in the city center. They offer
protection from the extreme cold in winter and the possible heat in
summer.
The main airport is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International
Airport in Minneapolis. It was the home airport of Northwest Airlines
(now acquired by Delta Air Lines) and is one of the ten busiest airports
in the United States.
St. Paul is the headquarters of:
St. Jude Medical – Cardiology
(pacemaker, etc.) and neurostimulation medical technology company
3M
St Paul Travelers
Ecolab
Lawson Software
HB Fuller Adhesives
Home of the NHL team Minnesota Wild
amps
ATMA SPHERE
Hamline University: Established in 1854 in St. Paul, this private,
Methodist-affiliated institution is recognized as Minnesota's oldest
private college. With a fall 2023 enrollment of about 2,638 students, it
emphasizes a coeducational approach rooted in liberal arts, offering
undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like law, business, and
creative writing, alongside a strong commitment to social justice and
community engagement.
Macalester College: Founded in 1874 and located
in St. Paul, this private Presbyterian college enrolls around 2,175
students as of fall 2023. It stands out as a selective liberal arts
baccalaureate institution, known for its international focus, with a
diverse student body from over 90 countries, rigorous academics in areas
such as environmental studies and neuroscience, and a vibrant campus
life that includes numerous study abroad opportunities.
University of
Minnesota (Twin Cities campus): Dating back to 1851, this public
research university spans both Minneapolis and St. Paul, serving as the
flagship of the University of Minnesota system. Boasting the state's
largest enrollment at 54,955 students in fall 2023, it ranks as the
ninth-largest campus in the U.S. and excels in research across
disciplines like medicine, engineering, and agriculture, with notable
facilities including the Carlson School of Management and extensive
libraries housing millions of volumes.
University of St. Thomas: This
private Roman Catholic university, founded in 1885 with campuses in St.
Paul and Minneapolis, is Minnesota's largest private higher education
institution, enrolling approximately 9,025 students in fall 2023.
Classified as a doctoral/research university, it offers a wide array of
programs in business, theology, education, and law through the Opus
College of Business and other schools, emphasizing ethical leadership
and global perspectives in a faith-based environment.
St. Catherine
University: Established in 1905 in St. Paul (with some facilities in
Minneapolis), this private Roman Catholic master's university focuses on
women's education while also admitting men to select programs, with a
fall 2023 enrollment of about 3,577. It is renowned for its health
sciences, nursing, and liberal arts curricula, promoting empowerment and
holistic development through innovative initiatives like its
occupational therapy and physician assistant programs.
Alexander Ramsey (1815–1903), former politician; former Mayor of
Saint Paul
Edmund Rice (1819–1889), former politician; former Mayor
of Saint Paul
Jacob H. Stewart (1829–1884), former politician; former
Mayor of Saint Paul
Andrew Kiefer (1832–1904), ex-politician; former
Mayor of Saint Paul
John Ireland (1838–1918), Roman Catholic
minister; Bishop of Saint Paul
Emmanuel Louis Masqueray (1861–1917),
French architect; designed the Cathedral of Saint Paul
Arthur E.
Nelson (1892–1955), former politician; practiced law in Saint Paul
Marc Anderson (born 1955), percussionist and ethnomusicologist;
Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Hamline
University, Saint Paul