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Cathedral of Saint Paul

239 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102 · St. Paul, MN

Why you should go…

This colossal Beaux-Arts cathedral, modeled on St. Peter's in Rome, crowns Summit Hill and dominates the St. Paul skyline with its great copper dome. Step inside for soaring marble, stained glass and a hush that stops conversation. Pair it with a stroll down Summit Avenue's Victorian mansion row, one of the best-preserved in the nation.

  • #architecture
  • #landmark
  • #historic
  • #skyline views

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cathedral of Saint Paul, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Science Museum of Minnesota

    $25–$50

    Hands-on science playground on the Mississippi bluff with dinosaurs, a giant Omnitheater and endlessly pushable buttons.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Minnesota State Capitol

    Free

    Cass Gilbert's 1905 marble statehouse with one of the world's largest self-supported marble domes, free guided tours leave hourly.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Explore Minnesota Tourism Office

    Free

    Minnesota's state tourism office in St. Paul, offering trip-planning help for visitors traveling around the state.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Padelford Riverboats

    Under $25

    Narrated paddlewheeler cruises on the Mississippi from Harriet Island, river lore, eagles and skyline views.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Free

    Schubert Club

    Free

    Free music museum at Landmark Center in Saint Paul with hands-on instrument galleries and a historic keyboard collection.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Stone Arch Bridge

    Free

    James J. Hill's 1883 stone rail bridge, now a beloved walk-and-bike crossing over St. Anthony Falls, freshly restored and fully reopened in 2025.

    7.4 mi awayMore like this