The Minnesota State Capitol stands on a hill above downtown Saint Paul, a white marble building topped by one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world and crowned by the Quadriga, a gilded sculpture of four horses and two figures. It was designed by Cass Gilbert and opened in 1905, and after a long restoration its marble has been cleaned and repaired and its murals, paintings and decorative art restored to their original colours and patterns. The result is one of the finest public interiors in the Midwest, free to enter and full of detail. The Minnesota Historical Society runs free guided tours of about 45 minutes that leave from the Capitol Information and Tour Center on the first floor, to the right of the main south entrance, at the top of every hour. Weather permitting, the tour includes a walk out to see the golden horses up close. It suits anyone interested in architecture, politics or history, families with school-age children, and visitors who want something free and weatherproof. Because the building is a working seat of government, the experience changes with the legislative calendar, and it is worth checking before you go.
Tour times and cost
Tours are free. On weekdays the first tour leaves at 9am and the last at 3pm; on Saturdays the first leaves at 10am and the last at 2pm. Tours begin at the Capitol Information and Tour Center, Room 126, on the first floor, and the page tells visitors to ask at the information desk rather than describing a reservation process, so arrive a little early on busy days and check the website for updates.
The Capitol is at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Saint Paul. Contact details for the tour office are on the website if you need to ask about accessibility or groups.
What you will see
The rotunda and its dome are the visual centrepiece, but the tour also covers the legislative chambers, the murals and paintings that tell stories of Minnesota’s history and the architectural story of how the building was designed to reflect the state’s ambition. The restoration is a point of pride, and the guides explain what was repaired and what was recreated.
If conditions allow, the roof walk to the Quadriga is a highlight, though weather may close it, so do not count on it in winter. The building is also a place for quiet exploration between tours, with galleries and exhibits worth a short wander.
Making the most of it
Combine the Capitol with the Cathedral of Saint Paul, which is close enough to see from the Capitol grounds, and the Wabasha Street Caves for a Saint Paul day. Allow about an hour for the tour plus time for security and a walk around the grounds, and wear layers, because the building is climate-controlled but the approach from parking or the light rail is outdoors.
The Capitol is also a good wet-weather option, being a large indoor space that rewards slow looking. Families with children old enough to enjoy a 45-minute guided walk will find the stories of the horses, the chambers and the murals engaging.
What to expect
The experience
A free 45-minute guided tour of the Capitol interior, leaving on the hour, with a walk to the Quadriga on the roof when weather allows.
Best time
A weekday morning, when tours run from 9am and the building is quiet.
How long
About 45 minutes for the tour, plus time to look around.
Tips
Go to the first-floor information desk for the tour, arrive early, and do not rely on the roof walk in bad weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture, politics and history fans, and visitors who want a free indoor activity.
- Families
- Suits school-age children who can handle a 45-minute guided walk.
- Couples
- A free, grand and unhurried way to spend a morning in Saint Paul.
- Pair with
- The Cathedral of Saint Paul, the Wabasha Street Caves or a Summit Avenue walk.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Are Capitol tours free?+
Yes. Guided tours are free and last about 45 minutes.
When do tours leave?+
At the top of each hour: 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday.
Where do tours start?+
At the Capitol Information and Tour Center, Room 126, on the first floor, to the right of the main south entrance.
Can I see the golden horses?+
Weather permitting, the tour includes a walk to the Quadriga, the golden horses on the roof.
Where is the Capitol?+
At 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Saint Paul.
