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July 2008 .........

St Paul: It was named capitol of the Minnesota Territory in 1849 and was incorporated in March of 1854. The city sits on the Mississippi River, just downstream from the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. It adjoins Minneapolis, the states largest city. St Paul is home of 3M Corp., Travelers Ins., and the Ford Motor Company Twin Cities Assembly Plant, (now scheduled to close in 2011). We were told by a guide that St Paul retains more of the "small town" atmosphere, while Minneapolis has more of the "big city" feel.
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is an imposing structure, dominates the St Paul skyline and is situated on the highest point in the city. Construction was began in 1907, the first liturgy was held on Palm Sunday in 1915, but the work on the interior continued for many decades. In 1958 it was consecrated by an Archbishop, securing it's place among the premier houses of worship in the US. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Buildings in 1974. The Cathedral is open and you can go in any time, however they offer tours on certain days. We didn't make a tour, but did walk around inside - what a beautiful building.
The Minnesota State Capitol Building is another "don't miss" while in St Paul. It opened in 1905 after 12 years of planning and construction, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another attraction is the Hill District, known for it's number of historic houses, including the Hill House, build by railroad magnate James J. Hill, that was completed in 1891. It's near the eastern end of Summit Avenue, near the Cathedral of St Paul. The house has 36,000 sq ft. of living area ,is the largest residence in Minnesota, and listed as a National Historic Landmark .You visit the home and either tour three rooms for $3. or take a guided tour that lasts about an hour for $5. We didn't have time for the long tour, but I wish we would have - the house is really something to see. Summit Avenue is the main street in the district and dates back to the early 1850's. As you drive through the area you will be amazed at the homes. The district began to decline in the 1930's, as many of the mansions were turned into rooming houses or stood vacant for years. The district is now one of the most fashionable places to live in St Paul. The area has many quaint shops and good restaurants.
We took a bus tour of Minneapolis/St Paul and it's something I would recommend if you are in the area. First photos below are the St Paul Skyline, the Hill House, the Cathedral and the State Capitol. Bottom photos are Minneapolis.

St Paul

Minneapolis