Saint Paul's Top Attractions Among U. S. Best
Boatrides, Botanical Gardens Part of Minnesota Capital's Wide Array
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
One of the finest facilities of its kind, the Ordway opened in 1985 and is home to local arts organizations such as the Minnesota Opera and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The center contains a 1,900-seat concert hall, a 306-seat theater, two rehearsal halls and two spectacular lobbies.(345 Washington St.).
Boat Rides on the MississippiTwo stern-wheelers patterned after 19th Century riverboats take passengers one-and-a-half hour excursions along the stretch of the Mississippi that borders Fort Snelling. Cruises depart daily at noon and 2 p.m.in June and July; on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. during May and September. (Padelford Packet Boat Company.2 mile south of the Wabasha St. Bridge at Harriet Island.)
Minnesota State Capitol
The capitol, which opened its doors on January 2, 1905, was designed by local architect Cass Gilbert when he was 35 years old. The Italian Renaissance-style building features stenciled ceilings, murals, more than 25 varieties of marble, limestone, granite and sandstone. The capitol’s interior is also one of the most beautiful in the U. S. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Free guided tours are offered at the beginning of each hour. (75 Constitution Avenue).
The Mansions on Summit Avenue
Billed as the “longest boulevard of intact Victorian homes in the nation,” the avenue includes such beauties as the James J. Hill House (240 Summit Avenue. Home of the Great Northern Railroad’s founder, the 1891 Victorian features 42 rooms, 22 fireplaces, a three-story pipe organ, carved woodwork and stained glass. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Other Summit Avenue homes include those owned by the first territorial governor of Minnesota, Alexander Ramsey, and author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
Constructed in 1915, the domed greenhouse itself is a work of art. Plants in the greenhouse and along conservatory paths are labeled with both their common and botanical names. Open April-September, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; rest of year, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.(75 Constitution Avenue).
Raptor Center at University of Minnesota
Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls are the residents at the center, which specializes in medical care and rehabilitation of raptors. In addition to treating approximately 800 birds a year, the center provides veterinarians from around the world with training in avian medicine and surgery. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.(1920 Fitch Avenue)
St. Paul Cathedral
Keeping watch over downtown, St. Paul Cathedral, in classic Renaissance style, was designed by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray and took almost ten years to complete. its 186-foot dome is covered in gold leaf, Six shrines located behind the altar commemorate the immigrant groups that provided the city’s early settlers. Open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Guided tours Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.( 239 Selby Avenue)
Farmers Market
Minnesota-grown products – everything from herbs, produce and houseplants to bakery goods, crafts and cheeses – are among the market’s wares. In the plant section, master gardeners are on hand to answer questions every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. There’s also musical entertainment by groups such as Capital City Brass and the Rush River Ramblers on Saturdays during summer. Open Saturday, Sunday May-October; Saturday, rest of the year.(290 E. Fifth Street)
Historic Fort SnellingIn the 19th Century, the limestone fort was the northernmost outpost of the U. S. military. The restored fort’s 17 buildings include a hospital and barracks. Living-history interpreters are on hand to answer questions and recreate 1827 for life with demonstrations of early-day skills such as frontier cooking. Youngsters won’t want to miss the blacksmith shop and sutler’s store. Open Wednesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:3-5 p.m.(near the junction of Minnesota Highways 5 and 55).
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