Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota. Part of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area along with Minneapolis, St. Paul is a very beautiful city along the banks of the Mississippi. Founded near historic Native American settlements as a trading and transportation center, the city rose to prominence when it was named the capital of the Minnesota Territory in 1849. Though Minneapolis is more nationally recognized, Saint Paul contains important institutions and the state's political activity.

At the center of Saint Paul are two must see buildings. The Minnesota State Capitol, designed by Cass Gilbert, drew acclaim from the entire country when it was opened in 1905. The exterior of the State Capitol is made of white Georgia marble and St. Cloud granite. Six marble statues above the main entrance greet visitors. Daniel Chester French collaborated with Edward Potter to create the golden sculpture group at the base of the dome titled The Progress of the State, commonly referred to as the Quadriga. Cass Gilbert commissioned works of art to be placed throughout the building. More than 20 types of stone are used in the halls, stairways and chambers. Prominent among the Minnesota stones is limestone
from Mankato, which is used on the walls. The vaulted ceilings of the corridors are decorated with hand-painted arabesques and designs of grains and fruits grown in Minnesota. There are tours conducted every day for a suggested donation of $5 and is well worth it. The paintings in the Senate are exquisite and the preservation of the Battle Flags is commendable.

The second building is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. The building of the current cathedral was instigated by Archbishop John Ireland in 1904. At Ireland's direction, the archdiocese commissioned well-known French Beaux-Arts architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, who was also the chief architect of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, and construction began in 1906. The interior is illuminated by twenty-four stained glass windows featuring angelic choirs. There is also a rose window in the transept designed by Charles Connick. Electric lighting was installed in 1940. A replica of the famous Pieta can be found in this cathedral. This is a marble casting of the original so looks exactly like it.

It is also worth driving along Summitt Avenue at the base of the Cathedral to take a look at the mansions that lines this street. Along with Minneapolis this small city is a great place to visit for the weekend or if time permits for even longer.