3 Best Landmarks in St Paul, MN

“James J. Hill House is a symbol of success, personal taste, and the family life of James J. Hill, which was built in 1891. The house is a national historical landmark and an icon of Summit Avenue in St. Paul. The house recalls the powerful era of the Northwest’s 'Empire Builder.' The 36,000-square-foot manor house was built for railroad giant James J. Hill in Minnesota. The house holds 16 chandeliers, 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, a reception hall almost 100 feet long, advanced mechanical facilities, and a two-story skylit art gallery. The impressive features of the house, including chandeliers, stained glass, and hand-carved woodwork, are sprawling throughout the building. The fourth floor contains a stage room capable of seating 200 spectators, a grand piano, and gymnastics equipment. The house has state-of-the-art mechanical systems, indoor plumbing, and exquisite stained glass and carved woodwork. James J. Hill House was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Here, admission is free for children ages 4 and under and MNHS members.”

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“The Minnesota State Capitol serves as the seat of government for the state of Minnesota. The building houses the Minnesota Senate, the Attorney General's office, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and the governor's office. The building was designed by well-known architect Cass Gilbert in 1905. The Capitol features the world's second-largest self-supporting marble dome, works by significant 19th and 20th-century artists, and Civil and Spanish-American War battle flags. The workers at the Capitol aspire to conserve and restore the original architecture and artistic vision of Cass Gilbert for future generations. The State Capitol's exterior is white Georgian marble and St. Cloud granite. Visitors are greeted by six marble statues above the main entrance. The building and the grounds are open for public use to hold numerous meetings, speeches, and ceremonies. Free tours and reserved public parking are accessible in several parking lots at the State Capitol.”

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“Landmark Center is a vibrant cultural center for music, dance, theatre, exhibits, and public forums, and hosts numerous community special events. The center serves as the United States Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House for the state of Minnesota. Landmark Center was designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke, who served as Supervising Architect of the U.S. The center is a non-profit organization that is committed to managing and preserving the historical center as a prominent historical and cultural center. The organization was restored from the wrecking ball to its former grandeur, was listed on the global register of historic sites, and reopened to the public in 1978. The center includes multi-circulating collections that record Ramsey County and St. Paul's history.”

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