The Capitol complex is to the north of I-94 just minutes from downtown St. Paul. It is accessible from the east and west on I-94, and from the north and south on I-35E.
I-94 eastbound: Exit at Marion Street. Turn left. Go to Aurora Avenue and turn right. Go one block and enter Parking Lot AA.
I-94 westbound: Exit at Marion Street. Turn right. Go to Aurora Avenue and turn right. Go one block and enter Parking Lot AA.
I-35E northbound: Exit at Kellogg Boulevard. Turn left. Go to John Ireland Boulevard and turn right. Metered parking spaces line both sides of the boulevard.
I-35E southbound: Exit at University Avenue. Turn right. Go to Rice Street and turn left. Go one block, turn right and enter Parking Lot AA.
Is there a map of the Capitol?
The House Public Information Services provides a map of the Capitol Complex. Geographic Infromation Services has also created this map of the Capitol area, including buildings and parking locations.
Where do I park when I visit the Capitol?
Public metered parking is available at Lot Q, north of the Capitol at Cedar Street and Sherburne Avenue; Lot AA, across from the State Office Building at Aurora Avenue and Rice Street; and the orange level of the Centennial Building Ramp at Cedar Street and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. All-day parking is available in Lot Q and the Centennial ramp. Public street metered parking is available along John Ireland Boulevard and Fuller Avenue, which are near the Transportation Building. St. Paul meter patrols will issue tickets for expired parking. The Administration Department provides maps and information on the cost of parking. Also, see the parking locations on this map.
Outdoor disability parking is available in Lot N, which is on the northwest side of the Capitol, and in Lot F. Indoor disability parking is available on the blue level of the Centennial Office Building Ramp; and on the entry level of the Administration Building Ramp (two stalls).
Since parking is limited during legislative sessions, busing may be easier. Freeway express bus service is available. Call the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC), (612) 827-7733, for your specific route information.
What food services are available in the Capitol?
Many buildings in the Capitol complex have their own cafeterias. The Capitol cafeteria is in the basement and is closed when the Legislature is not in session. The Transportation and Centennial Building cafeterias are on the ground floor of each building. The Veterans Service Building cafeteria is on the fifth floor. Menus are available online. The Capitol also has a snack bar on the second floor (where the House and Senate chambers are located) during the session. Several fast food restaurants are located within walking distance of the Capitol.
Are tours of the Capitol available?
Tours of the Capitol are offered through the Capitol Historic Site Program of the Minnesota Historical Society. Tour guides lead the 45-minute tours on the hour Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 3 p.m.); Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (last tour leaves at 2 p.m.); and Sundays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (last tour leaves at 3 p.m.). The tours begin at the Capitol's information desk at the end of the corridor to the right of the main entrance. Brochures in about 20 foreign languages also are available there.
Tour participants may request customized tours that emphasize either the building or state government. Historical society officials ask that groups of 10 or more call at least two weeks in advance to reserve a tour time. Some tours require a fee.
The society offers "Voice of the People: Your Role in Minnesota Government," a half-day session for students in grades 9-12.
Also, special tour events are scheduled monthly throughout the year. Some of these events require admission fees; others are free. A special events guide is available upon request.
For more information about the tours or to reserve a time, call the Capitol Historic Site Program at (651) 296-2881.
Who is allowed on the floor of the Senate?
The only people admitted on the floor of the Senate Chamber are members of the Senate and House, the constitutional officers, or ex-governors of Minnesota, judges of the Trial and Appellate Courts, members of Congress, members of the press, and Senate staff.
Who is allowed on the floor of the House?
The same standards apply to the House Chamber, except in the House, House staff members are allowed. Senate staff must get permission to go on the House floor. In addition, some allowances are made for special visitors to go onto the House floor.
Are visitors allowed to attend sessions of the Senate and House?
Yes. Public galleries are accessible from the third floor of the Capitol. No passes are required except for opening day and when the Legislature meets in joint session. The Sergeant-at-Arms may be contacted for seats for groups in the galleries. No visitors are allowed on the floor of the Senate. Some visitors are allowed on the House floor, but they must obtain permission. No smoking is permitted on the floor of the Senate, the House, or in the galleries. Public photos are prohibited. Staff photographers in both the House and Senate are allowed to shoot proceedings. Applause, demonstrations, and food and beverages are also prohibited in the galleries.