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North St. Paul, MN

North St. Paul, MN is a charming city founded in 1887. It is known for its iconic 44-foot snowman, historic downtown, and being home to Minnesota's oldest continuously operating bar.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is North Saint Paul, often abbreviated as North St. Paul. It is a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States . It is important to note that North St. Paul is a distinct city and not a neighborhood of its larger neighbor, Saint Paul . It is part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, a vibrant and populous region known as the "Twin Cities" .

Date of Foundation and Age

North St. Paul was officially laid out and incorporated in the year 1887 . It was originally called "Castle" by its founder, Henry Anson Castle, when the Wisconsin Central Railroad was extended to that point . As of 2026, the city is 139 years old.

Geographic Position and Coordinates

City Type and Economic Specialization

North St. Paul is primarily a residential suburb and a historic small-town commercial center. Its economy is locally focused, with a charming historic downtown area filled with coffee shops, antique stores, and restaurants . It also serves as a local hub for community services and light industry.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of North St. Paul was 12,364 . According to a 2023 estimate, the population has grown slightly to 12,574 . By population size, it is classified as a small city. The population density is around 4,329 people per square mile .

City's "Business Card" (In Short)

North St. Paul is a tight-knit community best known for its giant 44-foot snowman that greets visitors along Highway 36 . With a historic downtown that feels like a step back in time, it offers a charming, small-town atmosphere within the bustling Twin Cities metro area.

Landmarks

The North Saint Paul Snowman

The city's most beloved icon is the North Saint Paul Snowman. This 20-ton giant stands 44 feet tall and has a smile that measures 16 feet across . It was constructed from 1971 to 1974 by Lloyd Koesling. Originally located downtown, it was moved to its current prominent spot on the east side of the Margaret Street bridge over Minnesota State Highway 36 in 1990 . The Snowman is the official city logo and a beloved symbol for residents and passersby alike.

Neumann's Bar

Located in the historic downtown, Neumann's Bar holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating bar in the state of Minnesota . It first opened its doors in 1887. Remarkably, it stayed in business even during Prohibition by serving near beer in the main bar and operating a speakeasy upstairs. Visitors can still see the keyhole door used to screen entrants and the old telephone used to pass messages .

Church of St. Peter

A significant architectural and community landmark is the Church of St. Peter. The Catholic parish was incorporated in 1889. The cornerstone for the historic church was laid in 1915, and the community moved into it in 1916. Over the following decade, it was decorated with stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and Italian marble altars. A new, current church was consecrated in 2008, serving as a focal point for the city's spiritual life .

Historic Downtown

The city's Historic Downtown, with its brick storefronts along 7th Avenue, is a landmark in itself . It offers a charming, old-fashioned main street experience filled with antique stores, coffee shops, and local eateries. During the summer, it comes alive with a popular Friday night car show .

Geography

Water Bodies and Parks

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

North St. Paul has a humid continental climate, characteristic of the Upper Midwest, with four distinct seasons. It is marked by warm, wet summers and freezing, snowy, and windy winters .

Average Monthly Temperatures

The city experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year .

Month Average High (°F / °C) Average Low (°F / °C)
January 24 / -4 9 / -13
February 29 / -2 13 / -11
March 41 / 5 25 / -4
April 57 / 14 38 / 3
May 69 / 21 49 / 9
June 78 / 26 58 / 14
July 82 / 28 63 / 17
August 79 / 26 61 / 16
September 70 / 21 52 / 11
October 57 / 14 40 / 4
November 41 / 5 27 / -3
December 27 / -3 14 / -10

Precipitation and Humidity

Total average annual precipitation is approximately 1313 mm (about 52 inches), which is quite high and includes rain and snow .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Transport

Nearest Airport

The closest major airport is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). It is located approximately 28 miles (45 km) southwest of North St. Paul . As a major hub, MSP offers numerous domestic and international flights.

Major Highways

Public Transportation

North St. Paul is served by the Metro Transit system, which provides bus routes connecting the city to the rest of the Twin Cities metropolitan area . Riders can use the official Metro Transit app for trip planning and to purchase tickets . Other specialized services include:

Pedestrian and Bike Trails

The Gateway State Trail is a significant multi-use trail that bisects the city, running along a former railroad grade. It is heavily used for biking, walking, and rollerblading, providing a scenic and car-free transportation and recreation corridor .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

North St. Paul offers a slice of classic Minnesota comfort food, with local establishments that have become institutions in their own right. The culinary scene here is less about avant-garde dishes and more about celebrating hearty, time-honored recipes in settings full of local character.

The Oldest Continuously Operating Bar in Minnesota

Neumanns Bar is not just a place to eat; it's a living piece of Minnesota history. Famed as the oldest continuously operating bar in the state, this bar and grill has been a community hub for generations . Stepping inside, you'll find a cozy, historic atmosphere that feels like a true "local hideout" .

The food at Neumanns is classic American comfort food, executed with care and at great value. Breakfast is served daily until noon and features hearty plates that could fuel a day of exploring. A signature dish is the Neumann's Pile O'Breakfast, a heaping mound of two eggs, sausage, bacon, tater tots, and cheese, all smothered in hot country gravy . For lunch or dinner, their burgers are a highlight, with options like The Jim Neumann Burger served with fresh-cut fries for around $10.00 . They also serve Porsena's Pizza, with all varieties priced affordably . The bar maintains a great beer selection and frequent daily specials, such as half-price burgers, making it a beloved spot for locals .

A Modern Take on the Classic Diner

For a more contemporary diner experience, locals flock to Mac's Diner. This spot successfully mixes a modern bar and grill feel with the nostalgic charm of a 1960s diner, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere .

Mac's is known for its creative and well-presented comfort food. Customer favorites include the Nashville chicken sandwich, which has been described as "amazing," and their bacon-wrapped cheese curds, which are a unique and "incredible" twist on a Minnesota classic . The menu also features items like a flavorful breakfast flatbread and a poutine bowl . Don't skip the drinks—the Butterfinger milkshake is reportedly "to die for," and the strawberry shake is perfectly balanced, "not too sweet" . For those who love wings, their Wednesday special features bottomless wings, with the honey buffalo sauce being a particular standout .

Museums

North St. Paul is home to a truly unique museum that preserves a significant piece of American youth culture.

A Treasure Trove of Scouting History

The North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting is a 30-year-old institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying the history of scouting in the upper Midwest . Founded by Boy Scout volunteers in the 1970s, it has grown to house an astonishing collection of over 150,000 artifacts .

The museum's exhibits include uniforms, patches, accoutrements, films, photographs, and much more, spanning the history of Boy Scouting, Girl Scouting, and Girl Guiding in a five-state region . It's a nostalgic and fascinating visit for anyone who has been involved in scouting, offering a deep dive into the traditions and memorabilia of these iconic organizations. The museum is located at 2640 E. Seventh Avenue and is open on Saturdays or by appointment .

Sport and Local Athletics

While North St. Paul may not have major professional sports franchises within its own borders, it is part of the vibrant Twin Cities sports landscape and has its own active community sports scene. For major sporting events, the facilities in nearby Minneapolis and St. Paul are just a short drive away.

Collegiate Athletics Nearby

Just a few miles away in St. Paul, the University of Northwestern (UNW) fields 16 varsity sports teams competing at the NCAA Division III level . The UNW Eagles are members of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) , offering residents a chance to catch local college action in sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball .

Community Sports Facilities

For residents and visitors looking to participate in sports themselves, the City of North St. Paul maintains public ball fields available for rental . These facilities support local youth and adult leagues, providing spaces for baseball, softball, and other diamond sports. The city also offers a notification system for field conditions, ensuring that games and practices can be scheduled around the weather .

Universities and Educational Institutions

While the city of North St. Paul itself is small, it is located in close proximity to a number of institutions of higher education in the greater St. Paul area. One notable university is situated nearby.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul

Located in the nearby city of St. Paul, the University of Northwestern (UNW) is a private, Christ-centered liberal arts university that has been a part of the community since its founding in 1902 .

The university offers a broad range of academic programs, including Art & Design, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, and Music, preparing students for a variety of careers . UNW is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs . Its campus in St. Paul is easily accessible from North St. Paul and contributes to the educational and cultural fabric of the region.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Residents of and visitors to North St. Paul have access to quality healthcare options, ranging from a local family clinic to a world-class children's hospital in the nearby city of St. Paul.

Neighborhood-Based Family Medicine

Entira Family Clinics has a convenient location in North St. Paul, offering neighborhood-based, physician-owned family medicine . Located at 2601 Centennial Drive, this clinic is highly recommended by locals for its team of caring and knowledgeable doctors . They provide comprehensive care for patients with a range of health issues, including diabetes, cancer, and COPD, and are always welcoming new patients .

World-Class Pediatric Care Nearby

For specialized pediatric care, the Children’s Minnesota – St. Paul Hospital is a premier facility located at 345 North Smith Avenue in St. Paul . This hospital provides a full range of services, including an emergency department, primary care clinic, and specialty centers . It is also home to The Mother Baby Center, offering comprehensive care for expectant mothers and newborns . As one of the leading children's hospitals in the region, it ensures that advanced medical care for children is never far away.

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