Summit Hill is rich in history, characterized by its grand mansions, the historic cathedral, and notable residents. Moreover, it is one of St. Paul’s most fashionable neighborhoods, featuring many chic salons, unique stores, and a cozy mini eat-street along Selby Avenue.
Courtesy of The Louisiana Cafe
Address: 613 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102-1730, USA
Phone: +1 651-221-9140
The Louisiana Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast, located at the northeast corner of Selby Avenue and Dale Street. It offers creative twists on traditional favorites such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pancakes, Zydeco French Toast made with thick-cut sourdough bread, and a Carnita Benedict featuring a biscuit topped with pulled pork, refried beans, poached eggs, hollandaise, and pico de gallo.
Courtesy of Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op
Address: 622 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
Phone: +1 651-310-9499
Located diagonally across from The Louisiana Cafe, The Mississippi Market is a food co-op offering locally grown, organic produce, making it a worthwhile stop for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Victorian Homes
Courtesy of Summit Hill Association
The historic Summit Hill neighborhood dates back to the 1860s. Visitors can admire numerous Victorian homes, some vibrantly painted, while others stay true to their original colors. Known for affluence, many houses in Summit Hill have been preserved remarkably.
Five Two Six Gallery
Address: 526 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102-1729, USA
The Five Two Six Gallery offers free admission and showcases contemporary works by local artists. Additionally, it functions as a salon and spa, contributing to the chic atmosphere of Selby Avenue.
Courtesy of Bon Vie Cafe
Address: 485 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 651-287-0112
Both Bon Vie Cafe and A Piece of Cake are located at 485 Selby Avenue. Bon Vie Cafe is highly recommended for lunch, offering delicious croissants, club sandwiches, quiche of the day, and cobb salads. On the other hand, A Piece of Cake features an impressive selection of cakes, brownies, and cookies for those with a sweet tooth.
Courtesy of The St. Paul Curling Club
Address: 470 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102-1727, USA
Phone: +1 651-224-7408
Curious about curling since the last Winter Olympics? Visit the St. Paul Curling Club, which has been located here since 1912. Stop by to learn about the sport or to catch a round.
Courtesy of The Happy Gnome
Address: 498 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 651-219-4233
At the ivy-covered Happy Gnome bar, patrons can enjoy an impressive selection of craft beers alongside delicious brunch options such as Breakfast Poutine and Brisket Sausage Burrito, alongside dinner choices including Dry Rubbed Wings and Grilled Shrimp Tacos.
The Blair Arcade
McGhiever / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the southwest corner of Selby Avenue and Western Avenue, the Blair Arcade, also known as the Blair Flats, was established in 1887 and initially operated as the Angus Hotel. It boasts a place on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Courtesy of The Dacotah Building
Address: 370 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 651-224-5845
Across from the Blair Arcade, the Dacotah Building was constructed by William A Frost in 1888 for a notable $700,000. After a period of decline in the 1940s, it was renovated and transformed into The W A Frost And Company bar and restaurant in 1975, making it an exquisite dining destination.
Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church
Address: 170 Virginia St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 612-270-9980
Located at the corner of Virginia Street and Selby Avenue, the Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church was built in 1886. Designed by noted architect Cass Gilbert, who also crafted the Minnesota State Capitol, the church features a simple yet elegant interior that remains almost in original condition, accessible during non-service times.
Cathedral of St. Paul
Andy445 / Getty Images
Address: 239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 651-228-1766
The stunning Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul, designed by architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, served as the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Construction commenced in 1906 and concluded in 1915.
Believed to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the U.S., it is primarily made from Minnesotan marble, travertine, and granite. Its interior, lit by 24 stained glass windows, showcases an open design aimed at ensuring everyone in the congregation can see and hear the Mass. The iconic copper-clad dome adds to its architectural splendor.
The cathedral welcomes attendees to Mass while explorations are permitted outside of service times and on holidays. Tours are available several times a week; details can be found on the cathedral’s website.
Grand Mansions on Summit Avenue
Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society
Address: 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 651-297-2555
After your visit to the Cathedral, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a prestigious street showcasing Victorian mansions built by railroad and lumber tycoons. The earliest structures date back to the 1860s, each more magnificent than the last. The James J Hill house, located at 240 Summit Avenue, is the most extensive residence in Minnesota.
Besides being an architectural masterpiece, the house is home to the Minnesota Historical Society’s art collection. Visitors can tour the house and galleries, and guided tours are also available.
Hiawatha Sculpture
Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Park Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Phone: +1 612-230-6400
A small park resides on the north side of Summit Avenue, at Western Avenue. Within this park, a fountain features a bronze sculpture of the legendary Native American warrior, Hiawatha. The park was gifted to the city to provide local children with an open space for play.
Address: Maplewood, MN 55109, USA
Lookout Park is aptly named for its stunning views over the Mississippi river bluffs. Currently undergoing renovations, it’s worth a visit for the iconic New York Eagle, a bronze statue from 1980, representing St. Paul’s oldest public sculpture.
Jon Platek / Wikimedia Commons
At Nathan Hale Park, visitors can see a poignant bronze statue of Nathan Hale, the War of Independence hero, who was captured and executed by the British. The statue captures Hale’s valiant demeanor, with his hands tied behind his back, complemented by his famous quote, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” etched on the base.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House & Statue
Address: 599 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102-2605, USA
At 599 Summit Avenue is the rowhouse where author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived for several years and penned his first novel. This style of home appears in many scenes within his literary works. Nearby, at 25 Dale Street, stands the former St. Paul Academy, where Fitzgerald was educated. A bronze statue of the author is located on the steps at the entrance.
