If you're looking for a slice of Twin Cities history without shelling out a dime, you're in luck. Ramsey County is now offering free guided tours for the public at two of Saint Paul's historic sites – Union Depot and Saint Paul City Hall - Ramsey County Courthouse. For those keen on architecture, local history, or simply longing to step outside the routine walks of life, these tours promise to equally inform and inspire.
Union Depot, which has been standing since the early 20th century, is more than just a train station. It's a locale steeped in history and rebirth. According to a recent announcement by Ramsey County, the free tour will enable visitors to learn about the building's heritage, its modern renovations, and efforts to remain sustainable. It's also an opportunity to quickly take in the expanded transit options available. Tours are on the dock without the need to quickly make a reservation — just show up on the third Thursday of each month at noon.
If you can't physically be there or prefer the digital realm, virtual tours can bring the grandeur straight to your screen. You can traverse Union Depot's main floor and its third floor digitally, appreciating the spaces where travelers have tread for decades, now rejuvenated for a new era of transport and commerce. It's a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and the honor of preserving history while embracing the future.
Just a stone's throw away, Saint Paul City Hall - Ramsey County Courthouse stands as another citadel of history. The courthouse tour duties to shine a light on the `Vision of Peace' statue among other artworks and the hallowed government chambers within its walls. The tour's itinerary includes Memorial Hall, the stately Council Chambers, a courtroom, and the Law Library, along with the Cohen Recognition Project. Admirers of both law and architecture might find the combination to be an edifying experience. Courtroom 880 and other parts of this civic landmark can also be explored from the comfort of your home with their own set of virtual tours.
While details on the tours' content are readily available online, the chance to walk the corridors of these institutions, to stand where decisions were made and history unfolded, cannot be digitally replicated. Those interested in attending can find more information on tour dates and private tour offerings for both Union Depot and the courthouse on the county's website. Whether virtually or in person, the tours await to unfold stories of the past that have shaped the present landscape of Saint Paul.
