Join King Boreas, the Queen of Snows, and the beautiful City of Saint Paul as we celebrate the most magical time of the year in Minnesota!  The Saint Paul Winter Carnival (January 28-February 6, 2005) is one the oldest and largest festivals in the nation with over 75 events. Minnesotans know how to take advantage of the weather and you can experience it for yourself by attending the 2005 Saint Paul Winter Carnival.  The legend of this exciting event dates back to 1886.  It includes a King that rules over Saint Paul's magical winter wonderland and the beautiful Queen of Snows!  The Kings brothers rein over the North, South, East and West winds.  Just as everyone is having a terrific time . . . along comes Vulcanus Rex and his Vulcan Krewe.  A struggle ensues throughout the grand city of Saint Paul and at the close of the carnival Vulcanus Rex overthrows King Boreas and Saint Paulites welcome back the warm weather of Spring!

The Cathedral of Saint Paul (1/2 hour)

Located proudly at the end of John Ireland Boulevard, the Cathedral sits majestically on the highest of Saint Paul's five hills. Modeled after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome and dedicated as a monument to the people of Saint Paul, the Cathedral welcomes visitors inside to see the magnificent architecture. Groups may arrange for a guided group tour through the Saint Paul CVB.   The Cathedral of Saint Paul is one of the largest cathedrals in the United States.

The Minnesota History Center (2 hours)

The Minnesota History Center is one of the Midwest's greatest museums and it's FREE.  Immerse yourself in Minnesota culture and history with many lively exhibits, including the history of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.  Come see the "Weathered" exhibit to learn all about our dramatic seasons.  Motorcoach parking is available. 

Lunch at the Minnesota Café

The Minnesota Café is a great cafeteria with excellent food located inside the History Center.  It works very well for a light snack, an "on their own" lunch stop or as an included luncheon.  Be sure to try the Minnesota Wild Rice soup!

King Boreas Grande Day Parade (2 hours)

The Grande Day Parade is a traditional parade to welcome King Boreas and his royal court back to Saint Paul and officially kick-off the Winter Carnival in style. Thousands of people gather together downtown to see colorful floats, bands and crazy costumed characters parade through the streets.  Choose a downtown hotel and your group can wander back and forth throughout the parade!

James J. Hill House (1 hour)

Home of the Great Northern Railway Empire Builder James J. Hill, the 36,000 square-foot Richardsonion Romanesque mansion, completed in 1891, features a sky lit art gallery, crystal chandeliers, pipe organ, stained glass windows and elaborate woodcarvings.  Explore servant and family life in this gilded age mansion and join the Hill House in welcoming back the Winter Carnival, viewing pieces of Winter Carnival history on a tour of this magnificent home. 

Landmark Center (1-2 hours)

Across from beautiful Rice Park, the Landmark Center or the old Federal Courts Building, houses the court rooms that held trials for the likes of Ma Barker, Al "Creepy" Karpis, and others, with J. Edgar Hoover in attendance. During the Winter Carnival the Landmark Center acts as a magical castle for the King and Queen.  Also located inside, is the Schubert Club, which houses a fine historic collection of keyboard and stringed musical instruments! 

Rice Park Ice Sculptures (1/2 hour)

Located in beautiful Rice Park, one of the oldest parks in the country (older than Central Park in New York City), is the ice sculpting contest.  Carvers work for nearly 48 hours straight to complete each sculpture.  The square is nothing short of magical as visitors wander throughout the park marveling at these spectacular icons of winter.  Just one more thing your group will be talking about on their way home!

Evening Activities

Winter Carnival Royal Coronation (3 hours)

The coronation is the "royal" event of the Winter Carnival, crowning King Boreas and the Queen of Snows.  This spectacular affair includes an elegant reception, dinner and the crowning of the 2004 Royal Family.  Groups will be delighted at the live reenactment of the Winter Carnival Legend.

Klondike Kate Cabaret (3 hours)

While it is not known for sure, it is assumed that when the Winter Carnival began in 1886, Klondike Kate was the first to entertain at the civic event.  She entertained until 1961, and then disappeared for a decade.  In 1971, the Saint Paul Jaycees decided to bring Kate back to the Carnival.  The "Kates" are flamboyant, yet colorful in their flashy, saloon-era costumes singing and dancing in Vaudeville style.  The Klondike Kate contestants strut their stuff and make their presence known Cabaret style! 

Great American History Theatre (2 hours)

For over 25 years, the Great American History Theatre has produced exciting new plays featuring the people, places and events of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.  Their commitment to Minnesota history provides their guests with a unique entertainment experience that stays with them long after the final curtain.  Located in beautiful downtown Saint Paul, they have welcomed more than 5,000 tour groups. 

Brave New Workshop, "Minnesota - It's Not Just for Lutherans Anymore" (2 hours)

Why not continue your Minnesotan winter experience with this "all-things-Minnesotan" comedy, "Minnesota - It's Not Just for Lutherans Anymore."  This is a hilarious hotdish of newly created sketches, along with favorite bits from the 1997 BNW smash-hit of the same title.  The Palace Theatre will be transformed into an authentic VFW hall complete with a savory potluck-style dinner. 

Minnesota Centennial Showboat (2-3 hours)

Complete with breathtaking views of downtown Saint Paul, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat is one of the most beautiful theaters in the country!  Showboat offers a melodrama or period musical.  Dinner and cruise are available with the show.

For more information and restaurant/accommodation recommendations please call:

Mark Dziuk
Tourism Group Sales Manager
(651) 265-4906
(800) 627-6101 ext. 4906
[email protected]