St. Paul, known as the “Twin City” to its larger neighbor Minneapolis, is a city with a rich history and culture. Known for its parks, museums, and sports teams, St. Paul is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone. But beyond its well-known attractions, there are many fun facts about St. Paul that may surprise even the most well-informed residents. From its unique history and famous residents, to its delicious food and exciting events, check out these interesting facts about St. Paul, MN.
1. St. Paul is the birthplace of F. Scott Fitzgerald
The famous American author, who’s most notably known for his novel The Great Gatsby, was born in St. Paul, MN in 1896.
2. St. Paul was originally called Pig’s Eye
The city of St. Paul has a rich history that dates back to the early days of European settlers and the Dakota people. The city was originally called Pig’s Eye, named after the one-eyed fur trader Pierre Parrant who settled there and established the Pig’s Eye Tavern. Prior to that, the Dakota people referred to the area as “Imnizaska” because of its white rock bluffs.
3. Scotch Tape was invented in St. Paul
In 1930, an engineer at 3M named Richard Drew revolutionized the adhesive industry by inventing Scotch tape. Drew not only created the first transparent adhesive tape, but he also developed the world’s first masking tape in 1925. This tape was a 2-inch-wide tan paper tape that featured a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing.
4. St. Paul is referred to as the “Beer Capital” of Minnesota
While there’s a great craft beer scene in many Minnesota cities, they don’t quite compare to the thriving beer scene in St. Paul. There are dozens of breweries and taprooms throughout the city, each with an array of unique and local options.
5. St. Paul is home to the Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. The fairgrounds cover 320 acres and feature over 400 food vendors with a wide variety of options. From deep-fried cheese curds to Sweet Martha’s bucket of cookies, there are hundreds of delicious and must-try bites.
6. St. Paul enjoys more shoreline than any other Minnesota city
Situated along the Mississippi River, St. Paul has 26 miles of riverfront along the Mississippi. The riverfront offers beautiful views of the city’s skyline and the natural scenery, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
7. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is the only full-time orchestra in the country
Founded in 1959, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) is a world-class chamber orchestra known for its innovative programming and outstanding musicianship. The SPCO has been nominated for several awards and has even won a Grammy.
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