Tale of the Tape: Saint Paul vs. Minneapolis

What’s the difference between Saint Paul and Minneapolis? We’re glad you asked...

The Mississippi River isn’t the only thing that separates Saint Paul from Minneapolis. Though there are only seven miles between their downtowns, both of the Twin Cities have their own unique history and flavor. To help you better understand the nuances of Minnesota’s famous fraternal twins, we put together a little tale of the tape.

THE BASICS

Established

Saint Paul: 1854

Minneapolis: 1867

Population

Saint Paul: 302,398

Minneapolis: 413,651

Story Behind the Name

Saint Paul: Originally called Pig’s Eye for settler Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant, it was renamed after a Catholic pastor who established the Log Chapel of Saint Paul (named for the Apostle St. Paul)

Minneapolis: Combination of Dakota word mni (water) with Greek word polis (city)

Nicknames

Saint Paul: The Capital City, The Saintly City, Pig’s Eye, STP, The 651

Minneapolis: City of Lakes, Mill City, Mini Apple, The 612

City Flag

Saint Paul:

flag of Saint Paul

Minneapolis:

flag of Minneapolis

GEOGRAPHY

County

Saint Paul: Ramsey

Minneapolis: Hennepin

Area Code

Saint Paul: 651

Minneapolis: 612

Square Miles

Saint Paul: 56.18

Minneapolis: 58.4

Number of Lakes

Saint Paul: 7

Minneapolis: 13

Popular Visitor Districts

Saint Paul: Grand Avenue & Summit Avenue, West 7th, Lowertown

Minneapolis: North Loop, Uptown, Northeast, Dinkytown

HISTORY

Properties on National Register of Historic Places

Saint Paul: 104

Minneapolis: 131

Oldest Remaining Bar

Saint Paul: The Spot (1885)

Minneapolis: Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar (1934)

Oldest Park

Saint Paul: Rice Park (1849)

Minneapolis: Murphy Square Park (1857)

JUST FOR FUN

Professional Sports

Saint Paul: Minnesota Wild, St. Paul Saints, Minnesota United FC, Minnesota Whitecaps

Minneapolis: Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Lynx

Famous Folks

Saint Paul: F. Scott Fitzgerald, James. J. Hill, Charles Schulz, Louie Anderson, Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, Jack Morris, Joe Mauer, Josh Hartnett, Herb Brooks, Garrison Keillor

Minneapolis: Prince, Lizzo, Jesse Ventura, Larry Fitzgerald, Walter Mondale

Bronze Statues

Saint Paul: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Herb Brooks, Hubert H. Humphrey, Peanuts Characters

Minneapolis: Mary Tyler Moore, Minnesota Twins icons at Target Field (Tony Oliva, Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek)

Iconic Live Music Venues

Saint Paul: Palace Theatre, Turf Club, Roy Wilkins, Fitzgerald Theatre

Minneapolis: First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, State Theatre, The Dakota, Cedar Cultural Center

Festivals

Saint Paul: Winter Carnival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Irish Fair, Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Hmong New Year

Minneapolis: Twin Cities Pride, Loppet Ski Festival, Aquatennial, Basilica Block Party, U.S. Pond Hockey Championships

Current Notable Local Brews

Saint Paul: Summit, Bad Weather, Urban Growler

Minneapolis: Surly, Fulton, Indeed

Past Notable Local Brews

Saint Paul: Hamm’s, Schmidt, Yoerg, Grain Belt

Minneapolis: Grain Belt

Number of Breweries

Saint Paul: 17

Minneapolis: 32

Spots to Grab a Juicy Lucy

Saint Paul: The Nook, Shamrocks

Minneapolis: Matt’s Bar, 5-8 Club, Blue Door

Fortune 500 Companies

Saint Paul: 3M, Ecolab, St. Jude Medical, Securian Financial

Minneapolis: Target, U.S. Bancorp, General Mills, Ameriprise Financial, Xcel Energy, Thrivent Financial

Colleges and Universities

Saint Paul: University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University, Hamline University, Macalester College, Concordia University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul College, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Minneapolis: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Augsburg University, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, North Central University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Dunwoody College of Technology, Art Institutes International Minnesota

Even though we’re siblings, sometimes we do share. The following popular joints have decided not to play favorites with the twins by opening up locations in both cities.

Don't just take our word for it, get out there and explore the Twin Cities. We're confident you'll find that there's so much to love about each unique city. Share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!

Related Stories

Get Wild for the Wild

It's hockey season once again in the state (and capital city) that does it best. Here's how we get fired up for the Minnesota Frost and Wild in Saint Paul. Learn More

Saint Paul Style Meets Fashion Week Minnesota

Though most of FWMN's semi-annual collection of fashion-related events takes place in Minneapolis, we found a fun way to showcase the fashion here in the Capital City with five new looks from Saint Paul shops and businesses, curated for Fashion Week Minnesota. Learn More