Most days, it’s just a tall landmark everyone drives past. On the rare days the door swings open, it becomes the best seat in town.
Visitors climb the stairs, round after round, until the city spreads out in every direction through the windows. Treetops, rooftops, and winding streets look like a model village, and the whole crowd goes quiet for a second before the cameras come out.
Limited access is part of the thrill, since a view that’s hard to get feels extra special. Tour dates fill up fast, and the people who plan ahead are happy they did.
Watch for the next open day, lace up some comfy shoes, and bring a friend. Few views come with this much anticipation, and Minnesota keeps the secret tucked away until the doors finally open.
A Stone Giant With a Story
My first close look at the tower surprised me. It does not look like a typical water tower at all. Instead of a metal tank on skinny legs, it rises like a castle turret made of brick and stone.
The tower was finished in 1928, back when St. Paul wanted its public buildings to look handsome and proud. Its eight sides, tall arched windows, and decorative top give it the feel of something from an old storybook. Inside, a large steel tank once held water for the growing Highland Park neighborhood.
Today the tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it is officially recognized as an important piece of American history. That is a big honor for a building that was made to hold water. Still, one glance explains why it earned that title.
Take a few minutes to circle the base before heading inside. The brickwork has tiny details that are easy to miss from a car window. Look up, too. The roofline is the best part.
Meet the Architect Behind It
Clarence Wigington is a name I did not know before my visit, and now I cannot forget it. He designed this tower, and his story is just as impressive as the building. Wigington worked as an architect for the City of St. Paul from 1915 to 1949.
He is recognized as one of the first Black municipal architects in the United States. During his long career, he shaped many places that locals still enjoy, including the Como Park Pavilion and the old Public Safety Building downtown.
During the open days, the area around the tower often features pictures and information about his life and work. Reading them while waiting in line makes the time fly. Some visitors even spend extra minutes there just to soak in the history.
Here is a tip. Before you go, read a little about Wigington online or at the library. Knowing who dreamed up this tower makes every brick feel more meaningful.
It also turns a simple climb into a lesson about talent, hard work, and leaving a lasting mark on a city.
Why the Door Stays Locked Most of the Year
Here is the funny part. You can stand right next to this tower almost any day of the year and never get inside. The door stays shut, and that is exactly what makes the open days feel so special.
Saint Paul Regional Water Services takes care of the tower. They usually open it to the public only twice a year, often around a weekend in July and another in October. The exact dates can change, so checking the city website before you go is a smart move.
Because the chance is so rare, people plan ahead. Families mark their calendars. Neighbors text each other reminders. It almost feels like a small local holiday.
I like that it stays a little hard to reach. If it were open every day, it might feel ordinary. Waiting months for your turn builds excitement, kind of like counting down to a birthday.
So keep an eye on the city announcements in early summer and late summer. Missing the window means waiting several more months.
Counting Every One of the 151 Steps
Yes, I counted. There are 151 steps between the ground and the top, and my legs felt every single one.
The good news is that the climb is not scary or super steep. The stairs wind upward in a steady pattern, and narrow windows let in little slices of daylight along the way. You can hear footsteps echoing above and below you, which gives the trip a cozy, shared feeling.
Best of all, there are chairs on the landings. If you need a breather, simply sit down for a minute and let others pass. Nobody is rushing, and kids seem to treat the rest stops like checkpoints in a video game.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Sandals are not a great choice here. A small water bottle helps too, especially on a warm July day when the stairwell can feel a bit stuffy.
Take it slow and steady. The reward at the top is far more fun when you arrive with enough breath left to say wow.
The Moment the View Opens Up
Nothing quite prepared me for that last step. One second I was staring at brick walls, and the next the whole sky seemed to rush in.
The observation deck wraps around the top, so you can slowly turn and see the Twin Cities in every direction. Rooftops spread out like tiny game pieces. Tree lines follow the streets, and the Mississippi River valley curves through the landscape.
The view toward downtown Minneapolis is a real highlight. Its tall towers rise clearly on the horizon, and on a clear day they look close enough to touch. Downtown St. Paul shows up too, though newer water towers nearby block part of it.
Even on cloudy or windy days, you can still see a surprising distance. Gray skies add their own moody beauty, so do not cancel your plans just because the forecast looks dull.
Try playing a game of spot the landmark. Point out churches, bridges, and parks you recognize. It is amazing how different familiar places look from way up here.
Fall Colors From Above
October is my favorite time to make the climb, and I am not alone in thinking that. When the leaves turn, the neighborhoods below become a sea of orange, red, and gold.
From the top, the trees look like giant scoops of colorful ice cream sitting between houses. Highland Park has lots of mature trees, so the color seems to go on forever. The bright leaves also make the gray city buildings stand out even more.
The air is usually crisp in fall, which helps the view feel sharp and clean. Bring a light jacket, though. It can get breezy up high, and the wind loves to sneak through the openings.
Timing matters a little. The peak of fall color in the Twin Cities often lands around early to mid October, which lines up nicely with the usual open days. Some years the leaves are early, and some years they are late.
Either way, a fall visit feels like a postcard you get to step inside. Your camera will stay busy.
Summer Skies in July
Picture a sunny July afternoon with puffy clouds drifting overhead. That is what the summer open day can look like, and it has a totally different mood than fall.
In summer, the view is all about green. Thick leafy treetops cover nearly every street, so the neighborhoods look almost like a forest with roofs poking through. The sky often feels huge and bright, and you can watch cloud shadows slide across the city.
Warm weather does bring a few challenges. The stairwell can get toasty, and lines may move a bit slower when crowds come out. Visiting earlier in the day can help you beat both the heat and the busiest stretch.
Sunscreen and a hat are handy for the wait outside. A hand fan is not a bad idea either. Keep snacks simple, since you will want your hands free on the stairs.
If you can, try visiting in both seasons. Seeing the same view in green and then in gold is a fun way to notice how much the city changes.
A Climb the Whole Family Can Share
Kids love this place. Honestly, so do grown-ups who still feel like kids inside.
The climb is short enough for little ones, especially with chairs on the landings for quick breaks. Toddlers may need a hand or a short carry, but many school-age children charge up the stairs with tons of energy. Teens often enjoy the history and the chance to snap cool photos from the top.
Staff members are usually on hand to share facts and answer questions. Curious kids can ask about how the tower stored water or why it looks like a castle. Those little chats often become the favorite part of the visit.
Plan for about thirty to forty minutes inside, though waiting in line can add extra time. A tip from my own trip is to use the bathroom before you arrive. Restrooms are not available at the tower, which is good to know with young children.
Bring curiosity and patience. This is one of those simple outings that families end up talking about for years.
Exploring the Grounds and Nearby Park
After the climb, I did not want the adventure to end right away. Luckily, the area around the tower makes it easy to linger. The tower sits on a hill near the corner of Snelling Avenue and Ford Parkway.
That high spot is the reason it was built here, since height helps water flow through pipes to homes below. Benches and walking trails nearby give you a chance to rest your legs and look back up at the tower you just conquered.
Highland Park itself spreads out around the area with green space, sports fields, and a golf course. It is a pleasant place for a short stroll or a picnic on a nice day. Kids can burn off any leftover energy while adults catch their breath.
Keep in mind that the tower grounds are watched closely on regular days. Stick to public paths and respect any fenced areas.
Pairing the climb with a park walk turns a quick stop into a full afternoon. It is a relaxing way to wrap things up.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way with a place that opens so rarely. Trust me, nobody wants to show up five minutes after the door closes.
Start by checking the Saint Paul Regional Water Services page for the tower. Open dates and hours are posted there, and they can shift from year to year. Arriving with time to spare is smart, since lines can grow long near closing.
Parking is usually possible nearby, though busy days may require a short walk. Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring water. A phone or camera with a full battery is a must for the view.
Weather can surprise you here. Visitors have climbed on sunny days, rainy weeks, and even during an early snowfall. Each one gives the city a fresh look, so go with the flow.
Most of all, keep your expectations fun and simple. This is a small, special treat close to home. You can find the Highland Park Water Tower at 782 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116, waiting for its next open day.
