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Visit the Minnesota State Capitol!

The Minnesota State Capitol Building is open seven days a week year-round and it closes for major holidays. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5. Free guided tours are available; sign up at the Capitol Information and Tour Center located in Room 126 on the first floor to the right side of the main (south) entrance. For more information, visit the Minnesota State Capitol website.

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Gale Family Library Minnesota Historical Society Library

Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center 345 West Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102

Library Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm Sunday to Wednesday: Closed  

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• Last Updated: Dec 20, 2023 3:07 PM
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State Capitol Historic Site

State Capitol Historic Site 75 Rev Dr MLK Jr Blvd Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

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Themed Tours at the Minnesota State Capitol

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Minnesota’s history, then the State Capitol is the place to be. Built in 1905 after nearly 12 years of planning and construction, the building was considered one of the most beautiful public buildings in the country. Cass Gilbert , a 35-year-old local architect, designed the building that cost roughly $4.5 million to construct (equivalent to about $90 million today). Once completed, it became the third building to serve as Minnesota’s seat of government and featured an extraordinary dome, golden horses (the Quadriga), marble columns, and other stunning features that helped it land a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Because of the bounty of history and thought that was put into this building, it can be easy to miss things. Taking a themed tour is a perfect solution, as it gives you the opportunity to see a more specified side of the Capitol. Throughout September and October, the Minnesota Historical Society is offering a number of these tours. See which one(s) interest you the most.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

Capitol Art and Artists Tour: Sept. 21, 7 p.m. View the works and hear the stories of artists like Kenyon Cox, Edwin Blashfield, John LaFarge, and Elmer Garnsey. Learn about America’s muralist movement (1890s-1910), when symbolism and allegory were used in artwork in public buildings. See how the architecture, murals, sculptures, and decoration come together to create a cohesive design. Tickets: $9 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17, $2 discount for MHS members.

Capitol Civil War Tour: Sept. 29, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. This tour focuses on Minnesota’s role in the Civil War. Find out why the Capitol contains artifacts, paintings, and memorials, learn about current efforts to conserve battle flags and see statues of famous state officers. During the tour, a visitor will be dressed as a new recruit, wearing an outfit typical of a Union soldier. Tickets: $9 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17, $2 discount for MHS members.

Shadows and Spirits of the State Capitol: Oct. 18-20 & 25-27, 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit as you move through the eerily lit rotunda, hallways, and chambers—lighting similar to what existed when the building first opened. Hear stories of the Capitol’s early history from historical “spirits,” including a night watchman, Civil War veteran, woman suffragist, dome foreman, and artist who decorated the Supreme Court Chamber. Tours leave every 30 minutes. Tickets: $12 adults, $11 seniors and college students, $9 children ages 6-17, $2 discount for MHS members.

If these tours only inspire you to learn more, the Capitol offers free (with a suggested $5 donation) guided tours year-round. And if self-guided tours are more your style, pick up a $2 brochure at the Capitol information desk and embark on the Capitol Mall Walking Tour or the State Capitol Art Treasures Hunt . General tours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 1-3 p.m.; self-guided tours: Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.

Minnesota State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul 612-296-2881, mnhs.org

Note: Reservations are required for themed tours, so make sure to plan ahead!

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Minnesota State Capitol Tours – Free Guided Tours

Step inside the Minnesota State Capitol through its historic tours. Situated in the heart of Saint Paul, this current Capitol building boasts a remarkable interior. It showcases a stunning blend of old-world charm and modern functionality.

Take a Minnesota State Capitol Tour and learn about the stories and unique insights behind this iconic symbol of Minnesota’s governance.

As a proud Minnesotan, this is a must see attraction. We took at tour just after it reopened after its historic renovations, and just went back to show the kids. It was more impressive the second time around!

What is the Minnesota State Capitol?

The Minnesota State Capitol is a magnificent building located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It serves as the seat of the state government and is a significant landmark in the Twin Cities. The Capitol building is not only a hub for politics but also a testament to the rich history and art of Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Capitol building was built in 1905. It’s a famous building that shows off the amazing designs of its creator, Cass Gilbert.

The Capitol has a beautiful dome, fancy marble decorations, and a big open space called a rotunda. If you’re interested in history or architecture, you definitely need to check it out. It’s a place that will leave you in awe!

Third Minnesota State Capitol

This is actually the third State Capitol of Minnesota. The First capital burned in 1881 during a legislative session. The second capitol was completed in 1883.

They soon realized that the new capitol was not big enough, wasn’t fireproof and has poor ventilation. Work started on the current Minnesota State Capitol Building in 1896. 

A Quick overview of Capitol History

The Capitol’s architectural design is awe-inspiring. From the roof to the dome and the chambers within, every detail is meticulously crafted.

The architect, Cass Gilbert, used was inspired by Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical design. He wanted it to look elegant and impressive. Cass Gilbert went on to design the U.S. Supreme Court Building.

On the outside, there are sculptures that decorate the building, like the famous Quadriga. The exterior is adorned with sculptures of eagles. The most recognizable is the famous Quadriga which symbolizes progress and prosperity.

It has the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world. The capital building is made from a combination of Limestone, Marble and Granite.

The only material not sourced from Minnesota is the Marble. To keep it Minnesota in nature, they had all the raw marble shipped in and cut in Minnesota. 

Capitol Restoration

The capitol recently went through a $310 Million dollar restoration project between 2013-2017. 

The restoration brought back the original appearance of the paintings and murals adorning the capital. Also, they also did some much-needed repair work to the marble on the exterior.

They fixed up the skylights of the dome structures. In the renovations, they moved offices and made almost 40,000 square feet for public gathering spaces. 

Can you visit the Minnesota State Capitol? 

Yes, the capitol is open to the public 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday Through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. They close on most national holidays.

You are fere to walk around and explore the different rooms and exhibit during public hours. 

the Minnesota State Capitol Tours

There are two different tours offered, guided or  self-guided tour . The self-guided itinerary is available in the Tour Office. You’ll get to explore on your own the different aspects of the capitol

Why should you take a guided tour of the Minnesota State Capitol?

Taking a guided tour of the Minnesota State Capitol is the way to go in my personal opinion.

You’ll get an overview of capitol history, art, and functioning of the Minnesota state government.

They also tell the story of the artwork, historical elements and decorative parts. But the real perk is getting into locked rooms you wouldn’t normally see.

Key highlights of the guided tour

During the guided tour, you’ll get to visit various rooms and chambers. You’ll get to sit inside the Supreme Court, enter the Setnet and House Camber, view the governor’s reception area, and even stand onto the roof.

Free guided tour availability

Good news for visitors! The guided tours of the Minnesota State Capitol are free of charge. They run at the top of the hour, and last about 45 minutes long.

What can you expect during the tour?

A visit to the Minnesota State Capitol a journey told through history, art, and architecture. Depending on the time of year and weather, you will get to see some or all of these things on the tour. Here’s what you can expect during the tour:

The Rotunda

The grand Rotunda is the large room in the center of the building. The is where you can view the inner dome and the impressive artwork. 

In the glass display cases, you’ll see State Flags that Minnesota soldiers carried into battle during in the Civil War and the Spanish-American wars. This is on the first floor.

I also recommend visiting the second floor to peer down on everything and get a closer look at the artwork. 

Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber

The house chamber is the largest room in the building. It is used for both the house of representatives and joint sessions. Around it you’ll see the name of four French explorers, LaSalle, Hennepin, Perrot and Du Luth. When on the tour, you’ll be let into the gallery. 

Minnesota Senate Chamber

The senate chamber is very similar to the house chamber but on a smaller scale. They have a viewing chamber behind the president of the senate’s desk. You can view it during legislative sessions.

I’ve been on the tour twice and have gotten access to the floor of the chamber on one tour. If it’s not open, or if you don’t take an official tour, can you peer in through the locked gates. 

Governor’s Reception Room

The Governor Reception Room is decorated with white oak and overlayed with gold-tinted meatal leaf. There is a large hand-carved mahogany table in the center designed by the original architect. This room is a workspace and also used for press conferences. 

The Minnesota Supreme Court

The Minnesota Supreme Court is accessible during tours too. It has three rows of benches for visitors. It has notable artwork surrounding it symbolizes the legal system through different periods of time. And leaving you’ll see the statement “Where Law Ends Tyranny Begins”.

The Quadriga aka the Horses and Chariot

One of the highlights of the tour is getting to stand one the roof and see the Quadriga. It’s more commonly known as the golden horses and chariot.

They’ll take you up a spiral staircase with 65 steps and lead you out. Around the capitol, you’ll reach the statues and get one of the most impressive views of St Paul. 

The sculpture is made from gilded copper hammered around a steel frame. It is covered with gold leaf. The leafing needs to be replaced every 20 years.

Rathskeller cafeteria

On the ground floor you’ll find the Rathskeller Cafeteria. This is designed to resemble a German Dining tall. It was restored in 1999 with the original German mottoes and floral designed. It’s open for dining during the legislative’s session.

The vault is under the main rotunda, showing the foundation of the capitol. This was not included on either guided tour I took, but we were encouraged to explore on our own. It was impressive. You’ll find picture in the halls of the original construction.

Meeting Rooms and Public Art

Throughout the capital you’ll find various meeting rooms. Mostly on the second floor. There is a also an art gallery. They host different events along with a chance to learn more about the capital. 

How to plan your visit to the Minnesota State Capitol?

To make the most of your visit to the Minnesota State Capitol, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are some essential aspects to consider:

Available tour hours

The guided tours run during the top of the hour. Make sure to check the official website or contact the Minnesota Historical Society for the updated tour schedule. They also have field trips and custom tours available.

How to get a guided tour of the MN State Capitol?

It’s pretty east to get a tour. Just show up. Walk into the capitol through the main steps. Take the first right and you’ll reach a small room number 126, the Capitol Information and Tour Center. This where all tours start. It also serves at the capitol’s gift shop.

If you show up a few minutes late, they’ll let you know where you can join the current tour. Otherwise, you can wait for the next tour to start. 

Location and directions to the Capitol

The Minnesota State Capitol is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is easily accessible by public transportation and has ample parking facilities for those who prefer to drive. Detailed directions can be found on the official website or obtained from the visitor center.

On the weekends, as long as there is no event going on outside, you’ll probably have ample opportunity to park in visitors lots, or on the street. Capitol Parking costs $2 an hour. There is no charge for parking on the weekends.

Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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New website guide and feedback form

A 1905 masterpiece returned to its original grandeur

Be a part of history as it's happening

Connect with this landmark building designed by Cass Gilbert through its amazing stories — and learn about its incredible architecture, art and history.

Guided tours

Monday-Friday First tour: 9:00 am Last tour: 4:00 pm 

Saturday   First tour: 10:00 am Last tour: 2:00 pm

Sunday Closed

Admission is free.   Suggested donation of $5 for guided tours.

Building hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Sunday: Closed

Getting here

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd St. Paul, MN [email protected] 651-296-2881

Visit the Department of Admin's Public Parking page  for information about street parking, disability parking, bicycle racks, EV charging stations, and more.

What to see and do

Take a guided tour

Discover the capitol’s incredible history, art, and architecture, and connect with its amazing stories on a free guided tour.

See the legislative chambers

Visit the chambers where government decisions are made. Learn about the legislative process while taking in the building’s incredible architecture, art, and history.

Suggested itinerary

Not sure where to start? Learn about some of the most popular spots at the capitol. Choose a few or visit them all.

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• Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 9 am-4 pm; Sat.: 10 am-3 pm; Sun.: 1-4 pm

A 1905 masterpiece returned to its original grandeur. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the Minnesota State Capitol is considered an architectural treasure. From gleaming marble to vibrant art, the Minnesota State Capitol’s comprehensive, four-year restoration — the largest preservation effort since it first opened in 1905 — was completed in 2017 and does not disappoint. The Capitol is open to visitors for self-guided or guided tours. Please check our website for hours.

Contact Information

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• 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
• St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
• Phone: (651) 296-2881
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New website guide and feedback form

Admission to the State Capitol is free. Suggested donation of $5 per person for guided tours.

The Minnesota State Capitol is also open for self-guided tours .

Free guided tour times

Tours leave at the top of the hour and are 45 minutes. Tours begin at the Capitol Information and Tour Center located in Room 126 on the first floor to the right side of the main (south) entrance.

See holiday schedule below.

Building hours

The information desk opens at 8:30 am on weekdays. 

2024 Holiday schedule

• Presidents' Day, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (February 19, 2024)
• Independence Day, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (July 4, 2024)
• Christmas Eve, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (December 24, 2024)
• New Year's Eve, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (December 31, 2024)
• New Year's Day (January 1, 2024)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15, 2024)
• Easter (March 31, 2024)
• Memorial Day (May 27, 2024)
• Juneteenth (June 19, 2024)
• Labor Day (September 2, 2024)
• Veterans Day (November 11, 2024)
• Thanksgiving (November 28, 2024)
• Day after Thanksgiving (November 29, 2024)
• Christmas Day (December 25, 2024)
• New Year's Day 2025 (January 1, 2025)

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• Legislature
• Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About the Minnesota Legislature

Visiting the capitol, 1 . do you have travel directions to the minnesota state capitol.

The Minnesota State Capitol is located on the north side of downtown St. Paul. It is accessible from the east and west on I-94, and from the north and south on I-35E.

Minnesota State Capitol (map) 75 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155

The directions are to either Ramp F (from Rice Street) or metered parking on John Ireland Boulevard, but there are other parking options available.

• From eastbound I-94: Exit at Marion Street. Turn left. Go to Aurora Avenue and turn right. Go one block, turn right onto Rice Street, then left into Ramp F.
• From westbound I-94: Exit at Marion Street. Turn right. Go to Aurora Avenue and turn right. Go one block, turn right onto Rice Street, then left into Ramp F.
• From northbound I-35E: Exit at Kellogg Boulevard. Turn left. Go to John Ireland Boulevard and turn right. Metered parking spaces line both sides of the boulevard.
• From southbound I-35E: Exit at University Avenue. Turn right. Go to Rice Street and turn left. Turn left into Ramp F.

2 . Where do I park when I visit the Capitol?

The Minnesot Department of Administration has a public parking page .This includes a map with accessible parking locations noted .

Additional parking information is available on the directions and parking page of the Minnesota State Capitol website from the Minnesota Historical Society. The accessibility page of the Capitol website has links to accessible parking information and maps. 

Keep in mind that parking is very limited during the legislative session (January-May). You may want to consider public transportation . Both the Metro Transit bus line and the Green Line light rail have stops near the Capitol.

There is a video offering parking options from the Minnesota Senate Media Services, which can also give you some pointers.

3 . Are tours of the Capitol available?

Free  indoor guided and self-guided tours are available.

Minnesota Senate Media Services has a brief video tour as well.

4 . Who is allowed on the floor of the Senate?

The only people admitted on the floor of the Senate Chamber are members of the Senate and House, constitutional officers, ex-governors of Minnesota, judges of the Trial and Appellate Courts, members of Congress, members of the press, and Senate staff.

See also the FAQ: Are visitors allowed to attend sessions of the Senate and House?

5 . Who is allowed on the floor of the House?

The only people admitted on the floor of the House Chamber are members of the House and Senate, constitutional officers, ex-governors of Minnesota, judges of the Trial and Appellate Courts, members of Congress, members of the press, and House staff. The House rules note that a "family member of a member" is also allowed. In addition, some allowances are made for special visitors to go onto the House floor. The House rules contains a complete list of those admitted.

6 . Are visitors allowed to attend sessions of the Senate and House?

Yes. Public galleries are accessible from the third floor of the Capitol.

No passes are required except for opening day and when the Legislature meets in joint session. The Sergeant-at-Arms may be contacted for seats for groups in the galleries.

No visitors are allowed on the floor of the Senate. Some visitors are allowed on the House floor, but they must obtain permission.

No smoking is permitted on the floor of the Senate, the House, or in the galleries.

Public photos are prohibited. Staff photographers in both the House and Senate are allowed to photograph proceedings.

Applause, demonstrations, and food and beverages are also prohibited in the galleries.

7 . Is photography allowed in the Capitol building?

There are few restrictions for taking photographs in the Capitol - including using tripods/monopods or flash photography.

The restrictions are:

• If a photo shoot requires a lot of equipment (i.e. Stand-alone lighting, taking up public space for a length of time, etc.), permission is required. Contact the Minnesota Department of Administration's Facilities Management Office at 651-201-2300.
• In the public galleries of the House and Senate chamber while the legislature is in session, public photos are prohibited. Staff photographers in both the House and Senate are allowed to photograph proceedings.

8 . Who do I contact to schedule an event at the Capitol?

Approval and coordination of special events and public rallies within Capitol Complex buildings and grounds is managed by the Department of Administration .

• For information on event permits, equipment rental, and event resources visit the Public Events Web page.
• To find an event, check the Capitol Complex Events Schedule Web page.

See also the FAQ: How do I schedule a press conference or reserve a room at the Capitol?

9 . How do I schedule a press conference or reserve a room at the Capitol?

Please use the Capitol Complex Reservations page to book a room. In the Capitol building, there are meeting rooms for the public on the third floor. You can drop in to the Public Business Center in room 318. There are other rooms that you can reserve on that floor including: Cass Gilbert Library Room (317A), or conference rooms (309A, 316, 317, 317B). The G20A conference room is on the ground floor and is reservable. The press conference room in the Capitol is Room B971. For questions about access to Capitol spaces contact the Department of Administration at 651-201-2300.

If you would like to reserve a Senate hearing room, please fill out the Request for Use of Senate Facilities form . Contact the Senate Sergeant at Arms at 651-296-0866 with any questions.

To reserve a House hearing room, please contact the House room scheduler at 651-296-0306.

If you’re looking for available space to work without a reservation, you can use the Public Business Center in room 318 in the Capitol. In the State Office Building, you can use the Legislative Reference Library on the 6th floor. In the Minnesota Senate Building, there are many chairs throughout the hallways or you can drop by the Legislative Reference Library on the 3rd floor.

See also the FAQ: Who do I contact to schedule an event at the Capitol?

10 . Is there a guide to the Capitol for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The accessibility page on the Minnesota State Capitol website from the Minnesota Historical Society contains information such as entrances available for visitors with limited mobility and services available for visitors with hearing or visual impairment.

For more information, call: 651-259-3292 TTY: 651-282-6073 or email: [email protected]

11 . What food services are available in the Capitol?

The Transportation Building cafeteria is open all year: Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

During session, the Rathskeller Café in the basement of the State Capitol is open Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

There is a convenience store on the second floor of the State Capitol operated by Services for the Blind, which is open periodically during session.

On nice weather days, you may see food trucks lined up on John Ireland Blvd.

The Rathskeller (Capitol Café) is in the basement of the State Capitol Building and will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Weekly menus are available online.

The Rathskeller Café (Capitol cafeteria), located in the basement, is open during the legislative session. Cafeterias in other Capitol Complex buildings are open year-round. The cafeterias closest to the Capitol building are in the Centennial Office Building and the Transportation Building. Weekly menus are available online.

12 . Is there a map of the Capitol available?

There are several maps available from the Minnesota Department of Administration about the Capitol Complex area. The State Capitol Complex Visitor Map (PDF) is a full map of all buildings, parking facilities and public transportation locations in the Capitol Complex.

The Geospacial Information Office has an Interactive Map of the Capitol Area (Web page). Click on a location to get directions via Google Maps.

13 . Are lactation rooms available?

There are lactation rooms available in the Capitol, Minnesota Senate Building, and the State Office Building.

Capitol - Room 104A is the Mother's Room. It is located on the first floor of the Capitol Building near the elevators/stairwell between the North and West corridors.

Minnesota Senate Building - Two rooms are available: G007 and G008. They are each labeled "Nursing Mother Room" and are located on the ground floor across from the double elevators.

State Office Building - One room is available. A key can be requested from House Human Resources on the first floor. During the legislative session the room is in high demand, so there may be a wait to access it.

14 . Are public hearings wheelchair-accessible?

Hearing rooms in the Minnesota Senate Building and the State Office Building are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs.

The State Capitol is wheelchair accessible except for the roof. Please see the accessibility page of the Minnesota State Capitol website for more details.

The Capitol Complex has designated parking and entrance ramps to provide easy access to the buildings, including the Minnesota Senate Building, State Office Building, and Capitol. The Minnesota State Capitol Directions and Parking page has more detailed parking information.

For individual assistance, contact:

• Minnesota State Capitol at 651-296- 2881
• Senate Sergeant at Arms at 651-296-1119 for help in the Minnesota Senate Building and Senate Chamber in the Capitol Building.
• House Sergeant's Office at 651-296-4860 for help in the State Office Building and House Chamber in the Capitol Building.

Wheelchair-accessible public access computers for using the Legislative website are available at:

• The Legislative Reference Library, 3238 Minnesota Senate Building.
• The Legislative Reference Library, 645 State Office Building.
• House Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building.

15 . Are there wheelchairs available?

Two wheelchairs are available, courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society, at the Capitol Information and Tour Center for visitor use in the State Capitol only. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Minnesota Historical Society with questions: 651-259-3292.

16 . Where are the best locations for drop off and pick up for Metro Mobility?

The address for the Minnesota State Capitol is 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and that street location will work for vehicles under 8.2ft. If you are arriving or departing in a larger vehicle, use the bus cut-out on Cedar Ave: 44°57'16.6"N 93°06'03.5"W. Please see the accessibility page on the Minnesota State Capitol website for more details.

Minnesota Senate Building

The address for the Minnesota Senate Building is 95 University Ave W. There is a drop off and pick up location on Park St. to the west of the building: 44°57'23.1"N 93°06'13.2"W.

State Office Building

The address for the Minnesota State Office Building is 100 Rev Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. There is a turnaround on Fuller Ave south of the building that is used for drop off and pick up: 44°57'14.2"N 93°06'18.0"W.

17 . Where is the lost and found?

The official repository for lost and found items at the Capitol Complex is the Facilities Management Office in G10 in the Admin Building .

If you lost something recently, please contact these offices first:

• Capitol Building: Capitol Information and Tour Center located in Room 126 on the first floor to the East side of the main entrance (South entrance).
• Minnesota Senate Building: Senate Information desk located on the ground floor.
• State Office Building: the Sergeant's Office located in room G-85 on the ground floor.

18 . What public spaces are available in the Capitol, the State Office Building, and the Minnesota Senate Building?

If you'd like to reserve a room, please use the  Capitol Complex Reservations page . In the Capitol building, there are meeting rooms for the public on the third floor. You can drop in to the Public Business Center in room 318. There are other rooms that you can reserve on that floor including: Cass Gilbert Library Room (317A), or conference rooms (309A, 316, 317, 317B). The G20A conference room is on the ground floor and is reservable. The press conference room in the Capitol is Room B971. For questions about access to Capitol spaces contact the  Department of Administration  at 651-201-2300.

If you would like to reserve a Senate hearing room, please fill out the  Request for Use of Senate Facilities form . Contact the Senate Sergeant at Arms at 651-296-0866 with any questions.

19 . How will the State Office Building renovation project affect my visit?

During the 2024 legislative session, the State Office Building will remain open to the public and some committee hearings will be held in the building. However, the tunnel between the State Office Building and the Capitol is closed. The North door of the State Office Building will remain closed as well.

While House members and their staff will remain in the State Office Building until after session adjourns, some building tenants have already moved to new locations. Please check with individual offices for the most recent update on their location and availability.

20 . What hours are the Capitol and legislative buildings open?

The Minnesota State Capitol  building hours are: 

• Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Sunday: Closed

The Minnesota Senate Building is open Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm during session, with reduced hours in the interim. 

The State Office Building is open Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, with exceptions for late committee hearings and reduced hours in the interim. See also the FAQ: How will the State Office Building renovation project affect my visit?

The tunnel between the State Office Building and the Capitol is temporarily closed during construction. The tunnel between the Minnesota Senate Building and the Capitol is open Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The tunnels between buildings are open the same hours as the buildings they connect.

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Shadows and Spirits Tours at Minnesota State Capitol

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ST. PAUL ( WJON News ) -- This fall you can see the Minnesota State Capitol the way it would have looked when it opened back in 1905.

The Shadows and Spirits tours will be happening during two weekends in October.

Site Manager Brian Pease says the tour is different than the regular day tour and it is a unique experience to see the capitol in the evening.

We recreate all the historic lighting in the building, so it is as if you are walking into the building in 1905 when it opened to the public for the first time.  And, as you tour through the building, you run into historical characters who tell you stories about different parts of the building or some role they might have played.

Pease says the tour starts at the Capitol Rotunda with stops at the Governor's Reception Room, the Senate and House Chambers, and the Supreme Court.

Pease says it took nine years to build the capitol which opened to the public in 1905 as a showplace.

It had electric lights, which is one of the neat parts of lowering the lights this is what is would have looked like in 1905 if you were here in the evening, because they didn't have a lot of options with electric bulbs at that time.

The one-hour guided tours are October 19th through the 21st and October 26th through the 28th. Pease says this is their biggest special event of the year and the tours usually sell out, so if you want to go you should reserve your tickets soon .

The cost for tickets is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for children.

The Minnesota State Capitol was completely repaired and restored from 2013 through 2017.

If you can't make it to one of the special evening tours, the Capitol does have regular day tours Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Minnesota service members march on State Capitol for Veterans Day on the Hill

Veterans from around Minnesota marched to the State Capitol on Wednesday for the annual Veterans Day on the Hill.

The event is to show support for veterans issues being considered by the Minnesota Legislature, including ending veteran homelessness.

“We need more voices,” Sandi Brownstein with Disabled American Veterans said. “We need to be louder. We need everybody to care and put it as their priority, not just ours.”

Vietnam veteran Larry Kantor has experienced homelessness and now has a place to call home.

“I just love that I have a place that I can actually just pay my rent and not be worried about tomorrow,” Kantor said. 

Key issues at the event include supporting a veteran-specific omnibus bill, along with increasing property tax relief for disabled veterans and surviving spouses of deceased veterans.

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL)

Staying in the legislative loop with lucy.

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Welcome to the ‘season of disappointments’ — where bills make it (or don’t) at Minnesota Capitol

Minnesota lawmakers will near a key deadline this week before the final sprint of the legislative session.

Friday marks the third legislative deadline, which means that any bill with a state spending component has to move through key finance committees in each chamber.

The funnel is the latest reckoning for the massive stack of bills at the Capitol. 

“We are in a season of disappointments,” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said in describing this point in the 2024 session. “And there are those bills that just won’t make it.”

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Policy bills have been moving and had their deadlines already. But this week marks the time to get budget touch-up bills and others with a price tag through committee so they’re ready for floor votes in the last five weeks of session. There are workarounds for late breaking bills; tardy proposals need a special accommodation from an extra committee in either chamber.

But ahead of the filter, here’s a look at some of the measures expected to make it and others on the cusp.

What’s on the fence?

As lawmakers move a raft of supplemental budget bills through committees, some DFL priorities are getting thrown overboard due to financial constraints.

DFL lawmakers had proposed adding a public option to MinnesotaCare — the state’s health insurance program for low-income people. But last week they said they don’t expect to move forward with that this year due to the hit to the state budget.

Leaders have also said that the so-called “Missing Middle” bill that would bar local governments from blocking some higher-density housing due to zoning restrictions would not advance.

“I think it’s an intriguing policy proposal whose time has not yet come in Minnesota,” Horman told reporters earlier this month.

Other plans might have to get scaled back to meet the realities of the state’s finances.

DFLers came in with proposals to require coverage of various kinds of health care services — from prosthetics to abortion, to in-vitro fertilization to wigs for cancer patients. And legislative leaders said they’re running the numbers on which of those services the state can afford this year.

Plans to boost subsidies for families to cover the cost of child care could also be shrunk down from initial proposals, as could a proposed pilot program to provide universal basic income to low-income Minnesotans.

Legislative leaders have been trying to moderate expectations with their caucuses and groups that have come to the Capitol asking for money. After a significant spending year last year, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, said she’s reminding folks that it’s not a budget year.

“In the second year of the biennium, there are often supplemental budgets but they're not the same size or scale of what we do in a budget year,” Murphy said. “And it is important, I think, to remember that we made a significant move on child care last year and we’re going to continue to build on that both with policy and in setting the budget next year.” 

A proposal to legalize sports betting in Minnesota has a roughly 50-50 shot this year, Hortman said. DFL lawmakers have also worked quickly to pass a bill that would block proposed historical horse racing bets.

In the works

After the Minneapolis City Council last week approved an extension for the rollout of their ordinance governing rideshare driver pay and protections, DFL leaders said they’re still at work on a statewide policy.

Legislative leaders and Walz administration officials said they’d been working behind the scenes with Minneapolis city officials, rideshare companies, drivers and others to try and work out a plan that everyone can get behind.

DFL leaders said it helps to have that buffer since Minneapolis voted to pause implementation of their ordinance until July. That’ll give the Legislature until their mid-May adjournment deadline to reach consensus.

“I think that will give us more time to work together,” House Majority Leader Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, told MPR News. “We’re, I think, all moving in the same direction.”

Top lawmakers said they’re still working on a capital investment bill — the one approving a package of construction projects — expected to add up to $980 million or more. State and local governments put in more than $7 billion in requests for road and bridge repairs, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, local recreation centers and more.

“There are deep needs across the state; people have made lots of requests. We won’t meet all those requests. We never do,” Murphy told MPR News’ Morning Edition last week.

Republicans have unique leverage in discussions about capital investment because their votes are needed to let the state take on debt to fund projects. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, said his caucus is prioritizing local projects — especially those that deal with roads, bridges and water treatment.

Others might have to wait, he said, since the state passed a $2.6 billion package last year.

“Those dollars are still going out into communities,” Johnson said. “So our caucus is being very, very careful on what projects are going to go into this new bill.”

Lawmakers have until May 20 to wrap up their business.

MPR News reporter Clay Masters contributed to this reporting.

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Local News | ‘Is Minneapolis good?’ How a Russian…

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Local News | ‘Is Minneapolis good?’ How a Russian transgender refugee found hope in Minnesota — and a friend at the airport

He and his partner crossed the southern border seeking asylum. only one made it this far..

Erik Georgievich Beda arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last month on a United flight from Chicago with nothing but a small plastic bag containing his Russian passport and other paperwork.

Beda, who knows only a few words of English, had no money. He hadn’t eaten for almost 24 hours. He arrived in snowy Minnesota wearing all the clothes he had: a button-down long-sleeve shirt, green hiking pants and hiking boots without shoelaces.

“When the plane landed in Minneapolis, I saw that there was a snowstorm outside,” Beda said through a translator. “It was very snowy and frosty. I had no warm clothes, no shoelaces, no food and no money. I decided that the airport police might be able to help me.”

Beda, 36, stopped the first airline employee he saw, and, using Google Translate, asked to be taken to “airport police.” He was instead brought to the Travelers Assistance station on Level D, where volunteers immediately began to help.

“At first, I tried to explain as best I could in English, but my pronunciation is very bad, and no one understood me,” Beda said.

Through a Russian interpreter, the Travelers Assistance staff learned that Beda, a transgender male, had fled Russia with his partner, Ivan Beda, because of the country’s widespread crackdown on LGBTQ+ people and outlawing of gender changes in identity and gender-affirming medical care.

“They are considered a terrorist and an enemy of the state,” said John Pundsack, a Travelers Assistance volunteer who befriended Beda at the airport. “Erik and Ivan were truly running for their lives.”

The couple left Russia on Dec. 23, flying to Istanbul and then on to Mexico City. After two months in Mexico, they crossed the border into Arizona and were detained there.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would not keep Erik Beda in detention due to an inability to house a trans person, medical needs (hormones) and liability, Pundsack said.

Only Erik Beda was provided travel from Phoenix to Chicago to MSP. Ivan Beda is still being detained; he is now at the Folkston, Ga., ICE Processing Center.

Retired teacher, travelers’ assistant

When Beda arrived at MSP on March 22, Travelers Assistance staff called Pundsack to help. Pundsack, 57, worked past his normal “Go Guide” shift to make sure Beda got the help he needed, including food and water, said Travelers Assistance operations manager John Hewitt.

Pundsack, a retired teacher who lives in Woodbury, went to his car and got his blue Minnesota Twins sweatshirt for Beda to wear. He found a backpack in Lost and Found for Beda to use, found a shelter in Minneapolis that could take Beda for the night and organized an Uber to transport Beda to Christ Family Kingdom Center shelter at 6 p.m.

Volunteers and staff also provided a coat, sweatpants, cash, bathroom supplies and a SIM card for his phone.

“They renewed my hope in humanity,” Beda said. “They give me trust in people.”

Pundsack has been in daily contact with Beda since their first meeting.

“Saturday night I got a chance to chat with our young man and he is safe in a shelter,” Pundsack wrote in an email to Travelers Assistance staff on March 24. “He said he got a shower today and they even did his laundry. Such things we take for granted. He was so happy.”

Beda, Pundsack wrote, had been in contact with an immigration lawyer and an LGBTQ+ support group.

“I asked him if he has enough to eat, and his response was ‘Yes, and it’s tasty. I got fruit for dessert today,’” Pundsack wrote in his email. “It has been weeks since he has had fruit. Tonight we ended our conversation by him saying, ‘I think that nothing in life is accidental. Everything that happens is the necessary part of the plan. Some bad events turn out to be something good in the end.’ So now, hopefully, he can find his husband, and they can reunite and start life over.”

Pundsack and his husband, Joe Briol, and their neighbor, Katie Rust, have been helping Beda since his arrival. They contacted the Advocates for Human Rights on his behalf, and attorneys there are helping with his asylum case. They also helped schedule medical appointments, including an appointment with an endocrinologist. The dental clinic Pundsack uses, Grand Avenue Dental, donated the time and materials to fix Beda’s cracked molar.

Pundsack, Briol and Rust also have organized a GoFundMe fundraising page to raise money for the Bedas to pay for Ivan Beda’s legal fees. They are looking for an attorney in Georgia to take Ivan Beda’s case, so a bond can be set for his release.

Erik Beda has an asylum hearing set for April 2025. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office reached out to him last week to offer assistance.

‘Is Minneapolis good?’

“As members of the LGBTQ community, Ivan and Erik faced persecution their whole lives together in Russia from family and neighbors,” according to the GoFundMe site . “They experienced physical attacks and eventually they were threatened with arrest by authorities who found out that Erik was trans. Both men are educated biologists who specialized in zoology. They owned a home in the country and raised cattle.”

The Bedas had to flee when authorities found out about the couple and issued an order for Erik Beda’s arrest, Erik said. They abandoned their farmstead and gave Manny, their beloved Australian cattle dog, back to the breeder.

“We were able to leave because the order for my arrest was issued in my former female name,” Erik Beda said. “But my documents, including my Russian passport, had already been changed, and we went unnoticed. A lot depends on luck.”

Beda said he barely got through customs in Moscow because he had masculinizing hormone therapy drugs with him.

“In Russia, testosterone preparations are equated to hard drugs,” he said. “You can go to prison for 10 years for them. Luckily, my endocrinologist did good paperwork for my medication — although she could pay for this with her position and freedom, so I was able to pass.”

The couple spent two months in Mexico City attempting to apply for asylum in the U.S. “We went every single day to request this appointment to seek asylum, and we were never granted an appointment,” Beda said. “We didn’t plan to stay in Mexico. Our goal was to get to the United States and receive protection. Only the United States could help in our situation.”

Near the border, while still in Mexico, the men were assaulted and robbed of all their money and possessions, Erik Beda said.

Both men were taken to a detention center in Yuma, but because they didn’t have any transgender beds, Erik Beda was put on a bus to Phoenix.

“He didn’t know anybody, but the volunteers at the tent city in Phoenix pooled their money to buy him a plane ticket to MSP,” Pundsack said. “Before they started their whole journey in Russia, they were looking at cities in the U.S. that were trans-friendly, and they learned about Minneapolis. So when they asked where he wanted to go, he said, ‘Is Minneapolis good?’”

Transition in Russia

Erik Beda grew up in Balakovo, Russia, and attended the Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Agricultural Academy. He studied in the Faculty of Animal Engineering and met Ivan Beda in 2005 during a student activity day. They married in 2006.

They divorced six years later so that Erik Beda could begin his transgender transition. “In Russia, two men cannot be married, so we had to get divorced,” he said.

The next year, he went to St. Petersburg in order “to confirm a diagnosis of transsexualism,” he wrote in a seven-page document explaining his need for asylum.

The couple lived and worked in different cities in Russia, often working with animals at veterinary clinics and other places. The couple were physically attacked on numerous occasions and faced death threats and discrimination. “When my mother found out about my transition, she tried to kill me,” he said. “She hired people to ‘fix’ me.”

Erik Beda said he almost died one night in August 2013 when he was attacked, kidnapped and beaten by three masked men. The men kept Beda handcuffed in an abandoned factory without food, water or access to a toilet for a day and then let him go, he said. When he reported the crime to police, they refused to investigate, he said.

The couple moved to a small village and went into hiding for five years to escape the persecution, and Erik Beda said he stopped his official transition.

“It was a very difficult five years,” he said. “The general population and the government both have very negative views of the LGBTQ community. Since the war in Ukraine started, the negative interactions have intensified because the government is looking for, like, inside, you know, traitors, basically, and so that community has been targeted.”

The Bedas married again in 2019. Last year, they moved to Moscow, where Erik Beda passed a psychiatric commission and received a certificate in May 2023 with a diagnosis of transsexualism, he said.

“I immediately went to have my birth certificate changed, but I was told that I did not have the right to do this as long as Ivan and I were married,” he said. “They demanded that we dissolve our marriage because after changing the documents, the marriage would officially become same-sex, and this is prohibited. But it was about saving my life, so we had no choice. We believed that the opportunity to make a transgender transition and be myself was more important to me than a marriage stamp in our passports.”

In June 2023, he underwent a double mastectomy. A month later, Russia passed a law banning gender reassignment . The law prohibits individuals from changing their gender on official documents, including passports and identity cards.

“If they find out that you’re transgender, they will do conversion therapy and then consider you as someone that’s spreading propaganda, and for that, you would be put in jail,” he said. “If you are part of an LGBTQ community, you are now being listed as part of an extremist group.”

Fortunately, he said, a few days before the new law went into effect, he was able to change all of his documents to “Erik Beda.”

Beda said the couple’s landlord knew he was transgender and reported him to the authorities. “We knew that I was on a list and could possibly be arrested,” he said.

Police left an envelope at the couple’s house at the beginning of October 2023 with a summons for Erik Beda to appear before the Investigative Committee on Nov. 11.

“Then I realized that there was nothing to wait for, and if I didn’t leave Russia now, I would be illegally convicted and I would serve a prison sentence on a fabricated case,” he wrote. “I was in a panic and didn’t know what to do. Ivan and I realized that the only way to escape persecution was to leave Russia.”

Because the arrest warrant was in his “dead” name and his passport was in his new name, “they didn’t put two and two together at customs as I was leaving,” he said. “They didn’t have time to get the updated documents on the arrest warrant. I was very lucky.”

Divorce adds peril

Because the couple isn’t married, Erik Beda is terrified Ivan Beda will be sent back to Russia. He is praying that someone will step up and agree to be Ivan’s sponsor.

“His interview about the validity of his fears of persecution may not be approved due to the fact that our marriage has been dissolved,” Erik Beda said. “If this happens, he will be deported back to Russia. But if a sponsor is found, Ivan will be immediately released without an interview, and we can get married again. Then our application for asylum will become common to both of us, and our trial will be in Minneapolis.”

The couple had hoped to remarry in Mexico, but they didn’t have the proper documentation, he said.

“We hoped to get married here legally as quickly as possible,” he said. “The divorce was not part of what we wanted. It was not part of our wishes.”

The couple talk every day by phone. The LGBTQ Freedom Fund provided money so that Ivan Beda can call each day from the detention center and talk for his allotted 5 minutes; Erik Beda, who is staying in a shelter in downtown Minneapolis, has found that the best cellphone reception for the calls is on Nicollet Island. Each call costs $3.95.

“I walk there every day,” he said. “We give each other updates on each other’s day and where we are headed. We don’t have a lot of time for much more. He can’t eat and can’t sleep. He’s very depressed. He is sad that we are not together.”

Kindness in Minnesota — and in immigration

Erik Beda meets with Pundsack once or twice a week. They generally meet at the airport or the Capitol – places Beda can reach easily via light rail.

Pundsack, who taught fourth grade at Starr Elementary School in New Richmond, Wis., has worked to raise money for Erik Beda through friends and family.

Beda said he can’t believe how kind the people of Minnesota are. “All of this happening is very unusual,” he said. “I’m very grateful for it because in Russia, people don’t give you this kind of help. The people here are very nice and kind. I’ve been told they are that way because of the harsh winters.”

Beda said he was struck by the kindness shown at the immigration center in Yuma, too. The room had “transparent walls,” he said, and he was able to observe the officers working with newly arrived migrants.

“I saw wonderful things,” he said. “One migrant woman was extremely tired and could barely stand on her feet. She had a tiny baby in her arms. She couldn’t sign documents, couldn’t get anything out of her bags because she was holding her baby. She almost cried from powerlessness and fatigue.

“And then an officer approached her – a very tall, bearded man. He very carefully took the child from her arms and cradled him as if he were his own, staying next to this woman the entire time she underwent the necessary procedures. When she finished, the officer took her to the seating area, gave her the baby, and brought her food. This was an amazing example of humanity for me. I can’t imagine a Russian police officer treating a migrant’s child like that.”

He was shocked to discover that officials didn’t shave the heads of migrants who had lice. Instead, he said, the women’s hair was washed with a special shampoo and combed out with tiny combs.

“One woman had luxurious hair down to her lower back,” he said. “They found lice on her, and three medical staff combed and washed her hair for about two hours. This was the second incident that struck me to the core. Everyone was very patient, kind and professional. I say ‘thank you’ to them for their humanity.”

Beda credits Grand Avenue Dental with giving him the “the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had with a doctor,” he said. “In Russia, it’s not like that at all. There is very little pain medicine. They yank out rather than fix them. It looks like a brand-new tooth. It is amazing to see the difference.”

Pundsack said spending time with Beda has made him appreciate the little things in life.

“The two things he asked for the first day: ‘Do you think you could bring me dental floss and a nail clipper?’” he said. “I brought him an orange, and he called it a dessert. This whole experience has just taught me to appreciate everything that I have. It’s just, like, ‘Wow, look at this.’”

Hoping to settle here

Beda is hoping that he and Ivan Beda will eventually be able to live together in an apartment or house in Minneapolis. “It would be nice to have a place to live – that would be a dream,” he said.

Ivan Beda will need to work with an attorney in Georgia and prove his case at a credible-fear hearing and a bond hearing, Pundsack said. No court date has been set.

“If you had asked me about this three weeks ago, I would not have had a clue about any of this,” Pundsack said. “Normally, when you’re a travel assistant, you’re helping people with things like, ‘Oh, you’re at Gate G, you go down this way.’”

He said his late mother, Irene Pundsack, who died in February 2021 at the age of 94, would be proud.

“It’s what my mom would do,” he said. “She helped a lot of homeless people. Her house in St. Cloud was donated to a group that helps people who are unhoused. That’s why I think I’m having all this success. She’s looking down and saying, ‘You help him. You help him.’”

Erik Beda wants people to know that the situation in Russia for the LGBTQ+ community is “catastrophic,” Pundsack said.

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Looking for a summer vacation spot? Voyageurs National Park has plenty to offer

By Erin Hassanzadeh

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 6:33 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Nestled in Minnesota's Northwoods, just south of the Canadian border and about four hours north of the Twin Cities, lies our state's lone national park.

Voyageurs National Park was established in 1975 but has a long history where Native Americans, fur traders, homesteaders, loggers, miners and commercial fisheries thrived. 

It's a natural mosaic where the forests meet the water.  

"It's just a really unique place. It's one of those parks that's very unlike any other national park. It's very water-based," said Erik Ditzler. "It's set in a unique location being the boreal forest here in northern Minnesota right on the border with Canada."

Ditzler is a supervisory park ranger at Voyageurs. He says the park, which is nearly 40% water, draws visitors from around the world.

"In the summer, lots of fishing opportunities, house boating is really popular. All of our campsites are kinda unique in that they may be on their own island, like a big loop of campsites right next to each other. They're really spread out throughout the park and on your own," Ditzler said.

READ MORE: Stone Arch Bridge partially closing for 2-year construction project beginning next Monday

Ditzler says campsites book up early, but they aren't the only option if you want to visit.

"You could drive up for the day, you could stay in one of the local resorts or an RV in town, find one of the local RV spots outside of the park," he said.

There's an opportunity coming up for some guided boat tours.

"On April 15, all of our guided boat tours led by a park ranger go on sale on recreation.gov," Ditzler said. "They don't go quite as fast as campsites do. You may have had to reserve that back in November. But our boat tours are usually available throughout the summer. If there's a date you want, we highly recommend you book that before you drive up here because they do sell out."

Boat tours range from $40 to $85.

With discounts for seniors with the golden access pass and for children, you can book online or at the visitor desk.

"There's a really wide variety of tours. We do tours to Kettle Falls, which is a historic hotel in the park. We show shorter tours throughout the lakes. We take tours to the Ellsworth Rock Gardens," Ditzler said. "And we're even going to do a one-time tour to the Anderson Bay hiking trails, which is a really beautiful part of the park that's difficult to get to, especially if you don't have your own boat. So we're going to take a tour there in September to allow people to take those trails that aren't widely available in the summer."

There's also a chance to experience the park the way voyageurs did.

"We have what's called the north canoe tours. So the voyageurs, those fur trappers and traders, went around on these big long birchbark canoes, we have reproduction canoes we take visitors to experience how to paddle with six or eight other people in the canoe," Ditzler said.

READ MORE: Day 6 of Nicolae Miu's Apple River stabbing trial wraps Monday

Ditzler says visits to the park have been up since 2020. And after a few years of tough weather conditions, they're hoping for a quiet summer. 

"We certainly hope we're going to have a normal summer without droughts, floods and wildfires," he said.

His advice for visitors?

"Call a ranger, call one of the visitor centers when we're open to leave a voicemail. We love to talk to people and help them plan their trip, give them advice on what to see, where they can go, ask them what kind of things they enjoy doing and help them accomplish that. So don't be shy, reach out and we'd be more than happy to give you advice and help you plan your trip," Ditzler said.

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Erin is back home in the Twin Cities after stops in South Korea and Omaha. The Jefferson High School grad (Go Jags!) is excited to get back to storytelling in the community that raised her.

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25 years later, the trauma of the Columbine High School shooting is still with us

Dave Cullen had just sat down to lunch – a Budget Gourmet frozen meal of beef stroganoff – when the media first reported shots fired at a school in Littleton, Colorado, on a warm April day a quarter of a century ago.

Jaclyn Schildkraut was home sick during her freshman year of college watching soap operas – "Days of Our Lives," she thinks – when the news broke in with aerial videos of SWAT teams and terrified students running out of Columbine High School with their hands over their heads.

Robert Thompson stayed awake watching the late-night news program " Nightline ," the interviews with survivors and their parents, the haunting video of then-17-year-old Patrick Ireland falling, bloodied, out the window of the school library into the arms of first responders.

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The massacre at Columbine on April 20, 1999, during which 12 students and one teacher were killed, wasn’t the United States' first mass shooting at a school, nor would it be the last. But media experts told USA TODAY it quickly became one of the most infamous thanks in part to the advent of the 24-hour news cycle and the internet. In what felt like real time, the shooting sent shock waves through the Colorado community and the nation, shattering the belief that children were safe at school.

“It was seared into us,” said Cullen, journalist and author of "Columbine." “I wasn't calling it the start of the mass-shooter era then, but we knew we were into something new and horrible.”

The trauma of Columbine still haunts the country 25 years later, including students who weren’t alive to witness it. The massacre became a blueprint for dozens of copycats, led to major changes in school safety, and sparked an enduring legacy of activism as survivors push for better gun control and offer their support to the next generation of Americans affected by gun violence.

“There's no healing," Cullen said. "It's an open wound.”

Mass shooting news can cause stress

At the time, the massacre at Columbine wasn't the nation's deadliest school shooting , said Thompson, a trustee professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University. But the shooting came after the formation of CNN, Fox and MSNBC, which made it the first to get 24/7 television news coverage, which Thompson called “powerful and remarkably upsetting.”

Columbine was more closely watched than any other news story that year or that decade, except for the 1992 verdict in the Rodney King beating and the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800, according to a 1999 survey from the Pew Research Center .

Shocking images were broadcast and television anchors interviewed students calling from inside the building, fueling the feeling that the disaster was still unfolding, Cullen wrote in "Columbine." Though the shooting ended just after noon, it would be several hours before police, the press and the public learned the perpetrators were dead, said Cullen, who covered the massacre for Salon . He said that may have contributed to the tragedy's staying power in the nation’s collective memory.

“We lived through it live,” he said. 

Another factor was the media's focus on the shooters, who intentionally left behind a collection of evidence that later would become celebrated on "some of the darkest corners of the internet," according to James Densley, professor of criminal justice at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota.

“It was a mass shooting designed to go viral before we knew what going viral even meant,” Densely said.

Research on mass tragedies in the decades since has found the more time people spend watching this kind of news, the more likely they are to report high levels of acute stress, according to E. Alison Holman, a professor in the school of nursing and department of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine. This is particularly true when the images are graphic, Holman said.

In a study on the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing , Holman found consuming six or more hours a day of media coverage about the attack was associated with more acute stress symptoms than actually being at the site of the bombing. She said symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, shallow breathing and increased heart rate. The effects can last for years, Holman said.

Columbine anniversary can be difficult for survivors

It’s trauma that Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was killed at Columbine , believes people still don’t understand. Mauser said the anniversary of the shooting can be a particularly tough time. He said he helped plan a vigil for the victims Friday evening on the steps of Colorado's Capitol, but for survivors its a day "you want to get past quickly."

“It goes beyond just the ones who were killed or injured,” Mauser said. “The trauma can be quite crippling for some people.”

In the years since the shooting, Mauser has fought for stricter gun legislation as a member of Colorado Ceasefire. When speaking publicly, he wears the shoes his son was wearing the day of the massacre.

After Columbine, many survivors of mass shootings have followed in Mauser’s footsteps, including survivors of the 2018 attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Though activism can lead to burnout, research on climate change anxiety published in Current Psychology and sexual assault trauma published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology suggests engaging in activism can benefit participants' mental health.

In 1999, sustained mental health services were "not a thing,” said Missy Mendo, who was a 14-year-old freshman at Columbine at the time. The county provided six weeks of free mental health care, which Mendo said she used, but she did not return to therapy until years later, after she became a mother. 

Mendo is director of community outreach for The Rebels Project , an organization formed by a group of Columbine survivors after the 2012 mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado . The organization offers peer support to survivors of mass casualty events.

Though it's not a substitute for traditional counseling, Schildkraut, author of "Columbine, 20 Years Later and Beyond: Lessons from Tragedy," said her research has found connecting with a "survivor network" can be a crucial part of recovery.

Each year around this time, Mendo tries to plan something to take her mind off the memories. But she knows she can’t escape the calendar, and her "brain has the potential to turn to mashed potato,” she said with a laugh.

Copycat school shootings after Columbine

Columbine also spawned something more insidious: copycats. A study of 46 active shooter incidents at K-12 schools found nearly half of the shooters were influenced by Columbine , including the attackers in Parkland and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut , according to Densley, the Metropolitan State University professor who was a co-author for the study. A Mother Jones investigation in 2019 documented the "Columbine effect" in 74 plots and attacks spanning 30 states.

“These are events where the search histories of the shooters were that they were searching for Columbine, that they were engaged in chat rooms online where they were discussing Columbine or learning about the shooters,” said Densley, co-founder of the Violence Prevention Project. “There's examples as well of shooters who have dressed in black trenchcoats because that is part of the performance of violence that Columbine created.”

Though mass shootings are rare, 75% of people ages 15 to 21 said they are significant sources of stress, according to a 2018 survey by The Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association.

Columbine itself continues to be a target, too, said John McDonald, former executive director of school safety for Jefferson County Schools in Colorado. McDonald said security at Columbine costs more than twice that of any other high school in the district.

“Columbine was unique because when I started we still had tour buses showing up trying to drop people off to take tours of the building, and it was insane,” he said. “But we also had threats because of a fascination. A fascination and fixation on the tragedy and the killers.”

McDonald said that in his 14 years on the job, the threats never waned, and ultimately they reached a crescendo around the 20th anniversary of the massacre. In April 2019, a Florida teenager authorities described as “infatuated” with the shooting flew to Colorado and bought a shotgun in Littleton, prompting school shutdowns. The teenager was later found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"It was an incredibly scary time," McDonald said.

Adam Lankford, a University of Alabama criminology professor who has researched mass shooters, said the media attention on the perpetrators at Columbine may have contributed to this “contagion effect." Movements like No Notoriety, a campaign created by parents of Aurora theater shooting victim Alex Teves, now urge the media not to publish mass killers' names and photos.

But Lankford warned that media attention is not the only factor driving copycats .

“It doesn't mean there's a simple effect where it's like you learn about Columbine and that makes you want to kill people,” Lankford said. “It's more complicated than that. These people have other problems in their lives, other issues in terms of their psychological health.”

Shooter drills can cause anxiety

Sometimes, McDonald said, he feels "incredibly hopeful" about the progress in school safety since Columbine. Other times he's frustrated to see schools failing to take simple precautions like locking doors . He doesn’t want to be having these same conversations 25 years from now.

“We'd better be willing to get great, because those school shooters are studying. They're studying the past. They're studying the tactics. They're studying strategies. They're studying the training,” McDonald said. “They're preparing for us − we'd better be prepared for them.”

Protecting schools and being vigilant is vital, but it takes a toll, he said. More than a year ago, McDonald decided he needed a change and left Colorado.

“What I can tell you is that after all the years I did that work, I was flat worn out,” said McDonald, now chief operating officer of Missouri’s Center for Education Safety and the Council for School Safety Leadership. “I felt like this is a 24-hour-a-day way to live. And it was exhausting, it was emotional, it was physically taxing.”

School security, which has become a multibillion-dollar-a-year industry, can be taxing for others, too. Research by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Social Dynamics and Wellbeing Lab suggests an association between active shooter drills and increases in depression , stress and anxiety among students, parents and teachers.

Cullen, the author, said that like the changes in airport security after 9/11 , new security measures at schools after Columbine can be for some a reminder of the tragedy .

"America changed overnight in our fears and our behavior because of this," Cullen said. "Not only has no other shooting done that, but very few events, period."

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 25 years later, the trauma of the Columbine High School shooting is still with us