Last chance this year to catch one of Twin Cities' best views
This weekend is your last chance this year to catch one of the best views in the Twin Cities.
The observation deck at the landmark Highland Park water tower in St. Paul is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14.
It's free and open to the public.
The 127-foot-tall, 90-year-old tower, located at the corner of Snelling Avenue and Ford Parkway, offers views of both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, and the surrounding area. St. Paul Regional Water Services opens the tower to the public just twice a year — during the annual Highland Fest celebration in July, and again on the second weekend of October.
The tower, located on one of the highest points in St. Paul, provides vast views in all directions for visitors who climb the 151 steps to the observation deck.
According to information provided by the water utility, the tower was completed in 1928 at a cost of about $70,000. It was designed by Clarence "Cap" Wigington, the first African-American licensed architect in Minnesota, and the first African-American municipal architect in the country.
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