10 Things to Know about Mac’s Location

Not everything fits into a brochure! If you’re that much closer to moving to Mac, here are a few factoids that deepen the ties between Macalester students and our surrounding cities and state of Minnesota.

1. YOU CAN LIVE IN THE BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Macalester is located in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of Saint Paul. Niche.com rates Macalester-Groveland as the #1 neighborhood in our city, top 5 in our state, and in the 99th percentile across the USA. Niche considers data around cost of living, safety, things to do, and walkability.

2. YOU CAN TAKE ACTION

Minnesota is a politically active state, leading the nation in voter turnout percent in the last 5 of 6 presidential elections. Recent legislative initiatives include expanded renewable energy provisions, protections for LGBTQIA+ communities, protections for reproductive health care, and free lunches at school for all Minnesota kids. Macalester students who are U.S. citizens may vote in Minnesota, regardless of their home state. The Minnesota State Capitol is just 4 miles away (6km) and courses like Legislative Politics have an internship component inherent to the class.

3. YOU WILL GO PLACES

Mac’s neighborhood is very pedestrian and bike-friendly. For faster or further jaunts students take advantage of the free Universal Transit Pass through Metro Transit. Macalester is located at the intersection of two major city bus routes: Route 63 runs along Grand Avenue and the A-line rapid bus runs on Snelling Avenue. If you do need a car (uncommon), Evie Electric Carshare has a charging area adjacent to campus.

4. GREEN SPACES ARE ALL AROUND

Although blue and orange are favorite colors, Macalester students LOVE green spaces. The Trust for Public Land places St. Paul at #2 and Minneapolis at #3 in the ParkScore Rating. Favorite “green getaways” include walks to the Mississippi River, taking in the waterfall views at Minnehaha Regional Park, and roaming around the conservatory and winding trails found at Como Regional Park. The name “Minnesota” is derived from the Dakota phrase Mni Sota Makoce—Land Where the Waters Reflect the Clouds. There are eleven federally recognized tribal nations around the state.

5. THERE’S A LOT TO LOOK AT

**Many Twin Cities museums and theaters offer student discounts. Fun fact: Minneapolis and St. Paul have the most theater companies per capita outside of New York City.** The Guthrie Theater offers rush tickets. And general admission to the world class MIA (aka Minneapolis Institute of Art) is always free. The Walker Art Center offers Free Thursday Nights, and outside you can always roam through the sculpture garden. Speaking of outside, wander city streets and you’ll soon find yourself near a mural from a local artist.

6. OUR AIRPORT IS KIND OF A BIG DEAL

Occasional and frequent travelers alike will appreciate the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP if you happen to be booking a flight). MSP was recently named the best airport. And it’s only 15 minutes from campus. By coincidence it’s the 19th busiest airport, and has 19 commercial airlines that fly in and out, giving students another gateway to the wider world!

7. MINNE-SNOW-TA IS A NICKNAME

In case you haven’t heard, in Minnesota it’s cold sometimes, but living here means seeing everything from hot summers to balmy springs to beautiful, color-popping fall seasons. Students from all over the world have come to Macalester and learned to love, survive, and thrive, in our special brand of brisk weather. Winter is more fun when you embrace it with a snow sculpture contest or a snowball fight. or **pushball**. And current Mac students are happy to share advice on where and when to get cold-weather gear.

8. MUSIC MAKES OUR WORLD GO ROUND

Minnesota has a thriving music scene, with a wide range of genres and venues. Legendary Prince and Bob Dylan were born in Minnesota. Husker Du, M.anifest, Bad Bad Hats, The Sounds of Blackness, and Walt Mink all have Macalester ties. From coffee shops, to large arenas, with hundreds of mid-size venues in between, students can see live music any night of the week. This playlist boasts a list of artists with a Minnesota or Macalester connection.

9. THERE’S SO MUCH FOOD FOR THOUGHT HERE

Nepalese, Mediterranean, Indian, Somali, Mexican, Vietnamese, French, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Turkish, Korean, Ethiopian, and Greek restaurants are all in walking or biking distance from campus. You can ask older students for recommendations or check out this restaurant resource. Students are drawn into the cities to try new places, to celebrate achievements, and find the flavors of home.

10. YOU CAN STRIKE A BALANCE!

The rigor and challenge of academics does not mean students don’t take breaks or have fun. Here, you’ll never have to ask, “What should we do this weekend?” The Twin Cities are built to fuel your hobbies and passions. Checking out vintage shops near campus, visiting outdoor farmers markets, or cheering on your favorite pro sports team, are all options around town. The MLS team, Minnesota United, plays its home games about a mile away from campus. (Mac students have also landed internships with local professional teams.) Gaming communities, ballroom dance, musical communities, religious communities, improv comedy, martial arts, dance, golf and mini golf, roller derby, or spelunking – it’s probably happening nearby. Except surfing. Minnesota has 10,000 lakes, but very low tides.

Saint Paul

Located in Minnesota’s state capital, Saint Paul, Macalester is only a few miles from downtown, the capitol building, and the Mississippi River.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and sits just across the Mississippi River from St. Paul. Check out the bustling city center, the renowned music and art scene, and some gorgeous murals.