Sight guide · Minneapolis · United States
Visiting Basilica of Saint Mary
Completed in the early 20th century and designated the first basilica in the United States in 1926, this Beaux-Arts church has a copper dome, a long nave and stained-glass windows.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Basilica of Saint Mary is a religious site in Loring Park, Minneapolis. Allow 30–45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Loring Park
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, architecture and history
- Best months
- May and September–October
About Basilica of Saint Mary
Completed in the early 20th century and designated the first basilica in the United States in 1926, this Beaux-Arts church has a copper dome, a long nave and stained-glass windows. It faces the Sculpture Garden across the interstate.
Tip: Combine it with a walk through Loring Park to the Sculpture Garden; dress modestly and avoid visiting during Mass.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Loring Park, a small lake park between downtown and the Walker Art Center.
Best time to visit Basilica of Saint Mary
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Minneapolis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Minneapolis itinerary visits Basilica of Saint Mary on day 1, together with Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center and First Avenue.
- No. 16 of the 17 sights in our Minneapolis things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Minneapolis.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Minneapolis.
Near Basilica of Saint Mary
Also in Loring Park, so you can walk between them:
- Walker Art Center — 2 hours, mid-priced
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — 1 hour, free
If you like Basilica of Saint Mary
- Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) — Whittier, 2–3 hours
- Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls — Mill District, 1 hour
- Guthrie Theater — Mill District, 30 minutes, or an evening for a show
- American Swedish Institute — Phillips, 1.5 hours
Staying near Basilica of Saint Mary
Stay in Loring Park ($$) to walk here: a small lake park between downtown and the Walker Art Center. All areas to stay in Minneapolis.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Basilica of Saint Mary?
Plan 30–45 minutes. With Walker Art Center nearby, it fits a half-day in Loring Park.
+Is Basilica of Saint Mary free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Basilica of Saint Mary?
May and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Combine it with a walk through Loring Park to the Sculpture Garden; dress modestly and avoid visiting during Mass.
+Do I need to book Basilica of Saint Mary in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.