Getting To Triangle Park

Saint Paul; it’s not a city for the faint of heart. It defeated Jesse Ventura. It could beat you. Seriously, I suspect that Minneapolis will see plenty of protest activity from “demonstrators” who are afraid to look for Saint Paul.

But you love your country, so you want to be at the Vets for Freedom counterprotest on Monday, 9/1. You’re worried (justifiably) about parking.

I’ve had quite a number of people ask “how do I get to the counterprotest?”

Here are some simple directions and recommendations from a Saint Paul guy. They should get you into the city and back home again. Best of all – they’re fairly cheap.

Getting To Triangle Park

  • Southwest/Southern Subs – I recommend parking at the 28th Avenue Park and Ride (it’s a big, free ramp) or at the Mall of America (or, if they’re full, the Fort Snelling Park and Ride), taking the Hiawatha Light Rail train north to the Lake Street Station, and taking the 21 bus east to Saint Paul (it comes every 10-15 minutes). Triangle Park is across the street from the Cathedral, overlooking downtown! Hang onto your transfers – they’re good for three hours.
  • West/Northwest Subs – if it were me, I’d park at one of the Target Center ramps (right off 394 and 94 in downtown Minneapolis) and take the Hiawatha Light Rail south to Lake Street Station and, again, take the 21 bus east to Saint Paul. It’ll be about a half-hour bus ride, but it’ll drop you right at Triangle Park. The Target Center ramps cost money, but they’re cheaper than most decent ramps in Minneapolis.
  • North/Northeast Suburbs – Seriously – park at Rosedale and take the 65 bus. It’s about a 20 minute ride to Cathedral Hill, and drops you right at Triangle Park (Summit/John Ireland and Marshall).
  • East Suburbs – I’d go to the Sunray Transit Center (I94 at McKnight, just west of 3M), park, and take the 63 Bus. It actually runs down Seventh Street, and doesn’t actually go up Cathedral Hill to Triangle Park. Best option; jump off the 63 on Sixth Street (in downtown Saint Paul) at Jackson, Robert or Minnesota streets and transfer to a 21 Westbound (at the same stop) which will take you straight up the hill to Triangle Park, which’ll be on your left across from the Cathedral.

If you insist on driving – good luck. You’re on your own. Saint Paulites know a few secret hideaways for parking; sometimes if you get to an event early enough, you can find free parking on Cathedral Hill, on or about Summit Avenue south/west of the Cathedral. If it’s a big event, that can mean the far reaches of Cathedral Hill – like, Summit and Dale. No kidding. Patience is a virtue, unless you’re there very early in the day. As to parking ramps downtown – vaya con Dios.

Bus And Train Fares: Buses are $1.50 – $2.00 during rush hour (5-9AM, 3-7PM). Express buses (the 94 Express) are $2.75. Trains are always $2. Get and save your transfers.

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