Mall of America
Over 500 stores, accessible by public transit, contains an aquarium and a full sized amusement park!
Our Location
Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Being in the middle of two bustling cities, Macalester College is the perfect launching pad to experience Minnesota’s unique culture, art and music scene, and real-world professional opportunities. The Twin Cities metropolitan area—home to nearly 3.5 million people—is filled with green spaces, renowned theaters and museums, and quintessentially Minnesota venues. Everything is only a short walk or bus ride away!
200+
Internship sites within 8 miles of campus
16
Museums accessible by bus
5
Miles from an international airport
Art and Culture
Wander our museums, see a performance, or take in the nightlife. There are many free and student-discounted options available too.
Contemporary art museum and home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture
The Twin Cities have the largest Somali population in the United States and the only Somali cultural museum in the world.
Two concert venues housed in the same historic building in downtown Minneapolis
Shopping and local markets
Whether it’s fashion, foods, or fine goods, the Twin Cities have vibrant shopping centers for everything your heart could desire.
Saint Paul Farmers’ Market
Fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, popcorn, and live music.
Midtown Global Market
Food, jewelry, clothes, and fine craft goods.
Opportunities
Learning in the Cities
Internships, research, civic engagement, volunteerism, and activism are all more accessible at Mac because of our location. With sixteen Fortune 500 companies in the Twin Cities, and a wide range of government, private, and startup organizations, the possibilities are truly endless.
Student Internships
View a few recent examples where students translate and leverage what they learn in the classroom to real-world opportunities.
Classes and Coursework
Being surrounded by a major metro area allows professors to take the classroom into the cities.
Civic Engagement
The Chuck Green Fellowship awards selected students a stipend to complete a full-time, on-site project at a community-based organization.
Student video
What’s Around Campus?
Want to know what makes Macalester’s location so good? Check out this short video from Macalester college students about some of their favorite things that are literally at our doorstep.
Student video
What’s Around Campus?
Want to know what makes Macalester’s location so good? Check out this short video from Macalester college students about some of their favorite things that are literally at our doorstep.
More About the Twin Cities
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.
Venture just a few miles from campus to visit downtown St. Paul or downtown Minneapolis. Metro Transit trains and buses can take you to these city centers, the airport, the Mall of America, or to restaurants and shops along the way.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, connected to the Como Park Zoo, features a gorgeous indoor and outdoor display of plants and flowers. The Conservatory is known for their seasonal flower displays and is also completely free! The heated indoor greenhouse is also a great way to get outside in the winter while staying warm.
The Twin Cities are host to six major league sports teams and their stadiums, including the new Allianz Field for the Minnesota United FC soccer team, just one mile from campus. Music more your thing? These same arenas schedule shows with popular bands and musical artists all year long.
The Minnesota State Fair is an annual summer event that draws crowds from around the Midwest, and it’s held just a few miles from Macalester. Come see the butter sculptures, eat something tasty on a stick, and enjoy the rides!
Minnehaha Falls is one of the most popular locations near campus for walking trails, hiking, and just hanging out. You can walk to the falls or head to the open park area. Minnehaha Park also hosts music festivals and other events throughout the year.
The Twin Cities offer plenty of winter events that get you outside year round. At the St. Paul Winter Carnival you can bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and marvel at the beautiful ice sculptures built during the annual contest. (Yes, this castle is made of ice!)
The St. Croix River is a National Scenic Riverway and a protectorate of the National Park system. Featuring gorgeous cliff faces, currented waters, and accessible locations, it is the perfect place for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Helpful Information
Maps & Directions
Whether you’re traveling by plane, bus, train or car, here’s how you get to our campus.
Come for a visit
The best way to get to know Macalester is to experience it for yourself. Schedule a campus visit to get a better feel for what it’s like to be a student here.