Macalester-Groveland, or Mac-Groveland as it has come to be called by many, lies on the western side of St. Paul with the Mississippi River serving as its western border. Home to the University of St. Thomas, Saint Catherine University and Macalester College, the Mac-Grove neighborhood has proven to be an ideal place for students or professors looking to stay within walking or biking distance of their campus.
A great local restaurant is also just a quick walk or bike ride away for residents. Groveland Tap – just one of the many hangouts on St. Clair Ave. where you’ll find locals relaxing after work – offers a fantastic selection of burgers and an extensive assortment of 34 beers on tap. Groveland Tap also offers a great happy hour for those wanting to go out without spending too much money.
The shops along Grand Avenue provide residents and visitors with some of the best shopping in Minnesota. With easy access to a variety of unique shops that offer everything from shoes to books to furniture to pianos, Grand Avenue is a hotspot for commerce in the community.
The Grandview Theater, built in 1933, can also be found on Grand Avenue. Offering just two screens (one smaller screen upstairs and a larger screen on the main floor), the theater is a must for those looking for a unique movie-going experience that’s different from the mall multiplex.
Another favorite destination can be found here every year on the first Sunday of June, which brings the largest one-day festival in the Midwest to the Mac-Groveland neighborhood. The annual “Grand Old Day” festival provides fun and entertainment for the whole family, offering over 150 food vendors, several stages for live music and the “Grand Old Day Parade.” The event, now in its 42nd year, has grown into a keystone tradition in kicking off a Minnesota summer.
The Edgcumbe Recreation Center provides access to baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts and an ice rink. Inside, the center offers a play area for children, a game room, a gym, racquetball courts, a weight room and warming room for the winter months.
The homes in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood provide a great look into the history of the town. Thanks to the expansion of the streetcar system, residential building saw a rapid increase in the first two decades of the 20th Century, filling the area with homes and apartment buildings that still stand today on the tree-lined streets. Single-family homes offer an arresting display of unique architectural designs fitting for anyone seeking out a home with a classic style.
Those looking to discover the scenic beauty that the neighborhood offers will find it by taking a trek along the riverside trail on South Mississippi River Boulevard where there is a row of stunning homes and mansions. While many of these homes were built in the late 1800s, it’s clear that the proud owners have been diligent about keeping them in pristine shape.
Macalester-Groveland is a great and historic Saint Paul neighborhood where you’ll find a blend of families, educators and students who enjoy living in a lively and vibrant neighborhood with a strong sense of pride. Check it out today!
