Visit Us America’s first Basilica

We look forward to your visit to The Basilica.

More than just a beautiful building, The Basilica of Saint Mary is a gathering place for all those who pass through our doors. It’s a center for the arts, and a place of refuge for the poor. It’s a community committed to the growth and social well-being of the city.

Parking

Parking lot under I-94 - West side of the church

Parking for 13 N 17th St. 

  • Saturdays and Sundays: free, with the exception of the "reserved" spots closest to Hennepin Ave.
  • Parking is also free during funerals, with the exception of the "reserved" spots closest to Hennepin Ave.
  • "Reserved parking" spots in this lot are marked as "reserved" and are paid spots for nearby businesses only.
  • Mon–Fri: $5.00; $3.00 after 5:00 p.m.; Pay app on-site
  • Please note: some spaces are reserved for Handicapped parking.

MCTC parking ramp - East side of the church

MCTC Ramp entrances 

  • Right turn only from Hennepin Ave. (It is illegal to turn left into the MCTC parking ramp from Hennepin Ave.)
  • Right or left turn from Laurel Ave. 1 block north of Hennepin Ave. between 15th and 16th St. on the north side of the building.

N 17th Street One-Way 

  • Please note: N 17th Street is a one-way street directed North from the traffic circle around the corner to Laurel W Ave directed East. 

Accessibility Parking

Metro Transit Updates

Visit the Metro Transit website for more information.

Construction Updates

Information regarding road construction throughout Minneapolis/St. Paul can be found on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's website

Hours & Location

The Cowley Center

Located on the east side of the church on N. 16th St. Reserved for Handicapped Parking Only on weekends.

View Map

The Basilica School

Located on the north of the church on W. Laurel Ave.

View Map

Directions

  • Bike to The Basilica - Move Minneapolis Bike Route Map
  • Find a bus route using the MTC Trip Planner.
  • From the east via I-94: Take the Hennepin/Lyndale exit (Exit 231B). Go North (right) on Lyndale/Hennepin and continue North on Hennepin to N 17th Street.
  • From the west via I-94: Take the LyndaleAvenue exit (Exit 231A) toward Hennepin. Stay in the left lane. Turn Left onto Dunwoody Blvd.
  • From the west via I-394: Take the Dunwoody Blvd exit (Exit 8A). Go East (right) on Dunwoody Blvd. to N 17thStreet.
  • From the south via I-35W: Follow the I-94West exit (Exit 17B). Go North (right) on Lyndale/Hennepin and North on Hennepin to N 17th Street.
  • From the north via I-35W: Take I-94 West exit (Exit 17B). Stay in the right lane. Go North (right) on Lyndale/Hennepin and North on Hennepin to N 17th Street.
  • Road Construction Updates visit MNDoT website

Plan a Tour

Tour Map

Basilica Campus Map

Self-guided Tours

Discover The Basilica and its history on your own using a detailed tour guide. You’ll find them in the back of the church.

If you plan to tour, please contact The Basilica so we know you are coming. In event, that the availability of the church changes, we can inform you so that you can make other arrangements to tour.

Docent-led Tours

Free tours for groups of five people or more are available year-round (except holidays and Holy Week).  Freewill donations accepted. For groups of four people or less, we suggest a self-guided tour.

  • Sundays: Tours are available after the 9:30am and Noon Mass on most Sundays.
  • Weekdays: Tours are available for groups of five people or more by calling 612.317.3417 or submitting a request online. Requests should be made at least one week in advance, as our docents are volunteers.
  • Note: No tours on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. No tours after Noon Mass when we have 2pm liturgies or concerts scheduled.