Midway, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Midway, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Name	Midway
City	Saint Paul
State	Minnesota
Country	United States

Midway, Saint Paul, Minnesota Midway is a mixed residential, commercial, and industrial neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota, situated between the downtowns of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and adjacent to Saint Paul’s airport and freight corridors. The area has long been shaped by transportation infrastructure, industrial development, and waves of immigration, linking it to regional institutions and national networks.

History

Midway developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries alongside railroads such as the Great Northern Railway, Northern Pacific Railway, and later the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, which connected to terminals near Saint Paul Union Depot and facilitated industrial growth tied to companies like 3M, John Deere, and International Harvester. The neighborhood’s pattern reflects broader Minnesota phenomena including expansion of Minnesota Territory settlement, Dakota War of 1862 aftermath migration corridors, and the influence of James J. Hill’s railroad empire. Twentieth-century transformation involved the construction of highways including Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 52 (Minnesota) and the development of air transport at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and Holman Field (Saint Paul Downtown Airport), altering land use and prompting rezoning debates involving the Saint Paul City Council and Ramsey County. Midway’s social history parallels influxes from Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Somalia, and Hmong people, intersecting local institutions like St. Paul Pioneer Press coverage, Minnesota Historical Society archives, and civic activism exemplified by neighborhood associations and the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network.

Geography and Boundaries

Midway lies on the Mississippi River floodplain edge in Ramsey County and occupies a corridor between Minneapolis and Saint Paul near the junction of Interstate 35E (Minnesota) and Interstate 94. Adjacent neighborhoods include Frogtown (Saint Paul, Minnesota), Rondo (Saint Paul, Minnesota), and Como Park, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Key boundary markers include rail yards historically owned by BNSF Railway (successor to Great Northern Railway) and arterial streets such as University Avenue (Saint Paul) and Snelling Avenue (Saint Paul). The area sits within the Twin Cities metropolitan area and lies near watershed features managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and regional plans by the Metropolitan Council.

Demographics

Midway’s population has changed with immigration waves tied to international events and U.S. policies such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and refugee resettlements coordinated by organizations including International Rescue Committee and Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Census data from the United States Census Bureau show diverse ancestries including Hispanic and Latino Americans, Somali American, Hmong American, and longstanding European American communities of German American and Irish American descent. Demographic shifts intersect with labor markets of employers like Target Corporation regional stores and service sectors serving institutions like United Hospital and Regions Hospital.

Economy and Industry

Midway’s economy centers on freight-served industry, warehousing, retail along University Avenue, and smaller manufacturing tied historically to firms such as 3M and Ecolab. The neighborhood’s commercial nodes include shopping centers influenced by retail patterns exemplified by Rosedale Center and corporate logistics operations connected to UPS and FedEx distribution networks. Redevelopment conversations involve actors such as the Saint Paul Port Authority and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development with workforce development programs delivered by Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota and Saint Paul College partnerships. Environmental remediation of brownfields has engaged the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Transportation

Transportation is foundational: rail corridors used by Amtrak and freight carriers, arterial corridors such as University Avenue (Saint Paul), and proximity to Interstate 94 and Interstate 35E (Minnesota) shape movement. Public transit services by Metro Transit light rail extensions and bus rapid transit projects connect to the Blue Line (METRO) and Green Line (METRO), linking Midway to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and downtowns. Bicycle and pedestrian planning coordinated by Saint Paul Public Works and regional efforts from the Mississippi River Trail and Great River Road initiatives supplement freight access provided by BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City corridors. Historic streetcar networks once tied Midway to Twin City Rapid Transit Company routes.

Landmarks and Parks

Parks and landmarks include green space near Como Park Zoo and Conservatory and access to recreational facilities promoted by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department. Industrial and commercial landmarks reference historic rail yards, former manufacturing sites, and civic institutions such as facilities of the Saint Paul Public Library system. Nearby cultural anchors include the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Xcel Energy Center, and proximity to university campuses like University of Minnesota that influence neighborhood amenity patterns.

Education and Community Services

Educational institutions serving Midway students include Saint Paul Public Schools campuses and nearby higher education providers such as Macalester College, Hamline University, and Saint Paul College. Community services are provided by nonprofits including Loaves & Fishes, Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and health providers like Allina Health and HealthPartners. Workforce training and immigrant services draw on resources from Minnesota Adult Basic Education programs, refugee resettlement agencies, and civic groups such as the Midtown Greenway Coalition and neighborhood councils coordinated with the Saint Paul Foundation.

Category:Neighborhoods in Saint Paul, Minnesota