Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Center — Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Center
The Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Center, a 7,500-sq-ft Native-led cultural and environmental interpretive center on Saint Paul's East Side, opened May 29, 2026; architecture by Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design, interpretive planning by 106 Group, and exhibit fabrication by Split Rock Studios.
| Venue | Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Center |
|---|---|
| Project type | New Building |
| Status | Completed |
| Year completed | 2026 |
| Technologies | audio installations |
Credits
| Firm | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| full-circle-indigenous-planning-and-design | Architecture | lead building design architect |
| 106-group | Interpretive Planning | Visitor Interpretive Experience Plan and exhibit plans |
| Split Rock Studios | Fabrication | interior cedar boxes, native plant interactives, and outdoor teaching stones |
Description
The $14.3 million center honors Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Cave, a Dakota sacred site, and highlights the area's interconnected history, ecology, and cultural significance from a Dakota perspective through an exhibit hall, community gathering space, teaching kitchen, and teaching gardens.
Sources
- https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/29/wakan-tipi-center-opens-in-st-paul-after-years-in-the-making
- https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/wakan-tipi-center-opens-st-paul/89-a748d34d-f041-42de-90f6-e2cbcd32af0e
- https://106group.com/portfolio/wa%E1%B8%B3an-%E1%B9%ADipi-center-visitor-interpretive-experience-plan/
- https://www.fullcircleplanning.com/wakan-tipi-center
- https://splitrockstudios.com/wakan-tipi-grand-opening/