Bluffs and sandstone caves
Excavation Contractors in Saint Paul, MN
A river city carved by the last ice age, with white sandstone bluffs.
- Free site visits and written quotes
- Itemized pricing: digging, hauling, fill and restoration
- Gopher State One Call locates before every dig
Digging in the Capital City
Excavation contractors in Saint Paul work in a city of 311,527 people (2020) shaped by steep river bluffs and palisades carved during the last ice age. The Dakota called the area Imniza-Ska for its exposed white sandstone cliffs, which were full of caves. The Mississippi forms much of the city's western, southwestern and southeastern boundary, and the city sits at about 823 feet.
Bluffs and caves
The sandstone under parts of the city is soft and has been carved into caves, from the Wabasha Street Caves to smaller voids. On bluff-top and bluff-side lots, we keep cuts small, avoid loading the slope edge and send drainage away from the bluff face.
Old neighborhoods
Neighborhoods like Dayton's Bluff, Frogtown, Payne-Phalen, the North End and Summit-University are full of older homes. Lateral replacements, garage teardowns and drainage are typical work.
Freeway history
The Rondo neighborhood was demolished for Interstate 94 between 1959 and 1961. Along corridors like that, old foundations and fill can turn up in digs.
River flats
Low ground near the Mississippi and the confluence with the Minnesota River is subject to floodplain rules on fill and grading.
Winter work
Saint Paul winters are the same as Minneapolis: deep frost and plenty of snow. Planned projects are cheapest from late spring through fall; emergencies happen any time.
What we do most in Saint Paul
- Sewer and water service digs
- Garage teardowns
- Regrading on bluff lots
- Basement digs for additions
Digging in Saint Paul: Local Facts
- Sandstone cliffs. The Dakota name Imniza-Ska refers to the exposed white sandstone cliffs, which were full of caves.
- Glacial bluffs. The city's steep river bluffs and palisades were carved during the last ice age.
- Population. Saint Paul had 311,527 residents in 2020.
- River boundary. The Mississippi forms part of the western, southwestern and southeastern city boundary.
Saint Paul Questions
Is it safe to dig near a bluff?
With small cuts, no loading at the edge and drainage away from the face, yes.
Could my lot have caves under it?
Some areas have sandstone voids. We ask what is known before deep digs.
Do you work in Saint Paul too?
Yes, across the city.
Do you tear down old garages?
Yes, including slabs and footings.
Is winter digging more expensive?
Yes, because frost must be broken and backfill kept from freezing.
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