Minnesota's Capitol Mall is called Minnesota's front yard. The mall itself unifies the three convergent axes of the site with the Capitol, the State Office Building, and the Judicial Building as a symbolic center of government. The new Minnesota History Center is across the freeway on the John Ireland Boulevard access. The Mall grounds consist of 36 acres. Many major events are held on the Mall throughout the year, such as the Taste of Minnesota, Winter Carnival events, and the Twin Cities Marathon. Many political gatherings also take place on the Mall.

Numerous memorials, including the most recent Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Officers, as well as more historic memorials to Columbus, Lief Erickson, Charles Lindbergh, Floyd B. Olson and other state or national leaders are located on the Mall. A future memorial is planned for Roy Wilkins, a leader of the NAACP. At the south end of the Mall there are several smaller memorials for different wars as well as the Court of Honor, a plaza and rose garden dedicated to the veterans of all wars.

Immediately east of the Capitol Building, there is the new Judicial Plaza, a small pocket park designed by artist Richard Fleischner that includes numerous abstract pieces of granite, pavers, a small amphitheater and a memorial wall.