Wayfinding Around Roseville
Colorful signs point the way to sites and attractions around town
Even if you’ve been finding your way around Roseville for years, new signs at more than a dozen intersections in the city might point you to something new.
The “Wayfinding Signage Project” is the official name for the signs, which feature color-coded blades on posts pointing to Roseville attractions—from parks to shopping.
There will be 24 signs total, according to Roseville Public Works Director Jesse Freihammer. About three-quarters of the signs were installed in the fall, with the rest going up this spring.
The sign design is similar to those used to indicate the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway bicycle and pedestrian route in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Each color stands for something:
Green = Parks
Orange = Trails
Purple = Businesses
Dark Blue = Civic Institutions
Light Blue = Schools
The Wayfinding signs are made to be viewed from the pedestrian level.
The informational signposts can also be inspirational. If someone is out for a walk, for example, and sees that a park is just down the road, they may be inspired to extend their walk and visit the park, Freihammer said. Roseville has more than 33 parks.
How it started
The Wayfinding signs were spearheaded by Julie Wearn, former Visit Roseville CEO, said Liz Nowak, the current president and CEO of Visit Roseville. Visit Roseville is the city’s tourism promotion organization.
Funding came from a portion of the money Roseville received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021—often called federal “stimulus funds”– Freihammer said. The signage budget was $200,000 and the idea came out of a study conducted by Visit Roseville in 2023.
“From a visitor standpoint, the goal was to make Roseville easier to navigate and more welcoming, especially for people who may not be familiar with the area. The signage helps visitors get oriented quickly and encourages them to explore more of the city," Nowak said in an email.
The signs highlight specific attractions and sites, such as the Roseville Skating Center and Roseville's many parks and trails.
How it's going
“For current and new residents, the wayfinding signage provides similar benefits by making everyday trips easier and helping new residents learn about the city and encouraging people to explore amenities beyond their usual routines," Nowak said.
The signs were designed so that more informational “blades” can be added, Freihammer said. The city hasn’t received much feedback on the Wayfinding Project, “but people are saying they like the way they look,” he added.
Nowak commented: “Visitors are essential to Roseville and when their first impressions are positive and they can easily find their way around our city, it creates a welcoming experience that supports our businesses and encourages people to return.”
