Things to Do in Saint Paul Minnesota are as varied as its city itself. From towering government buildings and scenic parks, to riverfront walking tours and riverbank promenades – Saint Paul Minnesota boasts an abundance of exciting and engaging attractions that promise a thrilling day trip experience!
Music enthusiasts must visit the Schubert Club Music Museum! Here, you will have an opportunity to view vintage musical instruments and learn how they operate.
Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue in Saint Paul’s core is one of its premier shopping and dining destinations, while also serving as an opportunity to learn about its history and architecture. Established as an electric streetcar route back in 1890, this street still houses numerous boutiques and eateries as well as some of the city’s top bars and ethnic eateries.
No matter what time of the day or night it is, the Palace Theatre offers great food before or after watching one of their world-class performances. Established over 100 years ago, locals love visiting this iconic theatre that boasts world-class shows!
Minnesota would not be complete without visiting its incredible science museum! Situated in downtown, the Science Museum of Minnesota provides an entertaining way to discover more about Minnesota history and culture – with exhibits ranging from dinosaur bones to human bodies – making this attraction suitable for visitors of all ages.
If you’re an admirer of F. Scott Fitzgerald, make sure to visit his childhood home. While it may not be open for visitors, its location makes for a lovely stroll past and allows one to imagine where this iconic author wrote This Side of Paradise back in 1919. In addition, take a walking tour through its surrounding neighborhood for more historic churches and Victorian-era mansions.
Minnesota Historical Society was established in 1907 with the purpose of stimulating intellectual and scientific growth, becoming one of the state’s most visited museums today and boasting fascinating exhibitions that cover everything from Native American history to pioneer life – there’s even an enormous astronaut that you have to see to believe!
After visiting the Historical Society, head to Rice Park for a day of skating and people-watching. Located within minutes of Gateway State Trail – perfect for biking or hiking – Rice Park provides year-round enjoyment! It provides ample skating and picnicking spots throughout its seasons.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Although many associate the Mississippi River with its industrial past, this stunning park offers stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Take a leisurely walk along its 13-mile trail for stunning riverfront and downtown views while seeing eagles, otters, herons and other birds up close!
Saint Paul is home to an absolutely magnificent state capitol building that makes for an amazing visit, housing numerous exhibits and tours of Senate, House, Supreme Court and Rathskeller cafe. Furthermore, its glowing blue and pink trees light up beautifully at night when illuminated by streetlights in Saint Paul.
Minnesota Children’s Museum is an extremely popular attraction in Saint Paul Minnesota for both families and individuals alike, featuring activities ranging from fossil digging to exploring an indoor three-story waterfall. Children will especially love this hands-on museum that provides endless entertainment as well as learning experiences!
The Minnesota History Center is a top-rated museum, boasting an abundance of knowledge about Minnesota’s rich past. Boasting plenty of space for visitors to explore, this massive institution houses collections that range from Hmong tribespeople history to Dakota War conflicts – perfect for families. The Minnesota History Center makes for an enjoyable history learning experience!
Saint Paul offers some of the nation’s top independent breweries. Saint Paul stands out among these with a number of excellent microbreweries. Try sampling at Landmark Center (formerly a courthouse and US Post Office). Or explore underground in the Wabasha Street Caves once used by Babyface Nelson and John Dillinger!
St. Paul offers everything from five-course dining experiences to simple food and beverage offerings for any taste or budget. Visit a brewery to sample some of the region’s finest beer varieties or take in a show at its historic Palace Theatre.
Summit Avenue
Saint Paul may be best-known for its enormous governmental buildings, but there’s also an exciting cultural scene and exciting sports events worth witnessing. Foodies will love Saint Paul with many excellent restaurants and cafes offering tasty cuisine; plus riverside walks provide ample opportunities to relax and admire its scenery.
Summit Avenue in Saint Paul is well-known for its historic mansions and Victorian homes that have been meticulously preserved over time. You can explore this neighborhood on foot or take advantage of one of several history tours available; additionally, one can stay in one of many hotels along this avenue if they desire luxury and romance.
Summit Street is home to many beautiful houses designed by some of Minnesota’s top architects such as Cass Gilbert. Notable homes on Summit include the Lightner House, James J Hill House and Lightner Memorial Church which is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Also, don’t miss seeing Wabasha Street Caves once used by Babyface Nelson and John Dillinger!
Other top things to do in Saint Paul include visiting Como Park Conservatory and Zoo, with its wide variety of animals in their natural environments. Take a stroll on Gateway State Trail which is great for hiking and biking; alternatively visit Minnesota Children’s Museum which boasts family-oriented exhibits like its life-sized dinosaur excavation site and indoor three-story waterfall for family entertainment!
Architecture lovers will want to visit The Cathedral of Saint Paul, while for fresh local produce and handmade artisanal goods head over to St. Paul Farmers Market or visit Landmark Center which was once home to various government offices before becoming an arts and history museum.
The Xcel Energy Center
Sports fans will likely want to visit Saint Paul Minnesota’s Xcel Energy Center to catch an exhibition game – an arena renowned for its exceptional performances and stunning facilities that draws big crowds every season. You can also see local musicians perform, as the facility hosts various concerts throughout the year.
St Paul is home to many magnificent attractions, but few would miss seeing its crowning architectural gem – the State Capitol. Guided tours provide insight into this incredible building’s historic furnishings and its iconic marble dome.
Summit Avenue is an area beloved by history enthusiasts, boasting some of the city’s most stunning homes and gardens. Perhaps most notably is the F. Scott Fitzgerald House which serves as both the birthplace and later as residence until 1920; additional sites to see include Governor’s Mansion, Cathedral of Saint Paul and James J Hill House.
Grand Avenue offers everything a shopper could desire when it comes to shopping: quirky Tibetan craft stalls, whole food markets and custom clothing shops as well as restaurants that make this long stretch of road an idyllic way to spend a day exploring the city.
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new area is to visit its local arts scene. Saint Paul boasts the Gallery of Wood Art as an intriguing and entertaining option; here, visitors will find artwork created out of turned wood pieces displayed throughout. A perfect way to spend a rainy or cold afternoon!
Stay out of line and book tickets quickly online to top attractions, with many activities offering free cancellation. Members save an average of 10% or more off select activities, hotels, cars and more.
