Location: Saint Paul
Top Things to do in Saint Paul
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5 Traveler Resources in Saint Paul That You Shouldn't Miss
Saint Paul has been called the last city of the East primarily because early developers built it to fit Eastern standards: city squares or parks, towers and turrets, lofty arches, Baroque domes and elaborate adornments abound. Ideal for families and those who like to explore on foot, the capital of Minnesota offers big city attractions with small town manageability. It's an easy and scenic stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River from the Children's Museum to the Science Museum. The kids (and the young at heart) will love them both. Nearby are the grandiose State Capitol, designed by esteemed architect Cass Gilbert and the historic Como Park, which includes lovely picnic areas, a zoo and a conservatory. Also in the mix are modern museums, stately old mansions, interesting natural wonders and unique shops to browse around. Be sure to check out the stellar collection of contemporary works by local artists at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. From four-star luxury to affordable and family-friendly, Saint Paul offers a variety of lodging and dining possibilities making it a great destination for all tastes and budgets.
Restaurants in Saint Paul
1. James J. Hill Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
I went here yesterday to look through the library. It was completed in 1921, and even though I grew up in the Twin Cities, I never had a chance to see it. It is the building adjacent the the central St. Paul Public Library (George Latimer Library) and across from Rice Park. It is open to the public, however, there are book collections that you are not supposed to touch unless you have specific permission. When I went through the library, I spoke to a receptionist/librarian first. She was very friendly and directed me to areas where there were exhibits as well as the elevator. She took me in the library and pointed out another librarian whom she said knew “a lot” about the library and could answer all of my questions. She asked that I not touch the shelved books BUT that I could look at the books that were open on the tables. I was then turned loose to look around! I looked at all of the collections on the first and second floors. This is a business reference library and not surprisingly they had many books I’ve never even heard of, even though I have a business undergrad. There were 3 people working quietly at different library tables; I made sure I didn’t disturb them. I went into the Empire Builder Room right off the main library. There were items for purchase displayed there. I then went to the second floor. The second floor had a few items displayed, including a replica of one of Hill’s steamships and his roll-top desk of 1870 that he used working at Red River Transportation. On the wall was an oil painting, and portraits of a daughter or daughters. On the other side was a glass case with his Yale regalia from when he was granted an honorary L.L.D. James J. Hill was a Canadian-American railroad and steamship magnate whose home on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue is still open to the public. His railroad, The Great Northern Railway, which ran from St. Paul, was completed in 1893 and was one of the foundational lines of the Burlington Northern Railroad. He funded this library but died six (6) years short of its opening in 1921.
2. Saint Paul Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
The George Latimer Library (St. Paul Central Library) is built in the Renaissance Revival style and was designed by Electus Litchfield. Ground was broken for the building in 1914; the building including the Hill Reference Library cost approximately $1.5 Million to build. James J. Hill (founder of the Great Northern Railway) contributed $700,000 to the building of the reference library on the end, $100,000 was raised by subscription, $30,000 was received by bequest of Greenleaf Clark (an attorney for the Great Northern Railway), and the State of Minnesota authorized $600,000 in bonds to be sold to finance the rest. This building, the Central Library, opened in 1917. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. Mayor George Latimer supported the creation of the Historic Preservation Commission in 1976, and the Central Library was designated a St. Paul Heritage Preservation Site in 1979. In 2014, the library was renamed for George Latimer to honor his contributions to historic preservation. I was able to wander through the collections of this library. I spoke to a librarian near the entrance she told me to enjoy myself. She was very nice. I first went up a couple of floors; the exterior elevator doors on the main level are very ornate. Also, note the extensive use of stone throughout; this building is built to last! It’s a very interesting and surprisingly bright building with a lot of natural light. And, when I first got there, the doors were held open for me by two Cub Scouts, a little boy and a little girl.
3. Landmark Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
The former Federal Court House and Post Office building (circa 1902)is designated as a National Historic Monument, which serves as a cultural venue for a variety of events including music, dance, theatrical performances, exhibitions and public forums.
Reviewed By danielp542
Great picturesque building with interesting bronze statues across the street. Very peaceful area on a weekend afternoon
4. Hmong Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
The Hmong Cultural Center provides to the public a Hmong History Center and Library featuring exhibits related to the Hmong History in Minnesota and Hmong culture as well as a comprehensive Hmong Resource Library for research. Exhibits include Hmong Minnesota: Yesterday and Today, The Hmong Folk Arts Experience and Hmong Cultural Artifacts Drawings by Seexeng Lee.
Reviewed By lindaslp43498 - Saint Louis Park, United States
I recently brought my Meetup group for a tour at the Hmong Museum and Cultural Center. It was a wonderful learning experience. I was surprised at how little I actually knew about the history and culture of the Hmong people. The museum is full of interesting information and artifacts. I was especially impressed by the beautiful needlework on display. Our tour was comprehensive with plenty of time for questions that our guide was glad to answer. The museum also has an extensive library that is open for research and is recognized as the best of its kind in the country. I would encourage anyone with an interest in learning about a culture not many of non- Hmong people know much about to visit this museum. I would also suggest Hmong people who want to reconnect with their culture to stop in. They hold a variety of classes for anyone who might be interested.
