Location: Saint Paul
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN)
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. Minnesota State Capitol Mall
2. Fort Snelling State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Located on Pike Island, this scenic state park is one of Minnesota's most visited attractions, which features trails for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking.
Reviewed By 784andym - Saint Paul, United States
Many people have no idea Fort Snelling State Park is there. It is under the Fort area at the bottom of the bluff along the river. It has wonderful hiking, and is an awesome place to go on a hot summer day.
3. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,074 reviews
Located in historic Como Park, this popular zoo, especially known for its California sea lion exhibit, also features a great cat display, gorillas and giraffes.
Reviewed By Smiliemn - Saint Paul, United States
Como Park is always a great place to visit. I always enjoy walking through the conservatory and seeing what flowers are in the sunken garden or what’s currently flowering. The zoo is fun as well, although weekends in the summer get crowded. The seal harbor is currently under construction, so if you go soon, you won’t see the Sparky Show. It looks like it will be beautiful when the new Seal Harbor is finished so be sure to check it out!
4. Wabasha Street Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
This unique facility for private events is comprised of 12,000 square feet in an underground cave system, which features stucco ceilings, tile floors, a 60-foot bar, dining room and meeting space.
Reviewed By cj_alderman - Prior Lake, United States
The tours of the caves are amazing and give so much historical knowledge! Also this is a wonderful venue for a celebration. We attended a wedding at the caves and it was magical. The service, the food, the event planning, and the setting was perfect!
5. The Raptor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center rehabilitates more than 700 sick and injured raptors each year, while helping to identify emerging environmental issues related to raptor health and populations. An internationally renowned education facility, The Raptor Center trains veterinary students and veterinarians from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, The Raptor Center reaches more than 150,000 people annually through its unique public education programs and events. Come visit the education raptors with a TRC interpretive tour guide. Tours are offered every thirty minutes, on the half hour and hour. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Tour Admissions Ages 3-17 $3.00 Ages 18-62 $5.00 Ages 62+ $3.00 U of M staff and students (with ID) are admitted free. Formal programs and other education options available.
6. Kellogg Mall Park
7. Como Lakeside Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Triponeill - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States
Generations of native Saint Paulites have regenerated after a stroll round' Como Lake. Love is certainly in the air, and a round about Como is ideal distance, for leisurely walk about -- or if winter was hard on the heart, there's a nice trail to run off the gloom -- people are friendly in the Saintly City...And who knows? Even should age or sloth impair romance -- the old but yet young at heart can easily paddle about quiet and serene waters. Inexpensive paddle boats are available at historic Pavillion... As are snacks, and music! There's nothing not to love, about Lake Como --
8. Gateway Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Seventeen-mile trail stretching from Stillwater to St. Paul, Minnesota.
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
One of the best paved biking trails in the Twin Cities. I especially enjoy the 9.7 mile stretch from North St Paul near I-694 and Hwy 36 out to Pine Point Regional Park. The trail is mostly flat without any strenuous climbs except going over a couple bridges and takes you past pleasant countryside including farms, lakes and rolling hills and much of it is shaded by trees. There are several access points including the two mentioned above and I've never had trouble finding a parking spot even though it is a popular biking trail. There are a couple spots on the trail requiring you to cross a road but traffic is usually light on these roads. You also have the option of combining all or a portion of the trail with biking on the Brown's Creek Trail which intersects the Gateway Trail at Duluth Junction and takes you out to Stillwater and the St Croix River.
9. Mears Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By markbB3491DG - Saint Paul, United States
An amazing transformation from a brick wasteland "modern" seventies park. This is the most welcoming and enjoyable "nature" retreat in the middle of Lowertown. The man-made stream and resident tended plantings make it a beautiful place to rest, relax, and contemplate. At times the small bandshell is pumping out music and life can get hectic as children crawl and climb around the stream. One of the purest and most complete small and essential urban parks imaginable that serves many purposes depending on the schedule of events and time of day.
10. Harriet Island Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Jilly070 - Hudson, United States
I didn’t know this beautiful park existed until I drove across the Wabasha Street Bridge, drove to the left, and underneath it. I then came upon this lovely place that had walking paths, both in the park and by the water. There are beautiful light fixtures and benches all along the paths. Raspberry Island is in the middle of the Mississippi and I drove down a driveway type area to it. There is a little parking lot with a small grass area park and a couple grills people can use for picnicking and cooking out. The Wabasha Street Bridge is above all of this, and has stairs that you can walk down from to get to these park areas. What a lovely place I had no idea existed! There were people strolling and jogging and enjoying the sunny day as we were. I highly recommend you stop and maybe bring your lunch and a frisbee to enjoy here!
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