Location: Saint Paul
Top Things to do in Saint Paul
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The 10 Best Things to do 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. CHS Field
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By V9240JPtoms
Beautiful ergonomic contemporary vibe. Baseball is only part of the entertainment; there is something happening before the game, between every half-inning, and after the game. The announcers are hilarious. "(The opposing batter) has two strikes,.....(wait for it)...and NO BALLS!!" Great family fun. We like it more than going to a Twins game. Come early to hear live music outside the stadium. Inside the stadium, there is a nice variety of foods and drinks--from basic hotdogs and budweiser to gourmet selections and craft beers--a few cuts above traditional ballpark fare.
2. Minnesota History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 601 reviews
An interactive museum with both permanent and changing exhibits, the Minnesota History Center hosts concerts, lectures, family days and other special events throughout the year. The building is also home to the Minnesota Historical Society library and archives, a research destination for schoolchildren, family historians and academics.
Reviewed By JoanieM620 - Grantsburg, United States
I spend 3 days doing research in the History Library. Their collection of materials is extensive and the staff is very helpful. They showed me how to use the microfilm reader and make copies from the digital copier. In the print materials room, it was easy to use the computer to find the materials I needed. The staff was quick in retrieving items from the archives that I wanted to read through. All-in-all, I had a very successful time doing research.
3. James J. Hill House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Rugged stone, massive scale, fine detail and ingenious mechanical systems recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway. Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in the Gilded Age mansion, the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family. The James J. Hill House is a National Historic Landmark. The home also includes an art gallery, which features work from the Minnesota Historical Society's collections.
Reviewed By suebee220
I've been here three times and find it fascinating. It's my go to place when I have guests visiting from out of town. Not only is the house incredible, the tour provides historical information about the Hill family and the contributions James made. If you have time, make the short walk to the cathedral to check it out too.
4. Minnesota State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Connect with this landmark government building designed by Cass Gilbert through its amazing stories — and learn about its incredible architecture, art and history.
Reviewed By Madogfechan - Bishopton, United Kingdom
Such a beautiful building, marble pillars and staircases, breathtaking dome, somber official chambers, rich colours, warm woodwork, gilded details.......all brought to life by the informative guides with their unique stories to share. The guide we had on our tour pointed out so many details that we would surely have missed if left to our own devices. As visitors from Scotland we felt very welcomed here.
5. Summit Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Old, wealthy St. Paul neighborhood with Victorian mansions.
Reviewed By KathleenC386 - Saint Paul, United States
Summit Avenue is a pleasant avenue to walk in the spring, summer, and fall to see gorgeous historic homes.
6. Cathedral of Saint Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,041 reviews
This Classical Renaissance-style Cathedral dating back to 1915 features a splendid interior of six chapels, imported marble columns, large statues of the four evangelists and beautiful rose windows.
Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States
The cathedral is perched on a hill with a commanding view of the city and the capitol building. There is street parking and a lot for the church itself. Inside, the cathedral is filled with stunning artwork including a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta and some colossal statues of the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Behind the altar there are small chapels representing various ethic groups that were so very nice to see. A huge vaulted ceiling soars to the heavens. Just so very much to see. A incredibly serene and peaceful setting for prayer and reflection in this hectic world Well worth a visit.
7. Science Museum of Minnesota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the state’s most popular museums, with a reach that extends well beyond its riverfront location in downtown Saint Paul. In addition to its beloved visitor place, which serves hundreds of thousands of people each year with its engaging exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, and engaging special events, Science Museum education programs touch students in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties each year, and its research programs span the globe. Discovery awaits at the Science Museum of Minnesota! You’ll find something fascinating around every corner. We love to see the fun that our visitors have! Tag us in your photos @sciencemuseummn, or use #ShareYourDiscovery!
Reviewed By AdrienneM61 - Wichita, United States
We were actually there to visit the Mississippi National Riverway - which is located inside the Museum foyer. The foyer had a few exhibits that you could do without purchasing tickets to the very extensive museum - we LOVED the musical stairs, seriously...so incredibly cool and unique. We were a little short on time, so we had no intention on entering the museum, except a lady with her child had won tickets from an auction and had 4 more than they could use and asked if we would enjoy them, we graciously agreed. Huge thanks to that sweet lady. The museum is HUGE, we didn't get to do everything because again, it's huge! And the tickets included the IMAX film on Apollo 11 which was great! What we did get to do was very enjoyable, with several volunteer run stations where kids could make their own crafts or be part of an exhibit - very well done museum, enjoyable for kids and adults of ALL ages. If ever in the Twin Cities again, we will DEFINITELY return, to finish the rest of the museum!
8. Xcel Energy Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By 2018mntraveler - Saint Paul, United States
I’m always happy when artists choose the X. Sound quality and views of performers is always spot on. I’ve seen several concerts here and sat at all levels. It’s a must for concert goers!
9. Minnesota State Fair
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,220 reviews
Always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day, the Great Minnesota Get-Together welcomes 2 million guests annually to a world-class showcase of livestock, agriculture, horse, art, talent and creative activities competitions; 500 food items; 900 free entertainment shows; the Mighty Midway and Kidway; Grandstand concert series; 1,000 vendors; exhibits for kids and adults; and more! The 2021 State Fair runs Aug. 26-Sept. 6. The 2022 fair is Aug. 25-Sept. 5, and the 2023 fair is Aug. 24-Sept. 4.
Reviewed By joannatjohnson - Saint Paul, United States
Located mid-way between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the 322-acre Minnesota State Fairgrounds is renowned for its beautiful gardens and architecture that features Art Deco and WPA buildings and frescos. The fair runs for the 10 days preceding Labor Day every year and is known as The Great Minnesota Get-Together. The fair has lots to see and do--something for everyone. While it can be an expensive excursion, there are always food bargains and free things to see and do. Check out the free park and ride options instead of trying to park close to the grounds themselves.
10. Historic Fort Snelling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
CLOSED for the season til Memorial Day weekend 2020. With a human history more than 10,000 years in the making, the area today known as Fort Snelling means different things to different people. Explore the past through tours, demonstrations, and conversations that expand the diverse stories of the women, men, and children who crossed paths here—from the Dakota, who call the land Bdote, to other Native American groups who lived and worked here, to enslaved people, immigrants, fur traders, and soldiers.
Reviewed By W298IWdianer - Appleton, United States
My teen daughter and I attended this living history fort and it was amazing! :) We thought it would be an hour or so but we spent well over 2 hours listening and learning. There was a blacksmith and the living quarters of Dred and Harriet Scott. The staff were so very well informed of history and helped us to feel as if we were in the middle of this historic place. There was a military type action where they fired the cannon and other active and fun learning for all ages. A must see!
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