Location: Saint Paul
Top Things to do in Saint Paul
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Things to do in Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN): The Best History Museums
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 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. Alexander Ramsey House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Explore the unexpected at the Alexander Ramsey House, a Victorian-era home filled with thousands of original family items and furnishings. Through special events and programming visitors can immerse themselves in life from the 1870s. The home was built by Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota's first territorial governor. The house is open year-round for special events and programming and regular Saturday tours in the summer.
5. HIstoric Streetcar Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
