What to do and see in Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul: The Best Sights & Landmarks

September 18, 2021 Mollie Coke

Discover the best top things to do in Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States including Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, James J. Hill House, Minnesota State Capitol, Summit Avenue, Cathedral of Saint Paul, Fort Snelling State Park, Foshay Tower, Grand Avenue, Historic Downtown Hastings, Minneapolis Skyway System.
Restaurants in Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul

1. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

726 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403 +1 612-375-7600 [email protected] http://www.walkerart.org/garden/
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,754 reviews

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is closed for renovation, and will reopen in June 2017. One of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. A partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is a top destination for tourists to enjoy art like the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry in an outdoor park setting.

Reviewed By victoriavZ5721AB - Rochester, United States

Had to check out the Minneapolis sculpture garden to see the famous spoon and cherry. We parked in the $4 parking lot and enjoyed strolling through the walkways to see some interesting sculptures. The native landscape and wildflowers only added to the beauty of the art and the location in the city. Got some cool pics as well which I'm sure we'll cherish for a long time!

2. James J. Hill House

240 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102-2194 +1 651-297-2555 http://www.mnhs.org/hillhouse
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 497 reviews

James J. Hill House

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. Minnesota State Capitol

75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55155-1605 +1 651-296-2881 [email protected] http://www.mnhs.org/capitol
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 375 reviews

Minnesota State Capitol

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.

4. Summit Avenue

Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN +1 651-297-2555 http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/james-j-hill-house/summit-avenue-walking-tour
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 415 reviews

Summit Avenue

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.

5. Cathedral of Saint Paul

239 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1811 +1 651-228-1766 [email protected] http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,041 reviews

Cathedral of Saint Paul

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.

6. Fort Snelling State Park

101 Snelling Lake Rd, Saint Paul, MN 55111-4116 +1 612-725-2389 http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling/index.html
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Fort Snelling State Park

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.

7. Foshay Tower

821 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2929 +1 651-296-6126 http://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/foshay-museum-observation-deck/3510
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 277 reviews

Foshay Tower

After recent renovation, our museum and observation deck are now open seven days a week from 12:00pm-9:00pm. Weather permitting, both will be open year round.

Reviewed By terrencet960

I grew up in Minneapolis and I was always fascinated with a building that looked like the Washington Monument. It was constructed in 1906 and it was the tallest building between Chicago and the West Coast until the early 1970’s and was converted into a Hotel in 2008. This fall my wife a visited family and we were pleased to stay in this historic building. The hotel is very interesting, step into the elevators and jump back in time, the rooms have a wonderful view of the downtown (ask for an upper floor room) and the décor in the rooms are fun. Minneapolis is a great walking town, with walkways that connect most of the downtown, we were able to walked to the Twins baseball field which is about a mile way. Easy access to restaurants and shopping. You can also visit the Foshay museum and observation deck located on the 30th floor

8. Grand Avenue

Saint Paul, MN http://www.grandave.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 242 reviews

Grand Avenue

Rich in local history and charm, this long avenue spans 25 blocks filled with old homes, small shops and restaurants.

Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States

I stopped at a couple of businesses in the Grand and Victoria part of St. Paul. In this area are Cafe Latte, Cooks of Crocus Hill, Billy's, etc. There were a lot of people out and there was only parking available in the ramp near this intersection. Further down the road toward Downtown are more restaurants like Dixie's, Tavern on Grand, Saji-Ya, and La Cucaracha. All long-time restaurants and I've had good meals at all of them. The other direction are restaurants like Grand Catch, the Lexington, Salut Bar Americain, and Everest on Grand. I haven't been to the renovated Lexington or to Salut yet, but sometime I will have to stop! It is always lively in this part of St. Paul, even in the darkest part of winter.

9. Historic Downtown Hastings

Second Street, Hastings, MN 55033 https://www.visithastingsmn.org/history
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Historic Downtown Hastings

Reviewed By ljhoffmannn - Nashville, United States

A nice walk downtown and visit shops along the way. Many walk and bike baths along the river. And easy parking.

10. Minneapolis Skyway System

Minneapolis, MN http://www.skywaymyway.com
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 739 reviews

Minneapolis Skyway System

Reviewed By eloisemariel - Minneapolis, United States

The Skyways of both Minneapolis and St Paul are a great asset. One is able to get over much of each city in the warmth or cool, rain/snow or shine, depending on the season. Excellent maps are provided. Many shops and restaurants along the way. Also a great place to get in a good and safe walk. Interestingly, the city uses the heat from the city trash incinerator to heat the Skyways in the winter.

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