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Fun Things to do in St. Paul
Minnesota
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city guide
St. Paul, city, capital of Minnesota, U.S., and seat of Ramsey county. Situated in the southeastern part of the state, St. Paul is at the head of navigation on the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Minnesota River. The city adjoins Minneapolis on the west, and together they form the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the largest conurbation in the state and in the U.S. north-central region. Suburban communities include Roseville (north), Maplewood (north and east), Woodbury (east), Cottage Grove (southeast), and South St. Paul and Eagan (south).
Best time to go
The best time to visit Minneapolis-St. Paul is from June to August. Daily highs flutter around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and residents and visitors venture outdoors and onto the lakes. Summer marks the peak tourism season and sees festivals and farmers markets in large numbers.
Fun city facts and activities
- St. Paul, the capital of the state of Minnesota, sits on the east bank of the Mississippi River and has a population of approximately 300,000 people. The city is a business and cultural center with an array of museums, performing arts centers, and historical sites, and it is also home to the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League. The Mississippi River and its shores are much-loved recreational space in all seasons. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Battle Creek
Como Park
Greater East Side
Highland Park
Macalester-Groveland
Hamline-Midway
Saint Anthony Park
Summit Hill
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- St. Paul may be the smaller of the Twin Cities, but its mighty dining scene is not to be overlooked. The Minnesota state capitol boasts an array of ethnic enclaves with deep roots in the area, making the dining scene diverse, authentic, and delicious as hell. From getting an old school martini spot with major Mad Men vibes to stellar Vietnamese grub to a gem in a tiny airport, St. Pauls restaurant scene is stacked with excellent dining options. Ditch your preconceived notions of Upper Midwestern cuisineits not all corn and cheese curds, though those are great thingsand eat like a champ in St. Paul, Minnesota.
St. Paul Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Explore the St. Paul Farmer's market: Take an afternoon stroll around the St. Paul Farmers Market and check out the unique offerings from local vendors.
2. Take a tour of the Wabasha Street Caves: This unique tour will take you deep underground for a tour of the historic limestone caves.
3. Visit the Minnesota State Fair: See one of the largest state fairs in the country and indulge in all the classic fair foods.
4. Tour the Cathedral of Saint Paul: This majestic building is a must-see for any tourist visiting St. Paul. Tours of the Cathedral highlight its stunning architecture and artwork.
5. Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota: Get up-close and personal with interactive exhibits and demonstrations at this St. Paul science museum.
6. Take a Segway Tour: Hop on a Segway and explore the city in a unique way.
7. Enjoy a show at
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
Let the kids take a ride on the giant slide, build with real tools in The Studio, explore Imaginopolis and more at the Minnesota Children's Museum.
Did you know Peanuts creator Charles Schulz hails from Saint Paul? Challenge yourself to spot as many characters as you can downtownstart in Landmark Plaza for some great photo ops.
Explore the hands-on exhibits at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The little athletes in your life will have a blast racing their favorite pros at the Sportsology exhibit.
Watch the polar bears take a dip in the pool at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, the nation's oldest free zoo is a family favorite here in Saint Paul.
Round up the whole family and bring them to the funhouse that is Can Can Wonderland. The kids will love the mini-golf and arcade games, and you'll love the fancy adult milkshakes.
Take the family on an artistic adventure to admire the murals and creative workings in the Creative Enterprise Zone. What is the Creative Enterprise Zone? It is a neighborhood home to creative businesses such as artists, architects, entrepreneurs and manufacturers that showcases vibrant local art and ideas.
Located on the historic grounds of the iconic Schmidt Brewery, check out Keg and Case West 7th Market for delicious bites, shopping, live music and family-friendly events!
For an unforgettable day on the water, take a Padelford Riverboat Cruise. The hour and half tour takes you past a variety of beautiful and historic locations as you drift along the mighty Mississippi.
Experience the craziest antics in all of professional baseball at a St. Paul Saints gametheir amazing CHS Field is nestled into the corner of Lowertown, easily walkable from any spot downtown.
City data and FAQ
Do you need a car to visit St. Paul?
No, your do not. There are buses and light rail from the MSP airport to most of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Ive lived here for thirty years, and saved a lot more money using rental cars and public transit and just walking versus owning - like several tens of thousands USD. Public transit, and walking a few miles a day, keeps me in good shape. Visitors who can figure public transit here (almost anybody from anywhere, welcome. If you need a rentacar, also welcome). Public transit here is good enough. BUT if you need a car, welcome forsure.
Eric Jacobson Lives in Minnesota (1950 Present)
