Looking for a charming Midwest city with history, arts, and riverfront views? Visit St. Paul! As Minnesota’s capital, St. Paul offers grand architecture, cultural gems, cozy neighborhoods, and family-friendly fun—all paired with warm hospitality and scenic Mississippi River vibes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St. Paul is from May to October for festivals, outdoor attractions, and warm weather. Winter (December to February) brings cold temps but magical holiday lights and fun seasonal events like Winter Carnival and ice skating.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP), just 15 minutes from downtown St. Paul.
- By Car: Easily accessed via I-94 and I-35E. St. Paul is about 15 minutes east of Minneapolis.
- By Train: Amtrak’s **Empire Builder** line stops at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul.
Where to Stay
- The Saint Paul Hotel – Historic luxury hotel with elegant rooms and views of Rice Park.
- Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown – Modern comfort inside the beautifully restored Custom House near the river.
- Celeste of St. Paul Hotel + Bar – Boutique stay in a converted convent with stylish decor and charm.
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Science Museum of Minnesota
Explore interactive exhibits and discover fun attractions with kids and stuff.
© Science Museum of Minnesota
Overlooking the Mississippi River in St. Paul, the Science Museum of Minnesota
is a large regional science museum that uses a hands-on approach to science learning and entertainment. Founded in 1907, the museum features a variety of permanent and temporary collections and exhibitions, state-of-the-art research facilities, a public science education center and an Imax Convertible Dome Omnitheater. Five permanent galleries and an array of temporary exhibits cover the topics of physical science and technology, the human body, paleontology, and the peoples and cultures of the Mississippi River.
Popular collections and exhibitions at the museum include the interactive Experiment Gallery, an authentic Mississippi River towboat, an ancient Egyptian mummy, and a variety of interactive exhibits for all ages. The museum offers innovative and interactive science education programs for teachers and children, and provides ongoing research in a range of scientific fields.
120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, Phone: 651-221-9444
⮕ Alexander Ramsay House
Visit this Victorian mansion and admire historic details on a quick trip.
© Alexander Ramsay House
Alexander Ramsay (1815-1903) was the first governor of the state of Minnesota; his term lasted from 1849 to 1853. In 1872, Ramsay had a house built in the Irvine Park district of St. Paul. This house still stands and is one of the best preserved Victorian homes in the United States.
Many of the original furnishings are still intact. The house was very advanced for its time: it had hot and cold running water, gas lighting, and hot water radiators. Upon her death in 1964, Anita Ramsay, Alexander’s last surviving granddaughter, willed the house to the Minnesota Historical Society. One-hour tours are offered by docents in period costume; the servants in the kitchen often have children on the tour help them do kitchen chores and baking.
Alexander Ramsay House, 265 Exchange Street South, St. Paul, MN 55102 Phone: 651-296-8760
⮕ Bruce Vento Regional Trail
Walk along scenic paths and enjoy peaceful views on a fall outing.
© Courtesy of omune - Fotolia.com
The Bruce Vento Regional Trail is an asphalt-paved rail trail that runs from White Bear Lake to the Bruce Vento Wildlife Sanctuary. Both the trail and the wildlife sanctuary are named for Bruce Vento, an ardent environmentalist and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Minnesota’s 4th District from 1977-2000.
The trail is mostly off-road, but it does go through some residential neighborhoods; it is scenic, with views of Lake Phalen, and a lovely ravine section in Swede Hollow. The trail is seven miles long and is open to hikers, cyclists, in-line skaters, and cross-country skiers. It is wheelchair accessible.
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Cathedral of Saint Paul
Admire grand architecture and look at stained-glass beauty on a weekend visit.
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The Cathedral of Saint Paul is one of the largest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the United States and is the Co-Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Opened in 1915, the cathedral was built in the majestic French Beaux-Arts style of architecture, and its distinctive copper dome rises 186 feet above the nave.
The open plan interior allows everyone an unobstructed view of both the pulpit and the altar. The Cathedral is enormous with seating for 3,000 people and a magnificent building of granite sitting on a hilltop overlooking downtown Saint Paul. Statues of the four evangelists are placed in niches around the church. There is free parking across the street, and visitors are welcome to tour the cathedral at all times except Sunday mornings.
239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102, Phone: 651-228-1766
⮕ Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
See exotic animals and explore lush gardens on an affordable family trip.
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Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
are part of a large complex on the shores of Lake Como that includes an amusement park, a golf course, a pool, and a carousel. The zoo is the oldest in Minnesota; it was opened in 1897, and in its first year it was home to three deer.
Now the zoo has extensive animal collections, including birds, a wide selection of primates such as lemurs, orangutans, and Western Lowland Gorillas, big cats such as lions, tigers, and snow leopards, as well as zoo favorites such as polar bears, wolves, giraffes, and zebras. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is open to the public every day of the year and presents beautiful botanical items. It has a display of bonsai trees, a Japanese garden, a palm court with over 150 species of palm, an orchid house, and a greenhouse dedicated to ferns. There is no admission charge to either the zoo or the conservatory.
1225 Estabrook Street, St. Paul, MN 55103, Phone: 651-487-8201
⮕ Fitzgerald Theater
Enjoy live performances and admire classic interiors on a romantic night out.
© Fitzgerald Theater
The Fitzgerald Theater was named for author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was born in St. Paul and spent some of his formative years here. National Public Media’s live radio show A Prairie Home Companion is recorded here. Until his recent retirement, Garrison Keiller hosted the show.
Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile has taken over the show capably since. The theater, which has a capacity of 1,000 people, is located in a beautiful building, and the elegant theater itself resembles a turn of the century opera house. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and movie-style snacks are available during intermission, and show souvenirs may be purchased after the show.
10 Exchange Street South, St. Paul, MN 55101, Phone: 651-290-1200
⮕ James J. Hill House
Visit the historic estate and explore its lavish rooms on a spring tour.
© James J. Hill House
James J. Hill was a railroad magnate in the 19th century; he founded Great Northern Railroad. In 1891, he had a house built for himself, his wife, and their ten children, and he resided there until he died in 1916.
The Minnesota Historical Society now manages the house and gives tours to individuals, groups, and school students. The house has a commanding view of downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River, and is ruggedly styled in stone. It is a massive house with intricately detailed woodwork inside, as well as all the latest conveniences of the time such as indoor plumbing, secret safes, and electric light. The house also has a pipe organ, which is regularly used to present chamber music concerts. Visiting the house is a fascinating way to learn about the lives of rich people and their servants during the Gilded Age.
James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102, Phone: 651- 297-2555
⮕ Minnesota History Center
Discover engaging exhibits and explore local stories on an exciting educational outing.
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The Minnesota History Center consists of a museum and a library and is home to the Minnesota Historical Society. The eye-catching building with two L wings joining at a central dome was completed in 1992. There are both permanent and rotating exhibits, all of which are family friendly and designed to appeal to both children and adults.
There are always films being screened, and they add to the historical experience and provide an interesting form of education. The museum hosts dance performances, lectures, concerts, meetings, and weddings, and it has a nice café and gift shop.
345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55012, Phone: 651-296-6126
Where to Eat
- Moscow on the Hill – Cozy Russian eatery with hearty dishes and signature vodka flights.
- Revival – Southern comfort food favorites like hot chicken, mac and cheese, and banana cream pie.
- Cossetta’s – Italian market, bakery, and full-service restaurant serving St. Paul for over a century.
Local Events
- Saint Paul Winter Carnival (January–February) – Ice sculptures, parades, and chilly fun in Rice Park and beyond.
- Grand Old Day (June) – A lively street festival with live music, food, and family zones on historic Grand Avenue.
- Twin Cities Jazz Festival (June) – Free concerts from national and local artists in Mears Park and venues around Lowertown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of St. Paul, Minnesota
- Minneapolis (20–25 min) – Explore world-class museums, dine in trendy neighborhoods, or stroll around the Chain of Lakes.
- Roseville (10–15 min) – Shop Rosedale Center, visit parks, or catch a show at the community theatre.
- Mendota Heights (10 min) – Walk scenic river trails or visit the historic Sibley House along the Minnesota River.
- Maplewood (10–15 min) – Enjoy indoor fun at the mall, explore nature centers, or hike Battle Creek trails.
- Woodbury (15–20 min) – Browse shops at Tamarack Village, hit the trails, or enjoy vibrant local dining spots.
- Inver Grove Heights (15–20 min) – Visit community parks, play a round of golf, or explore local history sites.
- Eagan (20–25 min) – Shop Twin Cities Premium Outlets, hike Lebanon Hills, or visit the Vikings Museum.
- White Bear Lake (25–30 min) – Swim, boat, or enjoy charming downtown shops and lakeside dining.
- North St. Paul (15 min) – Walk the Gateway Trail, explore local shops, or visit the iconic Snowman landmark.
FAQ
- What is the capital of Minnesota?
- 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.
- What cultural and business opportunities does St. Paul offer?
- The city is a business and cultural center with an array of museums, performing arts centers, and historical sites.
- What professional sports team is based in St. Paul?
- St. Paul is home to the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.
- What outdoor recreation opportunities does St. Paul offer?
- The Mississippi River and its shores provide a much-loved recreational space for residents and visitors in all seasons.
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