Location: Saint Paul
Top Things to do in Saint Paul
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Saint Paul That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Park Square Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Major performing arts center with two stages in downtown Saint Paul. Great restaurants, bars and clubs nearby; convenient street and ramp parking; 3 blocks from the Green Line.
7. Minnesota Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
The Bigger, Better, Bolder Museum is Open! This is our first major renovation since we opened our downtown St. Paul museum in 1995. Children and adults alike delight in our 10 new exhibits and enjoy a variety of new amenities. A glass addition along West Seventh Street houses The Scramble, a four-story climbing adventure. Elsewhere in the new museum, visitors delight in an updated pretend town, get creative in two maker workshops and engineer their own fun in an air-and-water exhibit. Families also enjoy a bigger toddler gallery and step out into a revamped rooftop and backyard. Kids craft their own adventures in a ninja-training course and a carpet skate park. This is play like it’s meant to be. Natural. Joyous. Genuine. Children will explore, experiment, try new things, test their limits, adapt and grow. Each exhibit helps children develop the life skills they need to succeed throughout life — how to think creatively, make plans, analyze problems, tackle challenges, speak and listen, work as part of a team and more.
Reviewed By Stay790848
Took my 7 year old here. Very convenient area. We rented an electric scooter and rode there and it was right down the road from our hotel. We are from Houston, TX on vacation and we enjoyed it much more then our Children’s Museum in Houston. So much fun and so much to do and The Scramble is awesome and he enjoyed going to the very top and the view. Love that it’s four stories high because there is a lot to do on different floors and the Lazer Maze/Beam Buster was our favorite part! Would definitely go back to if we’re ever back in this area. ????
8. Landmark Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
The former Federal Court House and Post Office building (circa 1902)is designated as a National Historic Monument, which serves as a cultural venue for a variety of events including music, dance, theatrical performances, exhibitions and public forums.
Reviewed By danielp542
Great picturesque building with interesting bronze statues across the street. Very peaceful area on a weekend afternoon
9. Ramsey County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By s2mc
Downtown St. Paul is filled with old buildings. While this one may not stand out from the outside, it hides some beautiful Art Deco inside and is well worth a detour. Visiting is free, although you must go through security. Once inside, you are immersed in 1930s beauty. Make your way to the 3-story Memorial Hall and be prepared to ooh and aah at the marble walls and gold mirror ceilings, as well as the Art Deco elevators and other elements in the room. However, the main draw is the Vision of Peace statue. Rising 36 feet, it is the largest carved onyx statue in the world and is spectacular. Unveiled in 1936, it slowly revolves to reveal a tribute to Native Americans. Lovely and awe-inspiring. There are other historical treasures and memorials in the building as well. I understand that you can take a self guided tour of this amazing space as well.
10. Minnesota Transportation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Traveling_MandJ - Midland, United States
We planned a Minnesota State Fair vacation and looked for additional attractions to bolt onto our Twin Cities visit. We are really glad we put this one on the list! Housed in an old railroad maintenance roundhouse, the museum has a number of displays that include restored train cars that can be walked through. Lots of attention to child friendly games and adventures are provided. The museum also provides a short train ride in an old caboose, where you are encouraged to climb up and sit in the cupola -- which is really a neat experience. We'll echo the previous comments about the outside looking a bit rough, but take our work -- check out the inside. You'll be glad you did! The Hidden Gem" of this museum is the docent lead tour of the restoration projects ongoing in part of the museum. It includes "work in progress" on a number of train cars and a steam engine. The tour includes an explanation of what the unit started like, the current plan, and a discussion of the current state of the restoration. It also included an informative visit to the blacksmith shop, where many of the restoration iron/steel pieces are created. (Tip: Make a request for the docent led tour at the ticket window, as they seem to run on an "as requested" basis)
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