Location: Downtown
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7 Museums in Downtown 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 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. ????
4. Minnesota Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Minnesota Museum of American Art showcases art of the past and present, unleashes the creative potential of our community, and inspires the artist in us all.
Reviewed By thewearyamerican
I have to say I am a bit biased because I too am an unpaid volunteer here. This is such a great place to volunteer. There is a little gift section and The Center for Creativity in a back gallery space that's great for kids with lots of projects to do. The museum is expanding in the near future and will have at least double or triple the size. And it is FREE! You can make any donation to the M as you want and become a member. The opening parties for the shows are a blast and you can rent out the space for receptions or class reunions. The M has several pieces donated by the wealthy old guard of St. Paul. Even with a much bigger space it is impossible to show all of them. The Minneapolis Institute of Art switches their paintings in the permanent collection. The Gordon Parks/Jamel Shabazz show this Spring and Summer was fantastic and broke all attendance records. Legacy Coffee and Chocolates is just upstairs. They do close at 3 pm. The M is currently closed until 2021.
5. Schubert Club Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Guests will be introduced to The Schubert Club Museum by an interpretive guide in our orientation space. They will also encounter a massive sculpture of instruments.Moving deeper into the museum, visitors will learn about the evolution of keyboard instruments, sneak a peek at our collection of composer manuscripts and letters, engage with phonographs and music boxes, see and try Indonesian Gamalan instruments, and discover imaginative and experimental musical instruments.No admission charge. An interpretive guide is on staff to provide tours. Groups of 5 or more are encouraged to call ahead. After-hours tours may be possible by special arrangement.
6. The Show Gallery Lowertown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
