Attraction	Description
Cathedral of Saint Paul	Historic Beaux Arts church with a massive dome and stunning interior.
Minnesota State Capitol	Neoclassical building with free guided tours and a gold dome.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory	Zoo and conservatory with gardens and animal exhibits.
Science Museum of Minnesota	Interactive science exhibits and a planetarium.
Mississippi Riverfront	Scenic area for strolling, biking, and river activities.
Summit Avenue	Historic boulevard with Gilded Age mansions.
Minnesota History Center	Museum showcasing Minnesota’s past.
Como Town	Amusement park with kid-friendly rides.
Fitzgerald Theater	Historic theater hosting live performances.
Mears Park	Urban park with outdoor concerts and winter ice rink.
Minnesota Children’s Museum	Interactive museum with hands-on exhibits for kids.
Landmark Center	Cultural center with exhibits and community events.

From world-class museums and performing arts venues to craft breweries and dynamic neighborhoods, Saint Paul has something for everyone. Here are the top 12 attractions that no visit to Saint Paul is complete without.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Name and Location: Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: This elaborate cathedral was constructed in the early 1900s in grand Beaux-Arts style. It is a renowned landmark.

What to Expect: Marvel at the stunning architecture and interior mosaics. Attend Mass or take a guided tour. Climb to the dome for city views.

Visitor Information: Open daily, hours vary. Guided tours offered select days for a fee.

The magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul dominates the St. Paul skyline from its hilltop perch. This grand church was completed in 1915 in the Beaux Arts architectural style with influences from French Renaissance and Classical themes.

The Cathedral’s massive dome rises 306 feet above the city and its elaborate interior features stunning marble columns, mosaics, and a breathtaking high altar. Visitors can attend Mass, take a guided tour to learn about the Cathedral’s art and architecture, or simply admire this iconic Saint Paul landmark.

Minnesota State Capitol

Name and Location: Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: The stately state capitol opened in 1905. Its grand dome is visible throughout the city. Free tours are offered.

What to Expect: Explore the Capitol’s architecture and statuary on a free tour. Grounds have monuments and seasonal plantings. Visit legislative galleries.

Visitor Information: Open weekdays 8am-5pm. Tours offered hourly when legislature not in session.

The Minnesota State Capitol is an imposing neoclassical building that houses the state legislature and governor’s office. Free guided tours provide a close look at the Capitol’s grand interior of marble, brass, and stained glass.

Wander the Capitol grounds to see monuments honoring Minnesota veterans and the state’s diverse immigrants. Don’t miss the spectacular view of Saint Paul from the building’s quadriga overlooking downtown. The Capitol’s gleaming gold dome is one of the city’s most recognizable sights.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Name and Location: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: St. Paul’s beloved zoo and gardens have welcomed visitors to Como Park since the late 1800s. Admission is free.

What to Expect: Visit polar bears, big cats, aquatic animals and more at the zoo. Relax amid flowers and tropical plants in the Conservatory.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 10am-4pm. Free admission and parking.

This beloved Saint Paul institution encompasses an acclaimed zoo, scenic public gardens, an aquarium, and historic conservatory. The Como Zoo houses more than 400 animal species in naturalistic habitats indoors and outside.

Next door, the peaceful Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has 10 indoor gardens blooming with exotic plants and flowers. Stroll through the tranquil 12-acre Japanese Garden or ride the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel. With free admission, Como Park offers fun and relaxation for all.

Science Museum of Minnesota

Name and Location: Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: Founded in 1907, this renowned museum has interactive STEM exhibits, an Omnitheater, and renowned visiting shows.

What to Expect: Fun, hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations in the labs, and blockbuster traveling exhibits.

Visitor Information: Open daily 9:30am-5pm, Thursday until 9pm. Admission fees apply. Parking available.

With hundreds of interactive exhibits, the Science Museum brings science to life for kids and adults. Step into an immersive “human body” to see your beating heart or explore the orrery of the solar system. Got a need for speed? Design your own rollercoaster and ride a high-wire bike. See dinosaurs up close, blast off into space in the planetarium, and watch performers wow you with physical science feats in the show gallery.

Mississippi Riverfront

Name and Location: Mississippi Riverfront in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: The riverfront offers walking paths, parks, and attractions along the iconic Mississippi River as it flows through the city.

What to Expect: Scenic strolling, cycling, concessions, riverboats, fishing access and views of the downtown skyline.

Visitor Information: The riverfront is open daily year-round. Free to access.

Stroll, bike or paddle along the riverfront for splendid views of Saint Paul’s downtown. Harriet Island Regional Park offers walking paths, river access and a charming pavilion. Rent a kayak and drift by the colonnaded James J. Hill House. Dine al fresco at a riverside patio before enjoying a concert at Harriet Island. Don’t miss the dramatic Wabasha Street Caves nearby – sandstone caverns that once housed prohibition-era speakeasies.

Summit Avenue

Name and Location: Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: This scenic avenue is known for gorgeous preserved Victorian and early 20th century mansions.

What to Expect: Walk or drive Summit Avenue to admire the historic architecture and landscaping. Guided tours available.

Visitor Information: The avenue is open year-round. Free street parking available.

This historic boulevard showcases Saint Paul’s elegant past with turn-of-the-century mansions and grand Summit Avenue homes. Stately residences built by railroad tycoons and other prominent citizens blend Gilded Age opulence with Classical Revival and Victorian architecture.

The avenue follows the curve of a prehistoric Mississippi River bluff that once marked the western edge of Saint Paul. Today this timeless street offers a tranquil walk or bike ride through the neighborhood.

Minnesota History Center

Name and Location: Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: This Smithsonian-affiliated history museum preserves Minnesota’s stories through exhibits and outreach.

What to Expect: Engaging state history exhibits with artifacts and multimedia displays. Research library onsite.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday. Admission fee required. Parking garage onsite.

Immerse yourself in Minnesota’s past at this engaging museum beginning with an exhibit chronicling the state’s geological origins. See an array of artifacts from Native American history and early European settlers.

The History Center brings historic events to life with multimedia displays and immersive recreations of a pioneer farm, WWII home front and more. Costumed guides lead tours while the museum’s treasured collections offer one-of-a-kind glimpses into Minnesota’s rich history.

Como Town

Name and Location: Como Town in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: This family amusement park opened in Como Park in 1965. It offers classic rides and attractions.

What to Expect: Ride the Sea Dragon rollercoaster, Tornado swings, and other rides. Play mini golf or arcade games. Ride the historic carousel.

Visitor Information: Open daily late May through Labor Day. Ride tickets must be purchased.

The lakeside Como Park also encompasses this charming miniature amusement park. Families with small children delight in the kid-sized rides, concessions and old-fashioned games at Como Town.

Hop aboard the rickety Fun House rollercoaster, whirl on amusement park classics like the Tornado and Frog Hopper, take a spin on the Steam Train, or get behind the wheel of a colorful Combat Crocodile bumper car. With an admission price under $10, Como Town delivers affordable thrills.

Fitzgerald Theater

Name and Location: Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: Built in 1910, this landmark theater hosted Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” and showcases Minnesota arts.

What to Expect: Touring shows, concerts, plays, and more performed in an intimate, historic venue.

Visitor Information: Show schedule and ticket information on the venue website.

Downtown’s elegant Fitzgerald Theater has hosted legends from Duke Ellington to Prince since opening in 1910. Today “The Fitz” anchors St. Paul’s lively theater district as home to the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Catch live music and performances on two stages at this intimate, landmark venue. Before the show, admire the theater’s original ornate architectural details and murals restored to their original glory.

Mears Park

Name and Location: Mears Park in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: Mears Park has been an important public gathering space in downtown St. Paul since the mid-1800s.

What to Expect: Shady trees, a lovely fountain, chess boards and live music in the summer. Food trucks nearby.

Visitor Information: The park is open daily year-round. Free to visit.

Find fun and relaxation in downtown Saint Paul’s Mears Park. Anchoring the Lower Town neighborhood, this lively urban green space hosts outdoor concerts in the gazebo during summer. Relax near the bubbling bronze fountain, play chess on oversized tables, or practice tai chi on the square. The park is surrounded by popular bars, brewpubs, and restaurants to enjoy before or after events. In winter, the park becomes a magical ice-skating rink aglow with twinkling lights.

Minnesota Children’s Museum

Name and Location: Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: Open since 1981, this pioneering museum provides hands-on learning experiences to spark children’s creativity.

What to Expect: Exhibits, classes and programs for kids focused on literacy, the arts, science and world cultures.

Visitor Information: Open daily, hours vary. Admission fee required. Parking ramp next door.

The Minnesota Children’s Museum delights kids with hands-on exhibits and interactive play spaces. Children can race hydro-powered boats, work in a pretend grocery store, design buildings, and dress up as firefighters. Exciting temporary exhibits like wildlife dioramas, LEGO kingdoms, and art studios inspire imaginations. Don’t miss the Apple Tree House with interconnected treehouse structures and thrilling spiral slide exiting from the apple tree “trunk”.

Landmark Center

Name and Location: Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: This historic former federal building now hosts exhibits, events, and cultural programming.

What to Expect: Visit galleries, attend cultural events and festivals, and admire the beautiful architecture.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission. Parking ramps nearby.

This magnificent former federal courts building is now a cultural center hosting exhibits and community events. Wander the Landmark Center’s airy atrium showcasing Works Progress Administration murals or admire the art deco details in the historic courtrooms.

Intricate Art Deco and Moorish Revival designs grace the interior of this National Historic Landmark. Throughout the year, Landmark Center presents festivals celebrating Saint Paul’s diverse heritage from Irish Fair to Cinco de Mayo.

Conclusion

From the gleaming Capitol dome to the mighty river rolling through downtown, Saint Paul captivates visitors with its lively urban energy coupled with small-town charm. Families can spend a day immersed in hands-on science exhibits and then delighting in amusement park rides.

Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike find inspiration along the Mississippi riverfront and Summit Avenue estates. Saint Paul’s historic venues like Landmark Center and Fitzgerald Theater now host vibrant local arts and cuisine. Whether you seek outdoor escapes, cultural riches, or family fun, Saint Paul offers memorable experiences for all interests.