Saint Paul, Minnesota offers visitors a variety of free activities and attractions to enjoy. From exploring historic sites and scenic parks to attending cultural festivals and open-air concerts, there are many ways to experience this charming city on a budget.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Minnesota State Capitol | Offers free guided tours of its Renaissance-style architecture, murals, and Quadriga sculpture. |
| Cathedral of Saint Paul | Free to explore, featuring Romanesque and Renaissance architecture and a high altar. |
| Mears Park | An urban park hosting free outdoor concerts and surrounded by cafes and restaurants. |
| Free Festivals | Various cultural festivals, including “Music in Mears” and “Movies in the Parks.” |
| Historic Fort Snelling | Free access to fort grounds, trails, and visitor center, showcasing early Minnesota military and pioneer life. |
| Raptor Center | Education center housing raptors, with free visits to see birds of prey. |
| Summit Avenue Historic District | Drive through a district with preserved mansions and historical homes. |
| Indian Mounds Park Trails | Hiking trails through a park with Native American burial mounds and river views. |
| Wabasha Street Caves | Guided tours of limestone caves with historical significance. |
| Free Concert at Landmark Center | Free music performances in a historic Romanesque building. |
| James J. Hill House | Free monthly tours of the Gilded Age mansion. |
| Common Good Books | Bookstore hosting free readings and literary events. |
| Outdoor Sculptures | Explore public outdoor sculptures throughout the city. |
Take advantage of these top 12 free things to do during your next trip to Saint Paul.
Tour the Minnesota State Capitol
Name and Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155
History and Significance: The Capitol building has been the seat of Minnesota government since 1905. The stately dome and marble interior make it one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the US.
What to Expect: Free tours of the Capitol, its art and architecture. Observation deck at top of dome provides panoramic views. Public spaces open to visitors.
Visitor Information: Free guided tours offered daily. Open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. Closed holidays.
One of Saint Paul’s most iconic landmarks, the Minnesota State Capitol, offers free guided tours daily. Walk through the beautiful halls and rotunda of this impressive Renaissance-style building. Marvel at the elaborate decor, statuary, paintings, and murals depicting Minnesota history.
Outside, stroll the lush grounds and admire the gleaming marble exterior. Make sure to snap a photo in front of the gilded Quadriga sculpture atop the dome. To tour the Capitol, simply arrive at the Capitol info desk on the ground floor.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul
Name and Location: Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
History and Significance: Built in 1907, the Cathedral is the center of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Its dome is the third largest in the United States.
What to Expect: Mass services, opportunity to see the elaborate Renaissance-style interior, dome views from lower balcony level.
Visitor Information: Free self-guided tour pamphlets available. Open daily 7am-7pm. Guided tours offered select days for a fee.
The magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul, overlooking downtown Saint Paul, does not charge admission. Visitors are welcome to explore this striking Romanesque and Renaissance-style cathedral daily. Gaze up at the stunning architecture and dome soaring high above.
Wander through the intricate interior featuring marble floors, carvings, stained glass windows, and a high altar. Attend a free organ concert or prayer service to fully experience the cathedral’s splendor. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for religious keepsakes.
Stroll through Mears Park
Name and Location: Mears Park, 221 E 5th St, St Paul, MN 55101
History and Significance: Charming downtown park dating back to the 1840s. Hosts summer concerts and is surrounded by restaurants and bars.
What to Expect: Benches and tables for relaxing, performance stage, beautiful landscaping and fountain. Lively ambiance.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily. Restrooms available.
In the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Mears Park makes for a lovely spot for a free stroll. meandering paths, public art, and a charming gazebo. Several days a week during summer, you can catch free outdoor concerts in the park.
Surrounding the park are fabulous cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite or coffee al fresco. Observe locals playing chess, reading, or simply hanging out in this lively urban oasis.
Attend a Free Festival
Name and Location: Throughout Twin Cities metro area
History and Significance: MN has a thriving arts, culture, food, and music festival scene from May through September.
What to Expect: Outdoor celebrations with live music, food trucks, local artisans, activities. Top picks: Art in the Hollow, Loring Park Art Festival, Bastille Day.
Visitor Information: Most festivals are free and open to the public. Event schedules and details can be found online.
Saint Paul hosts many lively annual cultural festivals that are free to attend. Summer brings free music, entertainment, and activities to Mears Park during “Music in Mears.” The lively Cinco de Mayo festival in the West Side neighborhood has authentic food, music, dance, and art.
Throughout summer, “Movies in the Parks” provides free outdoor movie screenings in neighborhood parks across the city. Check event listings for these and other free festivals happening during your stay.
Tour Historic Fort Snelling
Name and Location: Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
History and Significance: Historic 19th century military fort at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Important regional history site.
What to Expect: Guided tours, restored buildings, exhibits about military history and early Minnesota settlements. Outdoor spaces to explore.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission charged.
Just a short drive from Saint Paul, Historic Fort Snelling offers free admission to the fort grounds, trails, and visitor center. This National Historic Landmark dates back to 1820 and tells the story of early Minnesota military and pioneer life.
Chat with costumed guides, view exhibits and films, and walk through the restored fort buildings. On certain days, you can catch free programming like reenactments, demonstrations, and tours led by park rangers. Be sure to also explore the site of the original 1805 fort across the river.
Visit the Raptor Center
Name and Location: The Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
History and Significance: Leading bird of prey rehabilitation facility, caring for 3,000+ injured/orphaned raptors annually. Affiliated with the University of Minnesota.
What to Expect: Outdoor trails and viewing areas to observe resident eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. Educational exhibits and presentations.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily 9am-5pm. Donations welcomed.
The University of Minnesota Raptor Center cares for sick and injured birds of prey with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Their education center in Saint Paul is free to visit and houses around 10 permanent resident raptors.
See owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, and more up close while learning about their behavior, habitats, and conservation. The outdoor viewing areas overlooking the Mississippi River provide the chance to watch resident birds take flight during training. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures.
Drive Up the Summit Avenue Historic District
Name and Location: Summit Avenue, from Downtown St. Paul to River Blvd
History and Significance: Prestigious avenue lined with historic mansions and gardens dating back to the late 1800s. Considered one of America’s longest stretches of preserved Victorian architecture.
What to Expect: Guided tours or self-guided walks to admire the avenue’s mansions, gardens, fountains and more.
Visitor Information: Tours available through W Dale Clarke’s. Avenue open to drive or walk along.
For lovely architecture and scenery, drive along scenic Summit Avenue in the free Summit Avenue Historic District. This street was home to Saint Paul’s wealthiest residents during the late 1800s and early 1900s and contains beautifully preserved mansions and stately houses.
Drive by the Governor’s Residence, James J. Hill House, and other impressive homes done in styles like Victorian, Queen Anne, Tudor, and Renaissance Revival. The entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hike the Indian Mounds Park Trails
Name and Location: Indian Mounds Park, 10 Mounds Blvd, St Paul, MN 55106
History and Significance: Features 6 preserved Dakota Indian burial mounds from 100-1000 AD. Designated an archaeological site.
What to Expect: Hiking trails with plaque markers about the mounds. Panoramic views from bluffs.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily 6am-11pm. Accessible parking and trails.
Indian Mounds Regional Park contains six Native American burial mounds that offer fascinating glimpses into the past. This park along the Mississippi River is free to visit and has great hiking trails winding through prairie, forest, and riverfront scenery.
Climb to the top of Dayton’s Bluff for panoramic views over downtown Saint Paul and the river valley. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, turtles, and other wildlife as you explore the peaceful trails and grounds.
Visit the Wabasha Street Caves
Name and Location: Wabasha Street Caves, 215 S Wabasha St, St Paul, MN 55107
History and Significance: Sandstone caves used for various purposes since the 1840s. Home to prohibition era speakeasy and gangster history.
What to Expect: Historical tours of the caves discussing various eras and folklore. Event rentals available.
Visitor Information: Open for tours Thursday-Sunday. Admission fee charged. Special events held on select nights.
Beneath the city streets lies the fascinating Wabasha Street Caves, limestone caves that once functioned as part of the city’s underground economy. Free guided tours provide an intriguing look at Saint Paul’s hidden past.
Learn how the caves were used as a tavern, music and theater venue, restaurant, and mushroom farm over time. Make sure to see the colorful stage murals and check out the on-site gangster exhibit. Tours run on weekends and select weekdays – check schedules in advance.
Catch a Free Concert at Landmark Center
Name and Location: Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
History and Significance: Historic former federal courts building now used for arts, culture and events. Hosts community and family programs.
What to Expect: Free noontime summer concert series in Cortile courtyard on weekdays. Variety of music genres performed.
Visitor Information: Concerts are free and open to the public, mid-June through August. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Downtown’s Landmark Center hosts many free noon-time concerts, recitals, and performances in its stunning atrium. The summer-long “Music Under Glass” series features classical, folk, jazz, and other musical acts. In winter, enjoy free classical and holiday-themed concerts.
Seating is first-come, first-served. Before or after the show, explore this historic Richardsonian Romanesque former courthouse with its eye-catching architecture and stained glass dome.
Take a Free Tour of the James J. Hill House
Name and Location: James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
History and Significance: Mansion built in 1891 for railroad tycoon James J. Hill. Features late 19th century architecture with original interiors.
What to Expect: Guided tours showcasing the home’s fine woodwork, stained glass, and Victorian belongings. Self-guided audio tour also available.
Visitor Information: Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission charged for tours. Discounts available online.
The 36,000 square foot James J. Hill House offers one free tour on the third Thursday of every month. This Gilded Age mansion was constructed in 1891 for railroad tycoon James J. Hill.
Walk through the original rooms and admire extravagant features like oak woodwork, intricate iron and stone details, and frescoed ceilings. Examine artifacts belonging to the Hill family and learn about life during turn-of-the-century Saint Paul. Arrive early as spots fill up fast for these popular free tours.
Attend a Reading at Common Good Books
Name and Location: Common Good Books, 38 S Snelling Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
History and Significance: Beloved independent bookstore owned by author Garrison Keillor, in operation since 2006.
Common Good Books is an independent bookstore owned by acclaimed author Garrison Keillor and home to book signings, readings, and other free literary events. Throughout the week, local authors stop by to do free readings, answer questions, and discuss their latest works.
The cozy shop also hosts writer’s workshops and children’s story times that are free and open to the public. Peruse the shelves of over 30,000 titles and make sure to greet the resident bookshop cat, Nina Gabriella!
Explore the Outdoor Sculptures
Name and Location: Throughout Twin Cities metro area
History and Significance: The Twin Cities have over 170 public outdoor sculptures and art installations across the metro.
What to Expect: Sculptures in parks, plazas, and other public spaces by local and national artists of various materials and styles.
Visitor Information: Sculpture locations and walking tours can be found through public art finder websites and guides. Viewing is free.
Saint Paul is home to one of the largest collections of public outdoor sculptures in the country. Stroll city streets and parks to find whimsical statues, intriguing abstract pieces, and traditional monuments – all available to enjoy for free.
Notable works include the giant Peanuts characters on Rice Park, the Progress of the State statute at the Capitol, and the Weisman Art Museum’s Spoonbridge and Cherry. Grab a free walking tour map of downtown sculptures at the visitor center.
Conclusion
Visiting Saint Paul doesn’t have to break the bank. The city provides plenty of free activities to help you experience its famous landmarks, nature, arts and culture, and history. Tour impressive architecture, attend cultural festivals, listen to live music, hike scenic trails, and explore varied neighborhoods. From the dynamic downtown to the historic Summit Avenue mansions, enjoy Saint Paul’s best attractions and sites for free.