Top 12 Romantic Things to Do in Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota offers many romantic activities for couples looking to connect and spend quality time together. From scenic walks to cultural attractions, exciting nightlife and more, Saint Paul has something for every couple.

ActivityDescription
Grand Avenue StrollCharming street with shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.
Ordway Center for the Performing ArtsVenue for musicals, concerts, and plays.
Wabasha Street CavesCandlelight tours of historic limestone caves.
Bike Ride Along the Mississippi RiverScenic bicycle paths with river views.
Fitzgerald TheaterIntimate setting for concerts and comedy acts.
Cooking ClassCouples’ cooking classes for learning and dining together.
Como Park Zoo and ConservatoryZoo and conservatory with gardens and animal exhibits.
History TheatrePlays and musicals with Minnesota themes.
Saint Paul Cathedral Tower TourTower climb for panoramic city views.
Ice Skating Under the StarsOutdoor ice rink with a festive atmosphere.
Romantic Carriage RideHorse-drawn carriage rides through parks and neighborhoods.
Crooners Supper ClubLive music, cocktails, and fine dining.

Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do in Saint Paul:

Take a Stroll Down Grand Avenue

Name and Location: Take a Stroll Down Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota.

History and Significance: Grand Avenue is a historic shopping, dining, and entertainment district stretching from downtown St. Paul to Summit Avenue.

What to Expect: Walkable sidewalks lined with local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and more. A lively, charming area to explore.

Visitor Information: The avenue is open to pedestrians year-round. Metered street parking available.

Grand Avenue in Saint Paul is a lively and charming street lined with local shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Take an evening stroll while holding hands and popping into any boutiques or eateries that catch your eye. Stop for a glass of wine or grab a cone of gelato as you explore the avenue’s vibrancy. The beautiful historic architecture combined with twinkling lights makes for a romantic walk any time of year.

See a Show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Name and Location: See a Show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in downtown St. Paul.

History and Significance: This performing arts hall has offered world-class theater, dance, and music since opening in 1985.

What to Expect: Attend Broadway musicals, plays, classical concerts, and other performances in elegant theaters.

Visitor Information: Show schedules and ticket information available on the Ordway website.

Catch a Broadway musical, concert, play or dance performance at the elegant Ordway Center located in downtown Saint Paul. The Ordway hosts national touring productions in its state-of-the-art performance halls. Dress up for a night out and enjoy the show while cuddling close to your partner. Cap off the evening with a romantic late-night dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants nearby.

Take in the View from the Wabasha Street Caves

Name and Location: Take in the View from the Wabasha Street Caves in downtown St. Paul.

History and Significance: These historic sandstone caves were fashioned into an underground entertainment venue in the 1930s.

What to Expect: Hour-long walking tours tell the caves’ story and feature skyline views from drafting-room windows.

Visitor Information: Public tours offered Thursday-Sunday. Advanced ticket purchase required.

The historic Wabasha Street Caves offer a unique and intimate setting for couples. Tour the limestone caves by candlelight and learn about the Prohibition era while stealing kisses in the underground caverns. Many weddings and private events are hosted in this one-of-a-kind venue. Stop for a drink at the retro bar after exploring the caves.

Go for a Bike Ride Along the Mississippi River

Name and Location: Go for a Bike Ride Along the Mississippi River in St. Paul.

History and Significance: The Mississippi River Trail follows the iconic waterway through the Twin Cities, offering scenic natural views.

What to Expect: Paved cycling paths with access to parks, trails, and attractions along the river. Bike rentals available.

Visitor Information: The trail is open year-round for cycling, walking, and running. Free to access.

Rent a bicycles built for two and take a scenic ride along the majestic Mississippi River. Peddle along the riverwalk and across the Wabasha Street Bridge while taking in views of the mighty river and Saint Paul’s skyline. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the banks of the river or on Raspberry Island. Feel the breeze in your hair as you bike alongside your loved one.

Catch a Show at the Fitzgerald Theater

Name and Location: Catch a Show at the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul.

History and Significance: Built in 1910, this landmark theater hosted the original Prairie Home Companion and showcases Minnesota arts.

What to Expect: Concerts, plays, dance performances, radio shows, and more in an ornate historic venue.

Visitor Information: Show schedule and ticket info on the theater website. Tours available when no shows scheduled.

The Fitzgerald Theater in downtown Saint Paul hosts concerts, comedy acts and more in an intimate theater setting. Previously home to Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion radio show, the theater carries on the tradition of showcasing Minnesota talent. Surprise your date with tickets to a show and enjoy laughs over drinks at the on-site bar. With a capacity of just 1,000 people, you’ll feel close to the entertainment.

Take a Cooking Class Together

Name and Location: Take a Cooking Class Together at local culinary schools in St. Paul.

History and Significance: Hands-on cooking classes offer a chance to gain new kitchen skills and create meals as a couple.

What to Expect: Instruction in preparing recipes, working with chefs, enjoying the meal you cooked together. Classes for all levels.

Visitor Information: Classes found through culinary schools like Cooks of Crocus Hill. Advance registration required.

Learn new culinary skills and work together to create a meal by taking a couples cooking class. Kitchen in the Market offers hands-on cooking classes where you’ll make everything from handmade pasta to complicated French desserts. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a candlelit dinner afterward. This interactive date will bring you closer as you communicate, problem solve and collaborate.

Stroll Through Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Name and Location: Stroll Through Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul.

History and Significance: The free zoo and gardens have been community staples of Como Park since the late 1800s.

What to Expect: See big cats, primates, aquatic animals, and more at the zoo. Relax amid tropical plants and floral displays at the Conservatory.

Visitor Information: Open daily year-round. Free admission and parking available at the park.

Spend an afternoon exploring the free Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The zoo houses habitats for Siberian tigers, polar bears, seals and more, while the conservatory features luscious tropical plants and flowering displays. Ride the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel holding hands or steal a kiss inside the Japanese Garden. In the winter, lace up your ice skates and glide together at the outdoor skating rink.

Catch a Show at the History Theatre

Name and Location: Catch a Show at the History Theatre in downtown St. Paul.

History and Significance: This theater staging historical dramas and musicals moved to its current venue in 2006.

What to Expect: Professionally staged productions that bring Minnesota history to life onstage in an intimate theater.

Visitor Information: Show schedule and ticket info available on the theater’s website.

See an original play or musical at the History Theatre, located in the historic Landmark Center. This intimate theater puts you close to the stage for compelling stories often set in Minnesota’s past. Arrive early to peruse Landmark Center’s galleries and grab a drink nearby before the curtain rises. Discuss and reflect on the themes together after the show.

Take in panoramic Views on the Saint Paul Cathedral Tower Tour

Name and Location: Take in panoramic Views on the Saint Paul Cathedral Tower Tour in St. Paul.

History and Significance: The elaborate Cathedral of Saint Paul was constructed in the early 1900s in grand Beaux-Arts style.

What to Expect: Climb the 274 steps to the cathedral dome for sweeping city views. Audio tour also highlights architecture.

Visitor Information: Tower open select days, tours on a timed ticket system. Reservations recommended.

Get your hearts racing on a free guided tour of the Saint Paul Cathedral’s tower. Climb 288 steps to take in sweeping views of downtown Saint Paul and the surrounding communities. Gaze out at the vistas hand-in-hand from the narrow observation deck. Catch your breath while admiring the cathedral’s distinctive architecture up-close. Time your visit at sunset for romantic views.

Ice Skate Under the Stars

Name and Location: Ice Skate Under the Stars at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

History and Significance: Night skating under fairground lights is a beloved Minnesota winter tradition. Romantic setting.

What to Expect: Outdoor oval open at night for public skating sessions set to music. Skate rental available.

Visitor Information: Season runs November-February, weather permitting. Online schedule and admission fees.

In the winter months, lace up your skates at the Wells Fargo WinterSkate rink located downtown right on Landmark Plaza. This outdoor rink is surrounded by the towering cityscape and sparkling with lights at night. Skate arm in arm while sipping on hot cocoa or warm up in the cozy warming house. The festive environment makes for an unforgettable date night.

Take a Romantic Carriage Ride

Name and Location: Take a Romantic Carriage Ride around Como Park and Lakes in St. Paul.

History and Significance: Leisurely carriage rides around scenic Como Park have been offered since the late 1800s.

What to Expect: Bundle up together under blankets for a cozy ride through tree-lined park grounds and lakeside views.

Visitor Information: Carriage rides offered weekends November-February, weather permitting. Reservations recommended.

Snuggle up under a blanket aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage for a magical ride through Saint Paul’s tree-lined neighborhoods and parks. Twin Cities Trolley offers public rides or book a private carriage complete with champagne and flowers for an extra special experience. Feel transported back in time as you and your loved one relax and enjoy the scenery.

Enjoy a Live Performance at Crooners Supper Club

Name and Location: Enjoy a Live Performance at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley, Minnesota.

History and Significance: Opened in 1993, Crooners brings the elegance of vintage supper clubs to modern live music shows.

What to Expect: Dim lighting, intimate tables, and outstanding performers make for a classy date night ambiance.

Visitor Information: Show calendar and tickets available online. Dinner reservations recommended.

Crooners Supper Club provides an intimate setting to enjoy live music, cocktails and cuisine. Listen to renowned Twin Cities jazz, pop and blues musicians while cozying up in a dimly lit booth or round lounge table. Feast on surf and turf entrées like filet mignon and lobster tails. Their stage puts you just feet away from seeing talented local performers up close.

Conclusion

With scenic river views, fascinating museums, live music and theater, and unique attractions, Saint Paul offers many romantic options for couples looking to connect. From experiencing the arts at Ordway Center to riding a horse-drawn carriage through Como Park, Saint Paul sets the scene for romance. Treat your special someone to an unforgettable date at one of these locales. The destination offers charm and culture perfect for rekindling sparks or keeping love alive.

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