12 Things to Do in St. Paul, Minnesota

In this article, we will explore the 12 top things to see and do in St. Paul, Minnesota. From must-see attractions like the Cathedral of Saint Paul to the colorful murals along Selby Avenue, you’ll discover why St. Paul makes for a fantastic getaway.

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1.Marvel at the Cathedral of Saint Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a St. Paul icon and one of the most stunning buildings in the Midwest. This elaborate Romanesque and French Renaissance-style cathedral dates back to 1915 and impresses with its grand dome, elegant rose window, and lavish marble interior.

Be sure to stop and admire the beautiful golden statue of the Angel of Harmony atop the central dome. The cathedral offers guided tours and self-guided smartphone tours where you can learn about the intricate details, art, and architecture, as well as the history of this important St. Paul landmark. The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a must-see for anyone visiting Minnesota’s capital city.

2.Stroll Along Selby Avenue

Selby Avenue is one of the top attractions in St. Paul thanks to its colorful shopfronts, eclectic boutiques, diverse eateries, and eye-catching murals. Stretching across St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill and Historic Western neighborhoods, this vibrant thoroughfare has a youthful, creative vibe and makes for an excellent place to shop, dine, view public art, and get a taste of the local culture.

Be sure to check out “The Urban Flower Field” mural featuring vibrant sunflowers, Lady Midas’ Extraordinary Clock Emporium, and AZ Gallery for a rotating exhibit of works by local artists. Stop at specialty boutiques like Lotologie, La Chansonette Atelier, and Golden Fig to find unique fashions, home goods, art, and gifts showcasing Minnesota talent. With so much to see and do, an afternoon spent strolling Selby Avenue is one of the top things to do in St. Paul.

3.Appreciate Nature at Como Park

For gorgeous gardens, a free zoo, amusement park rides, and more, pay a visit to Como Park. This huge park features exquisite formal and informal gardens perfect for leisurely strolls, including a Japanese Garden, North Garden, South Gardens, and Sunken Garden.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a beloved St. Paul attraction, with lush greenhouses showcasing tropical, temperate, and desert ecosystems, alongside stunning orchids and bonsai trees. Como Zoo features big cats, a sea lion exhibit, primate house, and aviary – and it’s completely free. Finally, Como Town offers family-friendly amusement park rides from spring through fall. With relaxing nature spots, interesting exhibits and fun for all ages, Como Park is a St. Paul must-do.

4.Shop and Dine on Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue is a vibrant neighborhood packed with locally-owned boutiques, salons, cafes and restaurants. Stretching across Summit Hill, this pretty tree-lined street makes for one of the best spots in St. Paul for an afternoon of browsing, tasting and strolling.

Browse upscale galleries like Patina, fashion boutiques like Bibelot, home and gift stores like Northern Grade, and shops packed with Minnesotan-made goods. Stop for a bite to eat at casual eateries and cozy cafes like Izzy’s Ice Cream Cafe, Saint Dinette, and the Grand Ole Creamery.

Don’t miss creative newcomers like Nina’s Coffee Cafe and Woodfired Cantina showcasing global flavors. Vibrant and eclectic, Grand Avenue is a delightful place to shop til you drop and refuel with a great meal or treat.

5.Explore the Minnesota History Center

To learn all about Saint Paul and Minnesota’s storied past, spend an afternoon at the Minnesota History Center. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum houses engaging multimedia exhibits spanning the state’s early Native American heritage and fur trade days to more recent history.

Kids love the interactive features like the Iron Range mining exhibit, while the Minnesota’s Greatest Generation display covers the World War II home front era. Don’t miss the museum’s crown-jewel exhibit – the immersive Minnesota Experience gallery showing how the state developed over time with multimedia displays. End your visit with a stop in the museum store filled with an intriguing collection of Minnesota-made products and souvenirs.

6.See a Show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

The Ordway Center for Performing Arts beautifully brings music, dance and theater to St. Paul with its varied lineup of Broadway musicals, plays, concerts by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and more.

The Ordway’s main 1,900-seat Music Theater hosts large touring productions of hits like “Anastasia,” “Les Miserables” and “Cats” alongside the Minnesota Opera. Meanwhile, the more intimate 306-seat Concert Hall features classical, jazz and world music performances in a gorgeous Romanesque hall.

This dynamic arts venue also offers arts classes and events for the local community. Culture lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to take in a dazzling show at the Ordway during their St. Paul visit.

7.Tour the James J. Hill House

History buffs will love touring the James J. Hill House, an impressive 36,000-square-foot stone mansion completed in 1891. This historic landmark was home to railroad tycoon James J. Hill and boasts opulent rooms decorated with lush fabrics, intricately carved wood features, marble accents and Gilded Age elegance.

Costumed guides bring the home’s history to life on tours taking you through the formal dining room with its Victorian pipe organ, music room adorned in gold leaf, and the magnificent art gallery featuring paintings from Hill’s superb collection.

The home’s caretakers offer special events like floral arranging classes and murder mystery dinners allowing you to experience this splendid Romanesque Revival manse just as the Hill family did during St. Paul’s prosperous railroad heyday.

8.See Wild Animals at the Como Zoo

Families flock to Como Zoo, one of the top free attractions in St. Paul. This beloved zoo started in 1897 and provides an up-close look at exotic creatures from across the globe, all while allowing visitors to pay what they wish.

Must-see exhibits include the “Northern Trail” area mimicking the landscapes of Minnesota and the Arctic. Meet playful gray wolves, burly grizzly bears, lynx, bald eagles and adorable reindeer. The striking “Tropical Encounters” building is home to primates like chimpanzees and gorillas swinging through lush rainforest habitats.

Other highlights include the sea lion exhibit, big cat enclosures with regal Bengal tigers, and a colorful walk-through aviary. With fascinating animals from tiny meerkats to towering giraffes, Como Zoo offers affordable fun for visitors of all ages.

9.Ride the Rooftop Funicular at the Science Museum of Minnesota

At the action-packed Science Museum of Minnesota, visitors are whisked to the roof aboard the Hill Top Funicular Railway, a cable railroad scaling a steep 300-foot incline to reach an expansive outdoor deck overlooking downtown St. Paul.

The funicular ride itself is a blast for kids, but the Science Museum packs in plenty more interactive science fun across its themed galleries. Learn about the state’s natural wonders in the “Minnesota Environment” display, conduct wacky physics experiments in “Science Live!”

or stand atop a daring High Bridge crossing dizzying heights in “Mental Health & Wellness.” Budding aviators and explorers will love the museum while learning about STEM topics at this premier St. Paul museum.

10.Hike Through Indian Mounds Regional Park

Indian Mounds Regional Park packs in natural beauty with its towering oak trees, winding walking paths, native prairie grasses and wildlife sightings of deer, foxes and birds. However, this verdant park’s moniker comes from the six remaining prehistoric Native American burial mounds preserved within its bounds.

These ancient earthwork mounds date back over 2,000 years to the early Hopewell culture, serving as a sacred burial ground and ceremonial area. Informational plaques detail the history and significance of these rare remains that give a window into indigenous life long before European settlement.

Visitors can observe the grass-covered mounds up close and pay respects to the spirits who dwell here while exploring the park’s scenic trails through woodlands and along the Mississippi River.

11.Tour the Alexander Ramsey House

History aficionados will love touring downtown St. Paul’s Alexander Ramsey House. This Second Empire Victorian mansion served as home to Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota’s first territorial governor who later became a U.S. senator. Built in 1872, the impressive three-story home brims with original architectural details across 14 rooms and 6,000 square feet of living space.

On a guided tour, you’ll view intricate wallcoverings adorned in gold leaf, authentic Victorian furnishings like Ramsey’s elaborately carved rosewood bed, and personal artifacts belonging to the prominent family. Costumed interpreters further bring the home’s Gilded Age past to life. Architecture buffs, history lovers and photographers alike will find touring the beautifully preserved Alexander Ramsey House to be one of St. Paul’s top attractions.

12.Catch a Minnesota Twins Baseball Game

No visit to the Twin Cities is complete without catching some hometown baseball action courtesy of the Minnesota Twins. The team plays at Target Field in nearby Minneapolis, one of the most high-tech ballparks in the majors. Locals and visitors alike flock here to cheer on the American League Central Division squad while munching hot dogs and taking in skyline views.

Be sure to tour the immersive Twins Museum chronicling the club’s 60-year history with memorabilia and fun interactive exhibits. Baseball lovers can bolster their experience by taking a guided tour of Target Field, while the littlest fans love running the bases on Family Sundays following select afternoon home games. Catching a Twins game during the spring or summer is an exciting, family-friendly pursuit while vacationing in the Twin Cities.

Conclusion

With its world-class museums, nature escapes, historical sites, galleries and performing arts, St. Paul captivates visitors with its rich culture and diversity.

Foodies relish the farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer and artisan coffee scene as much as families enjoy the city’s wealth of interactive museums and affordable attractions. Shoppers browse Grand Avenue’s boutiques before catching a play at the magnificent Ordway, while outdoor lovers hike the verdant river valley trails and explore charming neighborhood parks and gardens.

From its picturesque setting along the Mississippi to its Victorian architecture and welcoming Midwestern charm, St. Paul offers visitors an array of fantastic things to see and do guaranteed to provide new adventures for many return visits.