St. Paul Visitors Guide
Welcome to St. Paul! You will find everything you are looking for in a vacation spot. Historic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, shopping, and accommodations to fit every budget are all here just for you. The casinos bring Las Vegas thrill, and the rugged mountains cater to the outdoor enthusiast. St. Paul is one of the greatest cities in the U.S. that offers something for everyone. No matter what time of year or how long you plan to stay, St. Paul is the perfect destination.
St. Paul, Minnesota Travel & Visitors Guide
St. Paul has attractions and activities for a family on vacation, someone visiting for business, or a couple searching for romance. Amusement parks, museums, historic sites, shopping, fine dining, and educational attractions including The Science Museum of Minnesota, Historic Lowertown, and the Valleyfair Family Amusement Park are all within minutes from anywhere in St. Paul. While you are here you can enjoy it all.
You will never go hungry while in St. Paul. There will be many restaurants and cuisines ranging from seafood to steaks and atmospheres ranging from casual to formal. You will be able to choose from many restaurants with themes and theatre for entertainment or great seascapes while on a dinner cruise. Great food available at any time of day or night is what you will find in St. Paul. Shopping is also on the menu. Everything you could want from everyday items to unique souvenirs can be found right down the street.
What to See & Do in St. Paul
St. Paul has attractions and activities for a family on vacation, someone visiting for business, or a couple searching for romance. Amusement parks, museums, historic sites, shopping, fine dining, and educational attractions including The Science Museum of Minnesota, Historic Lowertown and the Valleyfair Family Amusement Park are all within minutes from anywhere in St. Paul. While you are here you can enjoy it all.
The Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is situated on 500 acres in Dakota County. We finance our approximately $18 million budget through an annual appropriation from the state of Minnesota of $7.4 million and raise the balance through admissions, membership sales, concessions, and other grants and donations. Our collection currently stands at about 2,300 animals, with 105 animals representing 15 species on the United States Endangered Species Act list. We are involved with national and international programs to breed and preserve these species.
Capital City Trolley
Downtown Saint Paul Historic, rubber-tired trolleys provide historical tours of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, including Summit and Grand avenues, Irvine Park and all major downtown attractions and retail areas. Tours by reservation. $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Tours operate through October. Call for reservations, Mon-Fri 9 am to 3 pm. Trolleys are available for charter or group tours. (651) 223-5600
Farmers’ Market
Minnesota-grown produce and agricultural products are direct from the producer to the consumer. Seasonal offerings include fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, cheese, organic products, perennials, dried flowers, wild rice, maple syrup, jams, honey, meats, bakery items, and much more. Mayearly Nov, Sat 6 am to 1 pm at 5th and Wall. Sun 8 am to 1 pm. Late JunOct, Tue and Thu 10 am to 2 pm at Seventh Place Mall. 290 E 5th St, Saint Paul (651) 227-8101
Minnesota Brewing Company
The Minnesota Brewing Company has long been associated with a quality brewing heritage. Originally the Cave Brewery, founded by Christopher Stahlmann in 1855, was strategically located to take advantage of an abundance of cool underground caves (necessary for German lagering, in the absence of electrical refrigeration), and an ample source of freshwater. In the late 1800s, when Minnesota had 112 breweries, Cave Brewery Beer grew to become the best seller in the entire state, and caught on in the neighboring states, as well. In 1897, the Stahlmann family sold the Cave Brewery to the St. Paul Brewing Company, which operated until 1900, when the Brewery was sold to Jacob Schmidt, who again renamed it the Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company (“Schmidt”). (651) 228-9173
Padelford Packet Boat
The Padelford Packet Boat Co., Inc. offers daily public excursions at 12 noon and 2 p.m. in June, July, and August, and at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in May and September. Fall color cruises are available in October. Padelford Packet Boat Co., Inc. also provides public lunch and dinner cruises, school field trips, and private charters. The four Padelford excursion and charter vessels operate from Boom Island in Minneapolis and Harriet Island in St. Paul. (651) 227-1100
RiverCentre
RiverCentre is Saint Paul’s state-of-the-art convention, special event, and entertainment complex. From lavish banquets to well-orchestrated meetings, tradeshows, and conventions, RiverCentre will turn your grandest ideas into an extraordinary event. Stately brick and light-colored woodwork give RiverCentre a warm and welcoming feeling. Images of the Mississippi River, Saint Paul’s history, and Minnesota culture adorn the rotunda, and the sparkle of etched glass inspires awe at every turn.
Underwater Adventures
With a daily “Fishing Permit” to Underwater Adventures, you can: Take a stroll through Minnesota’s Northwoods Visit an angler’s paradise in Fisherman’s Hollow Discover what lurks in the depths of The Mighty Mississippi Come face-to-face with dozens of sharks in Shark Cove Experience an explosion of color in Rainbow Reef See a parade of exotic animals in the Seven Seas Gallery Take a submarine ride, touch a living shark or stingray and grab a snack at Starfish Beach
Valleyfair Family Amusement Park -One Valleyfair Dr, Shakopee (612) 445-7600 90-acre family amusement park features more than 75 rides and attractions. Admission includes all rides, entertainment, attractions, and the waterpark. Open May through September.
Where to Eat in St. Paul
Time for dinner? St. Paul has plenty to offer, ranging from seafood to steaks and from Indian to Japanese. Make no mistake St. Paul has more to offer than just dinner. Look for great restaurants serving outstanding breakfasts, great lunches as well as savory dinners.
Where to Stay in St. Paul
St. Paul offers every accommodation imaginable. If you are looking for a modern sophisticated hotel or resort to entertain business clients or just comfortable accommodations for the family you will find them in any part of St. Paul you wish to stay. Accommodations are available in a variety of flavors. Resorts with all the comforts of home, historic inns, luxurious condos, and business conference centers are all here to fit any of your needs.
Nightlife in St. Paul
The nightlife in St. Paul is second to none. Everything you could possibly want is right down the street from where you are staying. If you are looking for a night in the town you found it. Dance clubs with all types of music, theatre, movies, shopping, pubs, live entertainment, and family fun are all on the menu when the sun goes down. Below we have highlighted some of the fine nightclubs available to help you plan an exciting night on the town.
Casinos in St. Paul
Casinos in Saint Paul Minnesota? Yes! You can find the thrill of Las Vegas right in St. Paul, and you will find attractions and activities here that you cannot find in Las Vegas such as Skiing and Mississippi River cruises. When you come to visit feel free to bring your dreams of winning it big and the St. Paul casinos will be waiting. If you need help with your hotel or car rental reservations, please use the links to the left and they will guide you through our hassle-free reservations service.
Grand Casino Hinckley
777 Lady Luck Dr, Hinckley, MN; (800) 472-6321
One mile east of I-35 on Highway 48 midway between the Twin Cities and Duluth. The casino features more than 1,700 slots, 46 blackjack tables, plus video craps, video roulette and video blackjack. Free live entertainment nightly. Four fabulous food venues, professional childcare (ages six weeks to 12 years), and a video arcade. The 281-room Grand Casino Hinkley Hotel with convention center opened in November 1997 (call (800)-4GROUPS). It also features year-round Grand Casino Hinckley RV Resort & Chalets, Grand Hinckley Inn, an 18-hole championship golf course, and live bingo. Open daily, 24 hours.
Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hwy
169, W Shore of Mille Lacs Lake, Onamia MN; 56359 (800) 626-5825
90 minutes from the Twin Cities on US Hwy 169. Located on the world’s most popular walleye fishing lake. The casino features a 284-room hotel, more than 1,200 slots, 36 blackjack tables, video craps, video roulette and video blackjack. Live bingo Sunday through Friday. Three fabulous food venues, professional childcare (ages six weeks to 12 years) and a video arcade. New events and conference center for up to 1,600 people. (call (800)-4GROUPS). Open daily, 24 hours.
Mystic Lake Casino and Dakota Country Casino
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, MN; (612) 445-9000
Mystic Lake Casino is located just minutes from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It offers high-stakes bingo in its 1,000-seat bingo hall and over 2,500 slot machines, as well as more than 140 blackjack tables in its beautiful casino. It also provides an elegant 325-seat buffet-style restaurant featuring four-star cuisine, as well as an award-winning steakhouse and 24-hour cafe. Located only 25 minutes from the Mall of America. Value-added hotel packages are always available.
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Red Wing, MN; (800) 222-7077
The new Treasure Island Resort & Casino, nestled amidst the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River, is just minutes from Red Wing and Hastings. It offers 250 luxury rooms, 24 whirlpool suites, room service, restaurants and cocktail lounges, and a swimming pool and hot tubs set in a lush tropical rainforest. The Caribbean-themed casino features 1,500 slot machines, 60 blackjack tables, and bingo. While at the casino, enjoy dinner on the Island Cruise Ship or stay at the RV Park/Marina. Childcare and video arcade managed by New Horizon.
St. Paul Area Golf Courses
The Saint Paul area offers many golf courses that will fit all skill levels from the beginning golfer to the expert player. Take a trip to the river play a relaxing game and enjoy the fresh air and soothing breeze. Below we have highlighted some golf courses available to you while in St. Paul. If you need to make a hotel or car rental reservation, use the links to the left. They will guide you through our secure and easy online reservation services and you will save up to 40% off regular rates.
| Name | City | Holes |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Country Club 507/483-2722 |
Adrian, MN | 18 |
| Afton Alps Golf Course 651/436-1320 |
Hastings, MN | 18 |
| Albany Golf Club 320/845-2505 |
Albany, MN | 18 |
| Albion Ridges Golf Course 320/963-5500 |
Annandale, MN | 27 |
| Angushire Golf Course 320/251-9619 |
St. Cloud, MN | 9 |
| Applewood Hills Public Golf Course 651/439-7276 |
Stillwater, MN | 18 |
| Arbor Pointe Golf Club 651/451-9678 |
Inver Grove Heights, MN | 18 |
| Arrowwood Golf Course 320/762-8337 |
Alexandria, MN | 18 |
| Babbitt Golf Club 218/827-2603 |
Babbitt, MN | 18 |
| Carriage Hills Country Club 651/452-7211 |
Eagan, MN | 18 |
| Como Golf Course 651/488-9673 |
St. Paul, MN | 18 |
| Daytona Country Club 763/427-6110 |
Dayton, MN | 18 |
| Eagle Valley Golf Course 651/714-3750 |
Woodbury, MN | 18 |
| Francis A. Gross Golf Course 612/789-2542 |
Minneapolis, MN | 18 |
| Goodrich Golf Club 651/777-7355 |
Maplewood, MN | 18 |
| Hayden Hills Executive Golf 763/421-0060 |
Dayton, MN | 18 |
| Hiawatha Golf Club 612/724-7715 |
Minneapolis, MN | 18 |
| Highland Park Golf Course 651/699-0193 |
St. Paul, MN | 18 |
| Keller Golf Club 651/484-3011 |
St. Paul, MN | 18 |
| Phalen Park Golf Course 651/778-0424 |
St. Paul, MN | 18 |
| Majestic Oaks Golf Club 763/755-2140 |
Ham Lake, MN | 18 |
| University of Minnesota Golf Club 651/627-4004 |
St. Paul, MN | 18 |
Where to Shop in St. Paul
Shopping in Saint Paul is an adventure in itself. There is every shop you could dream of from the major metro malls such as the Mall of America to the Grand Avenue specialty shops. You can find everything from clothing to specialty knick-knacks and souvenirs.
Historic Sites & Museums in St. Paul
St. Paul has tons of art galleries, historic centers, and museums for your viewing pleasure. Categories range from the history of the Air National Guard to the evolution of the airplane along with tons of aviation history. If you enjoy American culture there are also many museums depicting the history of Minnesota as well as the progression of the American Midwest. Below we have highlighted some of the great places for you to visit while you are here.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts – was established in 1883. The museum building, designed by the firm of McKim, Mead, and White, opened its doors in 1915. In 1974 the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange was commissioned to design needed additions to the neoclassical structure. In the 1990s, with funds from the New Beginnings Campaign, the museum was renovated, the collections reinstalled, and state-of-the-art technology introduced to help visitors and members interpret the works of art. (612) 870-3140
Minnesota Air Guard Museum
The Minnesota Air Guard Museum is dedicated to preserving the exciting history of the Minnesota Air National Guard. To that extent, we have endeavored to assemble representative examples of each of the aircraft flown by the Minnesota Air National Guard. We have also assembled a large collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and records for research and display. (612) 713-2523
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Minnesota Children’s Museum is at the heart of where fun meets learning. It’s a world of discovery where kids can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull, and press it all! Children aged 6 months through 10 years and their adult guests can explore four permanent galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures. Plus, two changing galleries host new and delightful traveling exhibits. (651) 225-6000
Minnesota Historical Center
10,000 lakes… Hiawatha… sub-zero temperatures… the headwaters of the Mississippi… Paul Bunyan… the Mall of America… Minnesota is well-known for all of these things, but its best treasures are its people. At the Minnesota Historical Society, we’ve been collecting, preserving, and telling their stories for 150 years
Minnesota Museum of American Art – Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, Saint Paul Located in Landmark Center near The Saint Paul Hotel. Twentieth-century American Art. The permanent collection is on view continuously. Special exhibitions throughout the year, call for details. Hours: Tue-Sat, 11 am to 4 pm; Thu, 11 am to 7:30 pm; Sun, 1 pm to 5 pm. (651) 292-4355
Historic Murphy’s Landing
2187 E HWY 101, Shakopee (612) 445-0181 A living history museum dating from the 1840s to 1890s. Located on 88 acres along 1 1/2 miles of the scenic Minnesota River Valley. Hours: Tue-Sat, 10 am to 5 pm, Sun noon to 5 pm. Admission: adults, $8.50; seniors, and children, $7.
Gibbs Farm Museum
2097 W Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights (651) 646-8629 Costumed interpreters tell the Gibbs family story from 1835 to 1940. The tour includes a farmhouse, one-room schoolhouse, gardens, barn, and farm animals. Special events every weekend. Open May 1-October 29. Hours: Tue-Fri, 10 am to 4 pm, Sat-Sun noon to 4 pm. Admission: adults, $5; seniors, $4; children 2-16, $3.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Learners of all ages can discover their changing world by touching a tornado, coming face to face with a polar bear, exploring the Bloodstream Superhighway, or navigating a virtual towboat down the Mississippi River. Through a combination of interactive exhibits, live theater presentations, science demonstrations, and Omnitheater films, visitors can enjoy a unique combination of natural history, environmental science, biology, physics, and high-tech fun. In addition to the museum’s most popular exhibits and films, exciting educational opportunities abound, making in-depth, creative exploration of a variety of topics possible. The best way to experience all the museum has to offer is to dive right in! (651) 221-9444
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting
The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting houses one of the world’s finest collections of antique radio, television, and broadcast equipment. The Pavek has gained international recognition for its continuing efforts to preserve and document the history of an industry that has made monumental changes in the fabric of modern life. (952) 926-8198
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
1021 Bandana Blvd E, Saint Paul Located at Bandana Square. Operating 3,400 square feet of trains and Twin City scenes carefully reproduced in miniature. Hours: MonFri 10 am to 8 pm, Sat 10 am to 6 pm; Sun, noon to 5 pm. Full operations SatSun. (651) 647-9628
Minnesota Aviation History & Education Center
The Minnesota Aviation History & Education Center will tell the dramatic Minnesota aviation story through an interpretation of its fascinating collections and of the role of Minnesota pioneers in molding technological progress from the earliest days into the future.