Attractions

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The Sights and Sounds of Saint Paul

Visitors don’t have to choose between yesterday and tomorrow in Saint Paul. In the morning, they can step back in time for a river ride on a Mississippi sternwheeler and in the afternoon, they can be thrust into the future at the nation’s only convertible domed Omnitheater at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Saint Paulites take this remarkable blend of past and future for granted, but first-time visitors are amazed by the diversity, quality and number of world-class attractions in Minnesota’s capital city. The heart of the city encompasses a complete “cultural district” extending from the famed Rice Park area to the Minnesota State Capitol and the Minnesota History Center. The entire area, which includes museums, art galleries, historic sites and theaters, is all within easy walking distance or accessible by public transit.

Parks and Recreation

Saint Paul celebrates its four seasons as well as its heritage and there’s no better place to celebrate than at one of the city’s 83 lakes, 70 parks, 49 playgrounds, 20 golf courses and hundreds of public tennis courts. In summer, the golf courses are teeming with drivers and irons; in winter, only cross-country skiers interrupt their glittering solitude.

There is no more popular natural attraction in the entire Twin Cities than Como Park, enjoyed by more than a million visitors each year. In addition to last free zoo in the country, visitors are enthralled by the park’s conservatory gardens, Cafesjian’s Carousel, waterfalls, 18-hole golf course, amusement rides, picnic area and Japanese Gardens, designed by Masami Matsuda of Nagasaki, Saint Paul’s sister city.

The most beautiful section of Como Park is the floral conservatory. Easter’s tulips, lilies and other spring flowers turn the giant greenhouse into a kaleidoscope of color. Como Park has delighted Minnesotans and visitors for more than 100 years.

Harriet Island’s $15 million riverfront renovation has made it a focal point for leisure activities in the Saint Paul area, with bike and walking paths, a grand staircase to the river, entertainment pavilions and picnic areas. Plus, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat provides a rare opportunity to take in a theatrical performance in a beautiful jewel box theater while floating on the mighty Mississippi.

Spring - when green first touches the Mississippi River bluffs - and autumn - when the city glows with brilliant yellows, reds and oranges - are perhaps the city’s most spectacular seasons and a perfect time to visit the Minnesota Zoo in nearby Apple Valley. Six trails take you to the Great Barrier Reef and other diverse regions of the globe introducing 1,700 animals and 800 plant species.

Saint Paul was born on the banks of America’s greatest river-way, the Mississippi River. As “Wild West” adventure seekers flooded into the area by steamboat, Saint Paul quickly developed a rich and exciting culture. Today, Saint Paul continues to be an exciting city, featuring some of the Midwest’s greatest museums, world-class theater and fun and entertaining attractions. Visit Minnesota’s beautiful Capital City today and see what makes it great!

Suggested Daytime Activities:

Down in History Tours (2 hours)

Historic tours including the Wabasha Street Cave Tour, Saint Paul Gangster Tour, Mill City Mobs Tour, Rivers and Roots Tour along with seasonal tours (Ghosts and Graves Tours, Winter Lights, etc.). Done by character actor guides who make it a fun-filled and fact-filled tour. These tours are not to be missed on your way into town. Step-on guides are available.

Science Museum of Minnesota (2-4 hours)

Explore daily life during the Norse era, as well as observing the Vikings arrival and mysterious departure from North America. Don’t miss the Smithsonian Vikings Exhibit continuing through May 2003. Enjoy the magnificent view the museum provides, set on the banks of the great Mississippi River in downtown. While you’re there, catch a show at North America’s only convertible domed Omnitheater.

Padelford Packet Boat Company, Inc. (1-4 hours)

Sternwheeler riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River between downtown Saint Paul and Fort Snelling. Come aboard a modern riverboat and ply the mighty Mississippi River experiencing the sandstone bluffs and the open water. Peer out from the decks and enjoy this beautiful journey, viewing more Mississippi River shoreline than any city along its path. All cruises are historically narrated and meal service is available for select cruises.

James J. Hill House (1 hour)

Home of Great Northern Railway Empire builder James J. Hill. Completed in 1891, the 36,000 square-foot Richardsonion Romanesque mansion features a sky lit art gallery, crystal chandeliers, pipe organ, stained glass windows and elaborate woodcarvings. Explore servant and family life in this gilded age mansion.

Summit Avenue (45 minutes)

Elegant Summit Avenue is a 4.5 mile stretch of Victorian homes featuring the Saint Paul Cathedral, the James J. Hill House, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s home (#599), the Governor’s Mansion and hundreds of Victorian mansions. Summit Avenue is the longest stretch of Victorian home/architecture in the United States.

Grand Avenue Shopping (1-4 hours)

This quaint avenue is great for shopping, dining or relaxing at one of the outdoor cafes. Grand Avenue boasts a very unmall-like appeal with many antique shops and unique homes. Start your tour at any of the following major restaurant/retail clusters and wander along in either direction: Grand & Dale, Grand & Victoria or Grand & Lexington.

Suggested Evening Activities:

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Conveniently located in downtown Saint Paul overlooking Rice Park, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is recognized as the premier performing arts venue in the Midwest. Ordway Center presents a wide array of events from Broadway hits to inspirational multi-cultural events including drama, dance and music. Before the show, dine at any one of the surrounding “award winning” restaurants or take a stroll through beautiful Rice Park and just enjoy the evening.

Fitzgerald Theater

The Fitzgerald Theater is one of those treasures known as a “two-balcony dramatic house,” of which only a few remain across the country. The physical arrangement of its interior affords near-perfect acoustics and sight lines. The theater schedules concert events as well as theatrical productions. Home of Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.”

Historic Palace Theatre

The Brave New Workshop Theatre produces the interactive Irish comedy “Flanagan’s Wake” at Saint Paul’s Historic Palace Theater. Drink a pint with your distant Irish relatives and mourn over the loss of dear old Flanagan. The BNW is the longest running satirical comedy theatre in the U.S. Founded by Dudley Riggs in 1958, the Brave New Workshop Theatres are world renowned for hilarious original comedy revue, biting social satire, and improvisation.

Minnesota Wild Hockey

The Minnesota Wild, a National Hockey League (NHL) team, welcomes fans to its home at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center. If it’s excitement, wonderful food, and hockey you want, then that’s what you’ll get! Come see movie clips on the jumbo screen and see the fans jump to their feet. Listen to the “Hip Checks” band play during intermission and groove to some oldies tunes.

St. Paul Saints Baseball

Get a haircut, a massage, or watch the game from a hot tub suite in centerfield. WHAT, at a baseball game? It’s fun! Professional minor league baseball played in a unique outdoor setting at Saint Paul’s Midway Stadium. Exciting baseball, fun promotions and affordable prices make Saints games the most sought after ticket in the Twin Cities. Games played Memorial Day through Labor Day.