THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Saint Paul
Things to Do in Saint Paul
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Minnesota State Fair, Cathedral of Saint Paul, Theatres, Ghost Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Minnesota State Fair, Cathedral of Saint Paul, Theatres, Ghost Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Ghost Toursfromper adultC$46
Private and Luxuryfromper adultC$62
Ghost Toursfromper adultC$23
Crime Toursfromper adultC$81
Cooking Classesfromper adultC$106
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper group (up to 8)C$287
Half-day Toursfromper adultC$177
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adultC$15
Historical Toursfromper adultC$19
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper group (up to 2)C$808
Religious Sites
Gothic cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and statues, set amidst historic surroundings. Features views of the downtown skyline and insights into its storied past.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive science center showcasing a diverse range of exhibits from dinosaurs to human biology, highlighted by hands-on displays and an Omni theater experience.
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Historic Sites
Guided tours through a historic residence reveal its affluent past, impressive woodwork, and stained glass, with informative displays on the family legacy and state history.
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History Museums
Interactive museum with exhibits on Minnesota's history, native traditions, extreme weather, and the "Greatest Generation." Features a Peanuts-themed area and play zone for kids.
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Arenas & Stadiums
Historic Sites
Historic capitol building boasting a grand exterior, marble-laden interior with artworks, and impressive roof views. Guided tours available, highlighting architectural and historical insights.
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Historic Sites
Interactive historic fort with engaging activities and river views, highlighting the significance of early American life, trade, and the legacy of different cultures.
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Speciality Museums
Scenic train journey through vibrant autumnal landscapes, with views of the St. Croix River, waterfalls, and unique bridges, plus a selection of themed rides.
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Other Top Attractions around Saint Paul
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- F4981JCmichaelsVancouver, WA2,924 contributionsThis is an awesome fair experience. When our family lived in St. Paul, we came here every year, up until 1986, the year we moved out of Minnesota.
But this year, 2024, I visited this fair again, mostly to see what had changed. Honestly, not much has changed, except the number of people present. It was like stepping back in time. The only thing that seemed to be different was the location of the iconic french fries building.
I have been to numerous county fairs across the country, as well as the state fairs of Washington, Oregon, New York, South Dakota, and Texas. Each one has its special ambiance and uniqueness, but my favorite is still the Minnesota State Fair. Lots to see and do, people watching is primo, the price for entry is only $16.50 (senior rate,) and if you are there are night, the fireworks show each night is great.
The downsides are: It is huge, so if you don't pace yourself, it can wear you out. But there are plenty of benches throughout the place and there were many handicapped people in motorized scooters. The other downside, and a big one, is parking. Always has been. Most people will park blocks, even up to half a mile away from the gates, just to park on a local street for free. If you get there early enough (read before noon,) you might get a spot on the fairgrounds lots. But expect to pay $50. I drove around and around local streets and finally opted to pay to park in someone's front yard about three blocks from a gate, at the same ridiculous rate of $50, cash, but at my age( 74), it beats walking a half mile first, just to get there.
I plan to see it next year with my son. He asked why I didn't just call an Uber. Duh, right? And I forgot to ask at the hotel I was at if they had a shuttle. I am not always the brightest person sometimes. I think it was because, in my mind, part of the experience from my earlier years was walking to it.
So...when you get there, make sure to get a map at the entry gate. It helps. Then, what to see really depends upon what you like. They have everything: animals in large amounts, animal shows, performances by at least one name group, plus others, arcades, flower shows, art shows, parades, and much more. Can even let the kiddies sit in a combine. And of course there is abundant and diverse food. Allow all day for this experience, or at least until you can walk no more.Written October 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Hondo 1 RPCV635 contributionsThe architecture is amazing. Inside is ornately adorned. The confessionals are even speculated. A lot of wood highlights the other decorations. The ceiling is European church like. The building itself is very large and photos don’t do it justice.Written November 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Enor ASaint Louis, MO15 contributions5 levels, a lot to do for kids and adults. Some activities required fees, but most are free. There’s a lot to see in the area. Recommend paying for the $12.all the parking instead of the meter that cost $3 per hour. Time goes quickly when you do hourly parking .Written July 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KublakateBlaine, MN166 contributionsIncredible historic house and beautiful architecture. The tour guide was FANTASTIC, funny, and informative. Parking on the street was easy on the day we visited.Written September 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DeniseGreen Bay, WI2,432 contributionsEnjoyed all the various displays here. Took a lottery longer to go thru than expected, pleasant surprise. Was a bit frustrated they don't accept Time Travelers discount/reciprocal as advertised. Enjoyed the Peanuts displayWritten February 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- breggieAsheville, NC970 contributionsQuite excellent guide, fun time learning all the history as we walked. Inside access to Hill House before or after tour is included. Great history of the self-made tycoons of St Paul of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And the Cathedral,is available across the street to tout for free as well. Check out the included Southern white gothic mansion with the incorrect (FAKE) symmetry in the front!
NOTE:
The group tour of the huge gorgeous Hill House is not included but self-guided tour is. No need for the group tour, as our guide told us everything about the family and their home. The Hills and others were sorta like the Vanderbilts and all the other NYC self-made scions- a genius self-starter builds a huge brand new empire and all the descendants share its fruits. Philanthropy was strong for them all, we are fortunate!Written September 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - T D6 contributionsWent to see the Transiberian Orchestra. The acoustics were good and we could easily see everything from our spot in the stands. The only negative was thst the stadium seats were small and my knees kept hitting the seat ahead of me.Written December 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Siddy57Saint Paul, MN287 contributionsWhat a beautiful and artistic piece of sculpture. If not anything in rome it sure is a match for the white house in terms of it art and built. It is beautiful from the inside golden blue architecture.Written December 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kari R191 contributionsWe attended a performance of Little Mermaid this Holiday season and absolutely love this theater. The theater was decorated beautifully!
It is honestly our favorite in the twin cities for seating (decent leg room), facility, parking etc. it also seems orderly coming before the performance and leaving after vs other local theaters.
There isn’t a bad seat in the house - honestly!
They have bars and bathrooms on each level. I would use the ladies room before and after the show - the line is long during intermission!
It is in a great part of Saint Paul (good food options around!). We favor dinner and valet parking at the St Paul Grill when going here - very easy and convenient!Written December 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lee SAustralia3,979 contributionsThe Fort Smelling Fort is run by The Minnesota Historical Society & there volunteers, as a veteran I don't have to pay an entry fee. From the visitors center in's a short walk to the fort but there are golf carts to take people with walking troubles to the entrance. The Fort itself was still in use up to the second World War & you are giving maps to help you find your way around. The Guild talks about life in the fort from Fur trading to the slavery in the fort, you see the fur house, hospital, CO house. It was a harsh place to be posted to in the early days.Written September 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- interviewtravelerWashington686 contributionsThe children's museum had a lot of different fun activities for kids. There are neat spinny chairs in the main area. The museum is several floors high. There is a multistory post office section where you can move boxes up and down. I also liked that there were various areas of books for kids to read. Also an art studio for people to draw and paint. There is also an awesome very tall slide you can do, recommended for ages 5+, so adults can enjoy too. If you're driving in, the museum has a designated parking deck where you get discounted parking, $7.50 for 3 hours.Written August 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Megan K1 contributionWe hosted 25 people for my 5 year old son’s birthday at the MN Transportation museum and had a fantastic experience! The staff was very friendly and helpful. There are toys for kids to keep them busy and they gave us all a train ride- huge hit! The party train car is spacious and air conditioned. We didn’t have to plan anything other than cake and snacks. I highly recommend it for any party!Written July 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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