In your 48 hours jaunt in Saint Paul, there are a plenty of things to do and see. A family vacation calls for a visit to Fort Snelling, Minnesota History Center and Minnesota Zoo. To admire top notch architecture, stop by Cathedral of St. Paul. History buffs can participate in history tours at Wabasha Street Caves. When you want to take a break from sightseeing, hit the The Mall of St Paul for retail therapy and entertainment. Let us help you narrow down some top attractions and activities you must definitely include in your bucket list – 48 hours in St. Paul
Image by joyfotos via http://www.panoramio.com/photo/17282399The First Day of your 48 Hours Trip to Saint Paul!
Breakfast at 8:00 AM
Step out of your dig and wlk toward downtown to enjoy a good breakfast. At
Mickey’s Diner (36 7th St W) you can relish grilled ham and cheese, fried eggs, hash browns and more. They are open 24 hours, so you can stop by here as early as you want. Another interesting place to stop for good breakfast is
The Buttered Tin (237 7th St E). People who have been there loved their buttermilk pancakes, huevos rancheros benedict, Bananas foster french toast, cinnamon roll with icing. And seriously who can resist their decadent cupcakes even for breakfast.
Urban Square Experience - Rice Park at 9:30 AM
Yes, this place is opened from sunrise to sunset. So first up in your travel list is Rice Park - a public park that is nestled in downtown. The park has many things going on, featuring a fountain, sculptures of cartoon characters, a bandstand and an ice skating rink open in the winter months. Take a good morning jog or walk around the park; or sit back and view the beautiful spread of urban square that encompasses some of the city’s remarkable architectural buildings. This venue also hosts plenty of social events, concerts, art exhibitions and theatrical festivities all year round.
Address: 109 W 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-266-6400
Website:
www.stpaul.gov
Interactive exhibitions and more - Minnesota History Center at 10:30 AM
After a refreshing start at Rice Park, I suggest you head straight to Minnesota History Center – An interactive museum devoted to uphold the history of Minnesota. You will find mix of displays; some are permanent while others keep changing. The facility encompasses a research lab for schoolchildren, academics and historians; and the Minnesota Historical Society library and archives. The museum’s displays are so lively and interesting, with presentations and lessons provided in 3D Auditorium. This is not just a museum with arrays of displays, but the center also hosts concerts, family days, lectures and many special events all year round. Check out their stores for fun collections.
Address: 345 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul, MN 55102-1903
Phone: 651-259-3000
Website:
www.mnhs.orgHours: Tuesday 10am-8pm; Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm; Sunday Noon-5pm - Museum and Stores
Library is opened on Tuesday from Noon-8pm; Wednesday-Friday from Noon-5pm; Saturday 9am-4pm; Sunday Noon-4pm
Marvel Victorian homes - Alexander Ramsey House at 12:00 PM
It will be quite an honor to explore the place which once served as the home of the first governor of Minnesota - Alexander Ramsey. So, next up in your itinerary is Alexander Ramsey House - nation's most best preserved Victorian homes. A visit here gives you the opportunity to explore the unexpected and appreciate the stunning architecture by architect Monroe Sheire, that features marble fireplaces, carved walnut woodwork, crystal chandeliers and many family items and furnishings. Credit must be given to those volunteers who take up responsibilities to maintain the house so well and also helping visitors with their commendable insights about life in the 1870s. Prior tour reservation is required. Hours open to public may vary seasonally. Please call ahead.
Address: 265 S Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-296-8760
Website:
www.mnhs.org
What are you craving? Lunch Time at 1:30 PM
Grab a quick meal at
Cossetta Alimentari (211 7th St W) that serves simply awesome Italian cuisine. You don't need to wait long for your food here as they follow cafeteria style. Vegetarians also have their share of choice, from Vegetable Assortimento to Bruschetta Assortimento. Seafood lovers can indulge in Smoked Salmon Triangles, Shrimp Misto and Shrimp Cocktail Classico. Or else there is macaroni, pasta, lasagna and delicious pastries baked to perfection. If burger is what you're craving, stop at
Burger Moe’s (242 W 7th St) to enjoy fantastic burgers with crispy golden brown Tuscan fries.
Check out some of the best restaurants in St Paul!
Visit an AZA-accredited zoo - Minnesota Zoo at 2:30 PM
When you think of zoo, the first thing that strikes is animals. Yes, this is a zoo, its close to safari experience. This AZA-accredited zoo in Apple Valley is a 500 acres wooded space, garbed by five trails. Entertainment is on in full swing, with Tropical Reef Dive Show, Monk Seal Demo, Shark feeding and lots more. They offer fun and educational zoo camps for both adults as well as children. The zoo's unparallel exhibits provide you the chance to see rare animals and their habitats. You can watch the animals in their natural habitat and surroundings from habitat trails. What more? An underwater coral reef; Large amphitheater to view playful dolphins; an IMAX theater; a Zoo lab ; gift shop; ski trails open during winter and bookstore.
Address: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: 952-431-9200
Website:
www.mnzoo.org
Shopping Spree at 4:30 PM
Yes shopping can be therapeutic and entertaining at The Mall of St Paul. There are wide range of merchandise, including more than 60 different antique dealers, and you can shop for almost anything and everything - vintage, furniture, clothing, jewelry, shoes, hats and accessories, home linens, home decors, light fixtures, kitchenware, glassware, original art, gifts, tools, and much more. And when shopping get tiring, step in Blue Door Pub next door to enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Address: 1817 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul
Phone: 1 651-647-6163
Hours: From Tue through Sun from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: www.mallofstpaul.com
Explore more fantastic shopping spots in St Paul!
History Tours - Wabasha Street Caves at 6:00 PM
Take your adventure into the caves and explore the city’s past. There are many tours available to choose. Make sure you call ahead for tour timings and reservation. Whether you opt for walking tours or motor coach tours, you are in for some exciting expedition. From the Twin Cities' gangster past to a tour of former hideout, carved with sandstone - Wabasha Caves, to exploring the caves transformed into nightclub – this is a one time chance to probe into the city’s history and explore the unexpected.
Chain of Lakes: You're here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and your trip is incomplete without a stroll around some atleast. What to expect? Lake Harriet offers bird sanctuary, live music in summer, rose gardens and two beautiful beaches. For a more athletic take, head to Lake Calhoun that offers jogging and biking path with many bike and boat rentals.
For more details, visit the websiteAddress: 215 Wabasha Street, St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: 651-292-1220
Website:
www.wabashastreetcaves.com
What’s in the menu? Dinner at 8:00 PM
Yes you have lots of options to choose from.
The St. Paul Grill (350 Market St) is one of the best joints in the city that offers fantastic traditional American cuisine. Choose from their lunch classic menu that features top salads, Chicken Pot Pie, sandwiches, burgers, Chicken Rigatoni, Grilled Filet Mignon and more. For Mexican fare, stop by
Boca Chica Restaurant (11 Cesar Chavez St). The quality of food they serve will totally amaze you and you will come back for more. If you're new to the place, request the waiter to explain the menu for you, for the names can be quite confusing. This food is very affordable and super delicious.
Exploring Cool Waterholes – Nightlife at 10:00 PM
After the fun sightseeing and activities, the evening’s party, music, dance, drinks and entertainment scenes can commence. Great Waters Brewing Company is the place to be when you're in St Paul. The place will make you feel at home, relaxing and welcoming. Open your taste buds to house specials like bitters, ales and porters. And their black-bean chili, jerk pork loins and Rasta Wings are best compliments with their amazing beers. Go slow and enjoy your drinks and food, for they are open till 2 am in the morning.
Address: 426 St Peter Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-224-2739
Website:
www.greatwatersbc.com
Day 1 Saint Paul Tour map Guide
The Second Day of your 48 Hours Trip to Saint Paul!
A Good Start, a Good Breakfast at 8:00 AM
Start your day with delicious, wholesome breakfast that will keep you going whole day. At
Hell’s Kitchen (80 S 9th St) you will enjoy yummy traditional American breakfast delights. From lemon ricotta pancakes to sweet potato fries, to crab cake benedict - you will come out happy and full. Also you can opt to stop at
Hazel’s Northeast (2859 Johnson St NE) for great pancakes, souffle omelettes, meat waffles or hippie cakes.
Discover Minneapolis
When you’re in Twin Cities, the trip is not complete without a visit to the other half – Minneapolis. Truth be told, there are heaps of things to explore here and it is not possible to cover everything in just a day. Let us highlight some top attractions that you must visit.
Historic Fort Snelling at 9:30 AM: This is the oldest structure in the state that once served as a frontier outpost. A visit here will let you see and feel history, with tour guides adorned in sharp uniforms, providing plenty of valuable historical details. If you are there during summer, you will come across many history themed events, youth programs, competitions and lots more occurrences hosted in the Fort.
Address: 200 Tower Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55111
Website:
www.historicfortsnelling.orgMinneapolis Institute of Art at 11:30 AM: Art Aficionados cannot miss a trip to Minneapolis Institute of Art. Even if you're not so much into art, this place will sure inspire and amaze you with display of over 83000 art works, spanning more than 500 years. From European masterpieces to Ancient Egyptian artifacts - you're in for a splendid treat. The museum's Agra Culture Coffee Shop and Cafe will give you a quick fix if you want to take a break. The museum admission is free. It is opened on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Thursdays and Fridays extended hours until 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website:
www.new.artsmia.org
Shopping and Luncheon at Mall of America 1:00 PM
How can you miss a visit to the country's largest shopping mall - Mall of America. Literally you can shop till you drop with over 500 stores spread in 2.5 million square feet facility. There is no shortage of entertainment here - the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, the A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation Center, the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, the House of Comedy and the Amazing Mirror Maze. When its time to eat, sit yourself down in one of its fine restaurants like American Girl� Bistro, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Cadillac Ranch, Hard Rock Cafe, Masu Sushi & Robata and more. Or perhaps grab a quick lunch in the mall’s huge food court. It is opened to public from Mon-Sat from 10 am to 9:30 pm and Sun from 11 am to 7 p.m.
Address: 8100 24th Ave South, Bloomington, MN 55425
Website:
www.mallofamerica.com
Fun Science Exhibition - Science Museum of Minnesota at 4:30 PM
Take your adventure back to Saint Paul. Next up is Science Museum of Minnesota. This will be a fun time for both children as well as adults. From the 82-foot dinosaur in Paleontology Hall to Experiment Gallery’s tornado display, to learning about life from many unknown regions of the world in Anthropology Hall, to catching up a movie on the Omnitheater – this is a place that renders superb science facts and displays without compromising fun bits. The museum welcomes visitors daily from 9:30am-9:30pm while the store is opened daily from 10am-9:30pm.
Address: 120 W Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102-1200
Phone: 651-221-9444
Website:
www.smm.org
Architectural Masterpiece - Cathedral of St. Paul at 6:00 PM
It’s time to marvel one of the city’s best architectures. The stunning Cathedral of St. Paul is designed after Rome's St. Peter's Basilica and is truly a masterpiece. The cathedral’s six chapels constitute the Shrine of Nations and pay tribute to the Minnesota’s ethnic groups. Step inside and its grandeur and beauty will awestruck you, not to mention the stained glass ; beautiful Italian-style mosaics; exquisite travertine walls and the wonderfully huge carved granite relief of Christ with His apostles. Cathedral opens from Sunday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and Saturday from 7am to 9pm.
Address: 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-228-1766
Website:
www.cathedralsaintpaul.org
Dinner Cruise at 7:30 PM
Take your dinner experience to fantastic cruise setting which will add a little extra dimension to your trip. Embark into one large riverboat at Harriet Island in St. Paul. The sightseeing it offers along the river is unimaginably beautiful, with fireworks, fall foliage, sunsets and charming birds enhancing the beauty. The dinner menu offer sumptuous gourmet cuisine set up in an absolutely elegant setting. Call ahead for reservation and timings.
Address: Harriet Island, St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: 651-227-1100
Phone: 800-543-3908
Or,
Dinner at Downtown
While in St Paul you must definitely have a meal at
Meritage (410 St Peter St). This restaurant serves delicious traditional French bistro food - Roasted Minnesota Magret Duck Breast, Moules Frites, Pan Seared Dayboat Sea Scallops. You will be fully satisfied with the food, service and price. To enjoy Japanese delights, drop by
Tanpopo Noodle Shop (308 Prince St). Tanpopo's specialties include nabeyaki udon, mushroom soba, Shrimp Tempura, Tonkatsu and more.
Explore St. Paul's hippest bar scenes - The Happy Gnome at 9:30 PM
This is the perfect way to end your trip. At The Happy Gnome you will enjoy a wide range of beer selections, - over 400 bottled beers, 70 craft drafts and extensive range of whiskey and scotch. They also serve exquisite meals that go perfectly well with the outstanding beer selections. The place draws hip crowds and gives you the opportunity to socialize and get fully entertained.
Address: 498 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-287-2018
Website:
www.thehappygnome.comHours:
Monday to Thursday from 11am-1am; Friday to Saturday from 11am to 2am; Sunday 10am-Midnight
Find out the happening nightlife venues in St Paul!
Day 2 St Paul Tour Map Guide
