Up for your next vacation to Saint Paul? It will be wise to chart out things you must do and see when you’re in the city before arriving. It will definitely save lots of time and energy, not to mention, it will make your trip far more fulfilling and enjoyable. To help you decide the best attractions to visit in Saint Paul, we have gathered below some of the most reputable and top destinations. A visit at Science Museum of Minnesota will let in soak in quite a lot about science and history. Fancy exploring a Victorian-style park complex – hit the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Venture into exciting history tours in Wabasha Street Caves.
Image by AlexiusHoratius via Wikimedia CommonsComo Park Zoo & Conservatory
Venture into the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory which offers so many varied activities and attractions. This Victorian-style park complex also provides many trails that make it ideal for nature lovers to stop by and enjoy jogging, biking, picnicking or simply laze around walking. The top attractions here include - a zoo, a small amusement park, conservatory, concert pavilion, paddleboats, an outdoor pool and 18-hole golf course. Visitors find it exciting and thrilling to explore the cageless zoo and view animals in their natural surroundings. You must also not miss the adorable performance by sparky the Seal.
Address: 1360 N Lexington Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55103
Phone: 651-487-8229
Phone: 651-487-8200
Website:
www.comozooconservatory.orgHours: October to March Daily from 10am to 4pm; April to September Daily 10am-6pm
Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota is jam packed with so much fun, educational and interactive exhibits to explore. A wonderful blend of science and history is exhibited so perfectly and this place will also totally engage your children. Meander around the Paleontology Hall and you cannot miss the giant 82-foot dinosaur standing tall. You’ve heard about tornadoes, now this is your chance to actually touch it in Experiment Gallery. Anthropology Hall offers you many interesting facts about life in other regions of the world. After these you can sit yourself in Omnitheater and watch a really entertaining movie. The museum offers so much fun things and boredome is sure not one of the things.
Address: 120 W Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102-120
Phone: 651-221-9444
Website:
www.smm.orgHours: Museum opens daily from 9:30am- to 9:30pm
Store opens daily from 10am-9:30pm
Wabasha Street Caves — Down in History Tours
A ride down the history lane is what you will experience in Wabasha Street Caves. They offer guided tours that will let you dig into the intriguing past of Saint Paul. You can either opt for a walking tour or else, hop on a motor coach and enjoy a narrative tour. Some of the tour highlights include, a revelation about the 1920s and 1930s gangster past of the Twin Cities; more on Ma Baker and her gang and beyond. The Wabasha Caves tour will take you along the sandstone carvings and a chance to see the famous hideout of the past. Do not be surprised to come across some amazing caves converted into nightclub. This is your one time opportunity to party in the caves. For more details and tour information, call ahead or visit the website.
Address: 215 Wabasha Street, St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: 651-292-1220
Website:
www.wabashastreetcaves.com
Minnesota Zoo
This zoo expedition is more like a safari than a zoo time. Reason being, the zoo is hemmed in a 500 wooded acres, encompassing five trails. Moreover, the animals dwell in their natural habitats and surroundings and you will get to view these animals from the habitat trails. The zoo is home to wide range of diverse wildlife, from reptiles to birds and bats, to animals like tigers, moose, camels, lynx and more. As you wander around, get ready to explore more - an underwater coral reef, a huge amphitheater where you can see adorable dolphins in display, an IMAX theater, and a Zoo lab where to get up close with creeping, crawling critters or perhaps touch them if they do not creep you out. The fun doesn’t end there, for you can stop by the charming gift shop, concession stand and bookstore to pick up some goodies, and if you’re there in winter, you can venture into cross-country ski trails. Please visit the website below for timings and other details.
Address: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: 952-431-9200
Phone: 800-366-7811
Website:
www.mnzoo.org
Cathedral of St. Paul
If you have an eye of an architect, visit Cathedral of St. Paul and be a critic. The cathedral is designed after Rome's St. Peter's Basilica and its architectural beauty is the talk of the town and beyond. The outside decor is definitely a head turner and the inside will also awestruck you with its exquisite detailing done with large Italian-style mosaics; stained glass windows; native travertine walls and a huge carved granite relief of Christ. The cathedral is garbed by 6 chapels that form the Shrine of Nations and a serves as a tribute to the Minnesota’s ethnic peoples. With its peak reaching higher heights as compared to that of the neighboring state capitol building, the cathedral stands out of the rest.
Address: 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-228-1766
Website:
www.cathedralsaintpaul.orgHours:
Cathedral Sunday to Friday from 7am to 7pm; Saturday from 7am to 9pm
Alexander Ramsey House
When you’re in St. Paul, you will for sure here a lot about Alexander Ramsey House. Curious to know what the hype is all about? Saint Paul presents you the house that is one of the most immaculately-preserved Victorian homes in the nation. Also its significance lies in the facts that it served as a home to the first governor of Minnesota. As you step inside, you will find the interior well decorated with marble fireplaces, carved walnut woodwork, crystal chandeliers and eye popping original furnishings. Ever wondered whom to be credited for the absolutely flawless maintenance of the house? There are many volunteers who take up responsibilities to take care of the house as Ramsey household members. They also enlightens the visitors about life in 1870s. You must call and book ahead to get a tour of the house.
Address: 265 S Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-296-8760
Website:
www.mnhs.orgFor operational hours, call ahead or visit the website.
Rice Park
Rice Park doesn’t go unnoticed in Saint Paul. Nestle in the heart of downtown, the park is surrounded by some of the city’s significant landmarks - St. Paul Hotel, St. Paul Public Library, Ordway Music Theater and the Landmark Center. From the park you can see and marvel at the city’s architectural beauties, standing tall in all four corners. This urban square is also a sought for venue for hosting many events and concerts. Drop by here anytime of the year and your chance to bump into artistic, musical and theatrical festivities is quite high.
Address: 109 W 4th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-266-6400
Phone: 651-632-5111
Website:
www.stpaul.govHours: Daily from Sunrise to Sunset
Minnesota History Center
If you’re a history buff, you must by all means visit Minnesota History Center. The center is devoted to preserve the history of Minnesota. With over 400,000 square feet of exhibition space, including archive, and research areas, it will amuse you with its lively and intriguing exhibits. If you have time in hand, you must definitely not miss the very interesting classes and presentations that are featured in 3M Auditorium. After exploring the entire displays, you can spend some time in the two stores, one of which is specially designed to serve children.
Address: 345 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul, MN 55102-1903
Phone: 651-259-3000
Phone: 800-657-3773
Website:
www.mnhs.orgHours: Museum and Stores open on Tuesday from 10am to 8pm; Wednesday to Saturday from 10am- to 5pm; Sunday Noon-5pm
Padelford Packet Boat Company
Taking off in cruises once a while is quite wonderful. And here in Padelford Packet Boat Company, you get an opportunity to venture into one. The cruises offer relaxing and fun way to explore serene scenic scenery, fireworks, soak in the beauty of sunsets, bird watching and during autumn, fall foliage are just picturesque. They will serve brunch, lunch and dinner. You can opt to embark from Harriet Island in St. Paul or from Boom Island in Minneapolis. It is recommended to call ahead or visit the website, to make reservation and check out offers.
Address: Harriet Island, Saint Paul, MN 55107
Phone: 651-227-1100
Phone: 800-543-3908
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Please call ahead to confirm timings.
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