Things to Do in St. Paul, MN: Saint Paul Travel Guide
Things to Do in St. Paul, MN: Saint Paul Travel Guide
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Looking for things to do in St. Paul, MN?
Minnesota's capital city sits on the bluffs above the Mississippi River, with grand Victorian mansions, a giant cathedral, and leafy neighborhoods that feel a world away from big-city rush. It's the hometown of F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, and you can still walk past his birthplace, his favorite hangouts, and the house where he wrote his first novel.
Add riverside parks, a free zoo, and cozy restaurants, and Saint Paul is a perfect place to slow down and explore.
Top Things to Do
1. Take F. Scott Fitzgerald's Saint Paul Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk from his birthplace to 599 Summit Avenue.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul—Step inside one of the largest churches in America.
3. Tour the James J. Hill House—See the Gilded Age mansion of a railroad tycoon on Summit Avenue.
4. Stroll Summit Avenue—Walk one of the longest stretches of Victorian homes in the country.
5. Tour the Minnesota State Capitol—See the marble dome and grand halls with a free tour.
6. Visit Como Park Zoo & Conservatory—Explore a free zoo and a glass conservatory full of plants.
7. Explore the Science Museum of Minnesota—See dinosaurs and hands-on exhibits on the riverfront.
8. Find Fitzgerald's statue in Rice Park—Take a photo with the bronze author downtown.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
F. Scott Fitzgerald's Saint Paul Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at his birthplace at 481 Laurel Avenue and ends at 599 Summit Avenue. Along the way, it visits W.A. Frost & Company, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the James J. Hill House, Fitzgerald's childhood home, the Commodore Bar & Restaurant, and Summit Lookout Park. The walk takes a little over an hour.
Free Things to Do
1. Cathedral of Saint Paul—Step inside the grand cathedral.
2. Minnesota State Capitol—Free guided tours.
3. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory—Free admission, with donations welcome.
4. Summit Avenue—Walk past grand Victorian mansions.
5. Rice Park—See the Fitzgerald statue and the historic Landmark Center.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. James J. Hill House—Guided tour of the mansion ($15 adult).
2. Science Museum of Minnesota—Dinosaurs and hands-on science (check current prices).
3. Minnesota History Center—Exhibits on the state's past (check current prices).
4. Mississippi River cruises—Sightseeing boats in summer (prices vary).
Food!
W.A. Frost & Company
A restaurant in the old pharmacy building where Fitzgerald took his "Coke-and-smoke" breaks, known for its garden patio.
The Commodore Bar & Restaurant
An Art Deco bar in the old hotel where Scott and Zelda once lived.
Mickey's Diner
A classic 1930s dining car downtown, known for burgers and breakfast at all hours.
Where to Stay
Luxury
The Saint Paul Hotel—a grand historic hotel overlooking Rice Park. Roughly 250-400/night.
Moderate
Hotels in downtown and Cathedral Hill—comfortable stays near the tour. Roughly 150-250/night.
Budget
Chain hotels near the Capitol and the freeway—simple stays a short drive away. Roughly 100-170/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take F. Scott Fitzgerald's Saint Paul Walking Tour, starting at 481 Laurel Avenue.
Afternoon: Tour the James J. Hill House, then visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Evening: Dinner on the patio at W.A. Frost, then a drink at the Commodore.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Tour the Minnesota State Capitol, then spend the afternoon at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
Extra Time: Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, or see the Fitzgerald statue in Rice Park.
FAQ's
1. Can I go inside Fitzgerald's homes?
No. They're private residences, so enjoy them from the sidewalk.
2. When is the best time to visit St. Paul?
Late spring through fall. Winter is cold and snowy, but the Saint Paul Winter Carnival in January is a fun reason to go.
3. Is St. Paul walkable?
Yes. Cathedral Hill, Summit Avenue, and downtown are easy to explore on foot.
4. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Book James J. Hill House tours ahead, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
5. Where should I park?
Summit Hill and Cathedral Hill have street parking. Downtown has paid ramps and meters.
6. What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and layers. Bring a warm coat from late fall through spring.
7. How far is St. Paul from Minneapolis?
About 15 to 20 minutes by car or light rail. They're called the Twin Cities.
8. Is St. Paul good for families?
Yes. Kids love the free zoo, the Science Museum, and the Capitol.
9. Where is Fitzgerald buried?
Not in St. Paul. He's buried in Rockville, Maryland, with Zelda.
10. How much time should I spend in St. Paul?
One day covers the Fitzgerald sites and Summit Avenue. Two days lets you add the Capitol, Como Park, and museums.
Recommended Tours
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