Saint Paul

Introduction

You will find that Saint Paul serves as the capital city of Minnesota and the county seat of Ramsey County. Located within the heart of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, it sits alongside its neighbor Minneapolis to form a major urban core.

Before you go

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions when planning your trip to the Upper Midwest. You can expect very cold winters with frequent snowfall and warm, humid summers. If you prefer milder temperatures, aim for your visit between May and October. While downtown Saint Paul features a skyway system to help you navigate the city during inclement weather, it is not as extensive as the network found in nearby Minneapolis.

The Mississippi River serves as the defining feature of the landscape, flowing through the city from upscale riverside homes in Highland Park to historic downtown riverboat landings and railroad infrastructure. This location near the head of navigation established the area as a historical transportation hub for freight moving east, south, and from the west.

Getting there

You can arrive in the city by air at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, located just outside the southwest corner of the city. From Terminal 1, you can take a bus along West 7th Street to reach downtown Saint Paul. If your flight lands at Terminal 2, you can ride the light rail one stop north to Terminal 1 before transferring to the bus. Alternatively, you may choose to travel by car via Interstate 35E, Interstate 94, or US 52.

For those traveling by rail or coach, Union Depot serves as the central hub for inter-city services. You can board Amtrak trains, including the Empire Builder and the Borealis, which provide connections to cities such as Chicago, Seattle, and Portland. Additionally, several bus lines operate out of Union Depot, offering routes to destinations including Duluth, Des Moines, Kansas City, Green Bay, and Madison.

Getting around

You can navigate the Twin Cities using the Metro Transit system, which offers both rail and bus options. The METRO Light Rail Green Line connects downtown Saint Paul to downtown Minneapolis, traveling through areas such as Frogtown and Midway. For your travels by road, several bus lines are available, including the 54 route between downtown Saint Paul and the airport, and the A Line along Snelling Avenue and Ford Parkway.

To manage your transit costs, you can choose from various pass options depending on your length of stay. You may opt for a single-ride fare or select from unlimited ride passes available in 1-day, 7-day, and 31-day formats. For convenience, you can also use a Go-To card to hold stored value or load multi-day passes, which can be managed at various transit stores, online, or at ticket machines located at light rail stations and A Line stops.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred style and location within the city. For those seeking a more historic experience, you can stay in Lowertown at a property housed in a restored Custom House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other central options include hotels located near the light rail or along major bus routes.

• Stay in the downtown area to access amenities like indoor pools, fitness centers, and whirlpools, or enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast in an open air atrium.
• Choose from several properties situated near the riverfront or within the city's central districts.
• Select a location that offers specific features such as extensive meeting space or proximity to local transit hubs like the Union Depot.

Food & drink

Explore a wide variety of flavors across the city, from the first Kurdish restaurant in the country to authentic Italian dishes like mostaccolli served in a spacious cafeteria setting. You can find diverse options such as Vietnamese pho and banh mi, traditional Turkish food near Hamline University, or a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches at a local cafe featuring decadent desserts like turtle cake. For pizza lovers, you can choose between deep-dish pies with walleye strips or a neighborhood atmosphere at a local chain. If you prefer a more casual experience, visit a Mexican supermarket and deli on the West Side or enjoy a burger at a popular local joint.

For your evening drinks, explore several distinct atmospheres:

• A tequila bar offering Mexican bar food in a lively area.
• A downtown bar and music venue.
• A dive bar in the Midway featuring occasional live music.
• A selection of over 100 beers with vegetarian entree options and games like shuffleboard and darts.
• Woman-owned microbreweries and taprooms where you can grab a growler or enjoy local brews.
• Live music venues that host local and touring bands.

What to see and do

Explore the rich history and cultural diversity of the city by visiting the Minnesota Museum of American Art or wandering through the historic mansions of Summit Avenue, a neighborhood with deep ties to writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. You can admire the architecture of the Minnesota State Capitol, which features a massive marble dome, or tour the 1891 mansion of railroad tycoon James J. Hill. For a look into the past, visit the Landmark Center—a former post office and courthouse—or explore the sandstone caves on Wabasha Street, where you can experience the atmosphere of 1920s speakeasies. If you prefer nature and science, the Science Museum of Minnesota offers exhibits on the Mississippi River and dinosaur fossils, while the Bell Museum houses a planetarium and an extensive collection of global plant and animal specimens.

Experience local culture through various events and attractions:

• Visit the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory or see historic locomotives at the Jackson Street Roundhouse.
• Explore interactive exhibits for children at the Minnesota Children's Museum or view regional history at the Minnesota History Center.
• Attend a swing night with live big band music at the Wabasha Street Caves.
• Experience seasonal festivities such as the Saint Paul Winter Carnival in January, the Irish Fair of Minnesota in August, or the expansive Minnesota State Fair from mid-August through Labor Day.
• Watch local sports like the Minnesota Rollergirls compete in flat-track roller derby.

Three days in Saint Paul

Day one, you begin your journey in Saint Paul. You can explore the local area and experience the atmosphere of this Minnesota city located in Ramsey County within the Twin Cities.

Day two, you travel through the Upper Midwest. You might find yourself near the Mississippi River or exploring the surrounding landscape during the months of May or October.

Day three, your travels continue as you navigate the region. You can utilize the Metro Transit or the METRO Light Rail to reach your next destination.