28 Awesome Things to do in St. Paul All Year Round

By
Updated October 8, 2018
2 Comments

Whether the weather is cold in the winter or blazing hot in the summer, the fun never stops in St. Paul! If you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy local events, here are plenty of things to do in St. Paul today, tomorrow, and all winter long!

Things to Do This Spring

Spring is the perfect time to explore all the things to do in Saint Paul. You’ll find a lot of excellent attractions, beautiful scenery, and fun places to discover when you spend your vacation in town.

1. Como Park Zoo Conservatory

The Como Park Zoo is a fantastic place to explore with your family. It’s the ideal place for a day trip, packed with educational tours and events. The park zoo and conservatory receives two million guests annually and offers virtual and on-site tours with zookeepers and gardeners. The venue offers art exhibits, animals, extensive gardens open to the public.

Special events include classes and workshops for photography, American sign language, kids’ events, and holiday dinners. The conservatory offers rental space for weddings, birthdays, and corporate parties.

Things to do in St. Paul

2. Saint Paul Farmer’s Market

If you’re looking for pure maple syrup, organic plants, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, and authentic goods, you’ll love the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market. This local attraction began 150 years ago and is open year-round on weekends. The market operates in conjunction with the St. Paul’s Grower’s Association and provides the best quality in farm-fresh foods and quality local products.

Bigos CTA graphic

The Saint Paul Farmers’ Market features a beautiful selection of vendors, lots of parking, and regular updates on the website.

3. Shopping in St. Paul

The city is a prime spot to enjoy a lot of shopping, from local stores, boutiques, and artisans to malls and outdoor markets. Spring is the ideal time to explore sidewalk sales and the downtown core for your next shopping spree. You’ll discover everything you’re looking for, from popular fashion and housewares to vintage goods, antiques, and other unique finds.

4. Explore Local Breweries

You’ll discover craft breweries, artisan drinks, and delicious cuisine in and around the Saint Paul area. The Bad Weather Brewing Company is one of the most impressive breweries in Twin Cities, offering a fantastic menu and outdoor dining. It’s open year-round and features their home-style burgers, comfort food, and tasty brews. 

Saint Paul Brewing is a fantastic microbrewery offering a rustic, cozy atmosphere. There are other excellent breweries and taprooms to explore in and around Saint Paul, including the Lake Monster Brewing, Wabasha Brewing Company, and more.

5. Minnesota Children’s Museum

Are you looking for the perfect place to spend the day with the kids? The Minnesota Children’s Museum is a magical attraction for kids and adults alike. 

The museum’s website features a wide range of exhibits, shows, and private playtime and events are offered for families looking for a unique, interactive experience. 

6. Summit Park

Down Saint Paul is a scenic place to explore local shops, restaurants, and unique attractions. Summit Avenue is one of the main streets in the city’s core and a terrific path to tour the area on foot or bicycle. Summit Park is a central feature that offers fantastic photographic views of stunning architecture, natural beauty, and an excellent place for picnics and social gatherings.

Another fantastic attraction to view downtown is the Mississippi River, which weaves through the city’s core. This 26-mile-long river is perfect for kayaking, boating, canoeing, and fishing. There are trails alongside the river that provide excellent hiking and cycling.

7. Minnesota History Center

The Minnesota History Center is a beautiful place to explore the city’s history, notable residents, and interactive, family-friendly exhibits. The center features the Gale Family Library, a restaurant, gift shop, and guided tours for visitors. 

Special exhibits are scheduled year-round and include learning about native Minnesotans, cultural diversity in the city, specific locations in town, and many other fascinating topics.

The center’s website offers directions and tips for planning your visit. It’s central so that you can see nearby dining options and downtown attractions. You’ll find the Minnesota History Center features regular programs and displays to coordinate with your travel itinerary with the exhibit of your choice. All the events are family-focused, fun, and engaging.

8. Watch a Saint Paul Saints Game

Are you planning a stay for the weekend? You’ll want to catch a Saint Paul Saints game in between shopping, dining, and checking out the local scenery in town. You can reserve your game tickets online and review the area’s fantastic dining options, such as Black Sheep Coal-fired Pizza and Cecil’s Delicatessen and Bakery.

Things to do This Summer

Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a vibrant city full of art, music, and great food. The weather turns warmer during the summer months; sunny days are in the high 70-degree and 80-degree temperatures. 

During those bright and beautiful summer days, Saint Paul has a myriad of exciting events to offer. From hiking the great outdoors and seeing animals at the Como Zoo to relaxing on the patio of a highly rated restaurant, a Saint Paul summer will not disappoint. 

Continue reading below for our list of the seven best things to do during the summer in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

9. The Minnesota State Fair

woman holding a hot dog at the Minnesota State Fair

After being canceled, along with everything else last year, ‘The Great Minnesota Get Together’ is back on for 2021! Kicking off on August 26 through Labor Day, the Minnesota State Fair is welcoming everyone back to enjoy great food, fun rides, and a show at The Grandstand. No word yet as to when pre-sale discount ticket sales will begin, but stay tuned and follow along on their website

10. Attend a Free Concert at Como Park

Each summer, the City of Saint Paul presents Music in the Park. Take a picnic and gather with your friends and family under the stars to enjoy free concerts and movies multiple times per month. Featuring both local and touring bands, Como Park has a beautiful atmosphere to kick back and relax to some tunes on a warm day.

11. Hike Through Crosby Farm Regional Park

Crosby Farm Regional Park is a unique piece of nature located on the floodplain forests of the Mississippi River. This land features multiple trails and pathways and is the perfect place to hike and catch a glimpse of the native wildlife. From birdwatching to plant identification, summer is an excellent time of year to escape the city center and head back to the land with a heart-healthy hike.

12. Xcel Energy Center Events

The Events Calendar for Xcel Energy Center is beginning to fill up again. Yes, the Xcel Energy Center, home of the MN Wild doesn’t just host hockey. For years it has been home to concerts, events, showcases, and more. Sadly, the Harry Styles concert IS completely sold out, but check out all of the other events from Wild games to rescheduled concerts from 2020. Make sure to book tickets early to see the shows!

13. Rent a Nice Bike Ride and Tour the City

bike rental in St. Paul

If you’re in the Twin Cities this summer and are looking to get active, Nice Ride bikes are a great option for getting some nice bike time around the city. Nice Ride is a bike share service that allows residents to rent a bike for a single ride, full-day, or annual membership. You simply find a Nice Ride pick-up station, and using the app, reserve and scan your bike using a QR code. The bike unlocks from the station and is yours for however long you decided! The app will simply charge your card on file and you don’t have to worry about a thing. Take it around Summit Park, or near the river boardwalk, or even ride it to a Saints game downtown. You can even take the Greenway Bike Path all the way between Saint Paul and Hopkins. 

14. Enjoy an Outdoor Patio

Saint Paul is known for its breezy patios, delicious restaurants, and fantastic brewery scene. After biking, hiking, or strolling through the zoo, unwind and chill out with a beverage on one of the Minnesota-style restaurant patios. 

From Bad Weather Brewing Company and their flights of unique tasters to St. Paul Brewing and their collection of wacky vintage beers, you’ll get to enjoy the sunset in a vibrant scene to the tune of local bands and tasty beverages. 

15. Beat the Heat at the Science Museum

For adults and children alike, the Science Museum of Minnesota in Saint Paul is one of the best ways to beat the heat. On exceedingly scorching days, duck into the museum to learn mind-boggling facts about dinosaurs, chemistry, and natural history. Exhibits include special educational programs about skin, armor, volcanoes, oceans, and more. With a state-of-the-art Omnitheatre and opportunities for summer camps, the Science Museum of Minnesota is an absolute Saint Paul gem.

Getting Outside During a Saint Paul Summer

With so much to offer its residents and out-of-town guests, Saint Paul is an exciting and refreshing summer destination. From delicious meals and decadent beverages to family-friendly concerts, educational opportunities, and adventures, make Saint Paul, Minnesota, your go-to place for a long list of summertime fun.

Whether you are an animal lover, nature fanatic, history buff, major foodie, or simply want to hang back and relax, Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the Twin Cities have something in store for everyone during those warm, bright, and easy summer days.

And if you ever want to live close to the action, Bigos has some beautiful apartment homes in the heart of St. Paul where you can enjoy everything the city has to offer right outside your front door.

Things to Do This Fall

16. Fall Art Crawl

The St Paul Fall Art Crawl, which dates back to 1977,  is a wonderful way to see some of the local and talented artists in the area. Nationally recognized, the art crawl has become a model arts event that is emulated in cities across the country.

Multiple locations throughout St. Paul

Free

Website

17. Fall Foliage Tours

Anytime in the fall!

Along the river, or anywhere in Minnesota

Any spot along the Mississippi River in the fall will give you a breathtaking view of the spectacular colors that a Minnesota autumn produces. If you’re looking to go on a little day trip and get out of the city for a bit check out this list of some the best places for scenic fall drives in the state.

Things to do in St. Paul

18. Get Seasonal and Drink an Autumn Beer

Anytime in the fall

Any of St. Paul’s great breweries

Some of the best beers you’ll try will be the seasonal beers that local breweries have to offer. There is just something about a crisp, cold beer in the fall that feels right. A couple of our favorite local beers available in the fall are Summit Brewery’s “Oktoberfest” and Bad Weather Brewing Company’s “Tuppin’ it Down.” Make a Saturday out of trying some of the best seasonal beers St. Paul has to offer!

St Paul Breweries Map

19. Apple Orchards

In the fall

Multiple options throughout the Metro Area

Apple Orchards is a timeless fall weekend tradition for many Minnesotans. Whether you’re going on a date or going with friends and family, you can’t go wrong with an afternoon of apple picking, ending with some hot apple cider and mini doughnuts. Pine Tree Apple Orchard is short drive to White Bear Lake and is one of the most popular destinations for fresh apples.

Full list of Minnesota apple orchards

Things to do This Winter

20. Disney on Ice

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. This monumental ice skating spectacular will be fun for the whole family!

Xcel Energy Center

199 W Kellogg Blvd – St Paul, MN 55102

Tickets: Starting at $20

Website

 

21. It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play

Featuring playwright Joe Landry’s acclaimed take on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The shows are accompanied by a three-course luncheon for afternoon performances and a three-course dinner for evening performances.

The Saint Paul Hotel

350 Market St, St Paul, MN 55102

Tickets: $94

Website

 

22. The 1968 Exhibit

When the weather starts to get cold, indoor activities are a must in St. Paul. Stay warm at the Minnesota History Center and learn about the cultural, political and social significance of 1968 in this nostalgic exhibit. Check out an authentic Jimi Hendrix vest and one of Mr. Roger’s patented sweaters!

Minnesota History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. – St. Paul, MN 55102

Tickets: $12 for adults, 6 for kids

Website

 

23. St Paul Winter Carnival

Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. With such events and features as the puzzle contest, ice palaces and the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, there is plenty to do during this festive week.

75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102

Free

Website

 

24. Winter Beer Dabbler

Over 160 breweries will be in attendance once again for the 10th annual Winter Beer Dabbler. Try some of the 500 beers and maybe you’ll find a new favorite! Featuring live music, a silent disco and much more entertainment, this beer dabbler is a can’t miss St. Paul Tradition.

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

1265 Snelling Ave N – St Paul, MN 55108

Tickets: $50

Website

 

25. Wild Games

Watch the Minnesota Wild take on their rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. A great venue for sporting events, the Xcel Energy Center doesn’t have a bad seat in the house.

Xcel Energy Center

199 W Kellogg Blvd – St Paul, MN 55102

Tickets: $100-$500

Website

 

26. Triple Espresso

This “highly caffeinated comedy” tells the story of three friends who reminisce about their rags-to riches success story with hilarious results. The laughter is infectious and the comedy appeals to everyone from first graders to college students to baby-boomers to grandparents.

20 W 7th Pl, St Paul, MN 55102 (Park Square Theater)

Tickets: $43.50

Website

 

27. Sledding Hills of St. Paul

For a family-friendly way to get out and enjoy the huge amount of snow we’ve received this winter, there are several sledding hills around Saint Paul. From steep to moderate to gentle, there’s something for both adults and children. Enjoy your time with some good old-fashioned winter fun!

Free

Full list of sledding hills

 

28. St. Paul Ballet

St. Paul Ballet has asked audiences to select the best of five seasons for a multifaceted anniversary celebration at The Cowles Center. From poignant to moving, with a bit of charm and verve, St. Paul Ballet takes its cue from audience favorites in classical and contemporary ballet. This special program includes the one-act story ballet Bella Luna by Peter Davison and Locked Key by Zoé Emilie Henrot.

The Cowles Center for Dance & The Performing Arts

528 Hennepin Ave – St. Paul, MN 55403

Tickets: $26-$36

Website

 

Exploring Saint Paul Year-Round

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in Saint Paul, MN, with seasonal events, art galleries, and plenty of fantastic restaurants, parks, and dining.

 

“If you're looking for amazing places to STAY in St. Paul, check out our amazing properties.”
Check out our Properties     
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] it comes to finding the best experiences with some amazing things to do in St. Paul, you should travel in winters at this beautiful destination. You will get experiences of outdoor […]

trackback

[…] to know the way to ferment drinks can decide to go to the St. Paul. There are various other Things To Do in St. Paul Today, Tomorrow and All Spring Long. The people who love to drink can decide to learn the techniques to ferment the various types of […]

Skip to toolbar