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Trip Ideas

Saint Paul Trip Ideas

Need assistance planning your Saint Paul vacation? The experts at Visit Saint Paul are bursting with local knowledge, ready to spark your imagination with plenty of creative trip ideas. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, couples’ escape or just want to take in few sights during your convention trip, you’ll enjoy an abundance of fun things to do.

Family Fun

Downtown Saint Paul
The entire family will enjoy the Minnesota Children's Museum. Work up an appetite and take a short walk down St. Peter to Great Waters Brewing Company for a burger and fries in this unique family oriented brew pub. Spend the afternoon on the River with a narrated ride aboard the Harriet Bishop of Padelford Packet Boat Company. If your day has you wiped out, stay overnight at the Embassy Suites St. Paul.

Mall of America
The Mall of America has something for everyone in your family. Mom can spend the day shopping at over 500 stores. The kids will enjoy the only Nickelodeon theme park in the USA, Nickelodeon Universe, which is sure to provide your family for an experience they will never forget! Looking for a place to eat? Dick's Last Resort (located on the 4th level of Mall of America) is a great place to take your whole family. Finish your busy day relaxing at the Ramada Mall of America located within minutes from the Mall.

Day at the Zoo
The Como Zoo is a fun and inexpensive way to spend the day with your family. Como Zoo has all your animal favorites and right next door is Como Town, a family amusement park with over 18 rides and attractions. Pack your own lunches and eat at the Como Park Picnic area. The Best Western Bandana Square (built inside a historic train repair shop) is the perfect place to stay for some rest and relaxation. Fill your evening with fun at the St. Paul Saints baseball game. Known for their wacky promotional antics, your family can enjoy outdoor baseball while laughing the night away without breaking the bank.

Mystery and History Tour

The Caves and Gangsters
In the morning, check out the Landmark Center, built in 1902 and home to the "Uncle Sam Worked Here" exhibit and many gangster trials during the 20s and 30s. At noon on Saturdays, hop aboard the Down in History tour bus at the Wabasha Street Caves to learn about the Saint Paul gangster era. Dine at an upscale Italian dinner at Mancini's Char House, established in 1948, located on West Seventh Street before spending the night at the elegant Saint Paul Hotel, built in the late 1800s.

Summit Avenue History
Begin your day at the Minnesota History Center, filled with exhibits, hands on experiences and multimedia presentations about Minnesota's history. Next, head over to Summit Avenue for a walking tour beginning at 11 am or 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays (May-Sept.) from the James J. Hill House and end by touring the house itself. Summit Avenue is filled with historic mansions built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Grab a quick lunch at Mickey's Diner, built in the 1930s and featured in many movies.

Young Adults

Saints Baseball Game
Start your day on Grand Avenue, home to many unique restaurants and shops. For lunch, try Dixie's on Grand for some great southern style food. During the summer months, tailgate and enjoy an outdoor baseball game with the St. Paul Saints (Saint Paul's minor league baseball team known for their wacky promotional antics). To end the day, head back over to Grand Avenue for some exciting nightlife. Need a place to stay? Try the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in downtown Saint Paul.

Xcel Energy Center
Grab a bite to eat at Casper & Runyon's Shamrocks, an Irish pub known for its Nookie Burgers. After lunch, make your way to the Summit Brewing Company for a free tour of the brewery (select dates and times). Enjoy a concert or Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center. End your night at one of the many bars located across from the Xcel Energy Center on West 7th Street, including The Liffey, Tom Reid's, and Patrick McGovern's Pub. Stay at the Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown, located near all of the downtown action.

Ladies Weekend

A Shopping Experience
Enjoy great, unique shopping on Grand Avenue. Grab lunch at Cafe Latte, a gourmet cafeteria style restaurant located on Grand Avenue and follow it up with a relaxing massage, facial, pedicure or manicure at one of the many spas along the Avenue. End the night at Pazzaluna in downtown Saint Paul for Italian fine dinning and drinks. Enjoy a night overlooking the Mississippi River at the Crowne Plaza, located a few blocks away from Pazzaluna.

Mall of America
Spend the day at the world famous Mall of America, with over 500 stores to choose from! For dinner, try Great Waters Brewing Company, known for its great outdoor dining in downtown Saint Paul. After dinner, walk across the street to the premier performing arts venue in the Midwest, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts for a theater production. Stay overnight in the Covington Inn- one of America's few floating bed and breakfasts that sits permanently moored on the Mississippi River within the reflection of downtown Saint Paul's skyline.

Romantic Getaways

Love is in the Air
Take a stroll down Summit Avenue, marveling at the Historic Victorian Mansions built in the 1800s. Treat your loved one to a meal at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill. This restaurant has two fireplaces, fountains and an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at reasonable prices.

Spend the evening on a romantic Padelford Boat cruise down the Mississippi River while eating dinner and watching the beautiful sunset. Stay overnight at the elegant Saint Paul Hotel, know for its romance packages.

Stay Fit on Your Trip

Healthy Saint Paul
Twin Cities Marathon The cleanliness alone of Saint Paul will get you in the mood to want to be active and get healthy. Start your day off right, with breakfast at the M ST Cafe located inside the Saint Paul Hotel. Next, take a walk or ride your bike on one of the many visually stunning trails located in Saint Paul.

After your long trek, get cleaned up and head over to W.A. Frost & Company for outdoor dining and great, healthy menu choices. After lunch, check out the Mississippi River Visitors Center, located inside the Science Museum of Minnesota lobby. Here you will be able to borrow a free I-POD that will guide you on a 4 mile walking tour along the Mississippi River. End your day with dinner at Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse, filled with great seafood selections. Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn and if you still aren't tired from your busy day, work out in their state of the art fitness center or swim in the indoor pool.
 
All restaurants and bars in Saint Paul and Minnesota have a state-wide smoking ban so enjoy the pleasure of your company in a smoke free environment.

Fine Arts

American Art
Begin your day at the American Association of Woodturners, featuring the latest trends in wood working art, located in the Landmark Center. Enjoy the elegance and architecture during lunch at the Lexington Restaurant. Spend the afternoon strolling down Grand Avenue and stop at the many galleries and boutique shops that line the avenue. Spend the night at the elegant and architectural stunning Saint Paul Hotel located in downtown Saint Paul.

Modern Art
Il Vesco Vino Start the day in Minneapolis at the Walker Art Center, which features contemporary visual and performing arts exhibits. For lunch, try 20.21 Restaurant & Bar by Wolfgang Puck, a restaurant inspired by the Walker Art Center with it's 20th and 21st Century art. Spend the afternoon back in Saint Paul, located 10 miles away, and check out the Grand Hand Gallery and the Water and Oil Gallery. W.A. Frost is a great place to dine for the evening. The establishment boasts several wood-burning fireplaces, original artwork, antique furniture, a charming old bar and a lovely European-style garden patio that has become the most popular outdoor dining spot in the Twin Cities. To top the night off enjoy a concert by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra or if opera is more your style, try the Minnesota Opera.

Budget Friendly Tours

On a tight budget? We have you covered. You can spend an event-filled day in Saint Paul without spending very much cash. For transportation needs, hop on the metro transit bus system which serves the metro area for as little as $.50 one way. Every tour listed below is free of charge.

Start off your day at the Como Zoo & Conservatory to see gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! For lunch, eat at the Q Kindness Cafe, located inside the skyway system in downtown Saint Paul. Next, visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul for a public tour of this elegant landmark. Guided tours take place Monday - Friday at 1 pm. Then, catch a tour at the Minnesota State Capitol to learn about the capitol's history, art and architecture. Tours are 45 minutes long and are available every day of the week. Take a 10 minute hike or catch the bus back to downtown Saint Paul and browse around the Landmark Center, home to the American Association of Woodturners gallery, the Schubert Club and more!

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Cost to drive one way Based on 20 miles per gallon

NOTE: Gas price per gallon based upon avgs as of 24.08.2011. Prices are for regular gas.

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