Labor Day Weekend Fun
What do to on the "last" weekend of summer.
Cue the calls of “I can’t believe it’s already Labor Day weekend!?” Yes, it’s the unofficial end of summer and signals its officially time to go back to school. You’ve got one last long weekend of the summer - here are 5 ways you can spend it in Saint Paul.
One Last Hurrah Before School
Saint Paul is home to an amazing collection of interactive museums that are perfect for all ages. Venture around the Capital City to discover an array of educational and fun experiences.
- Let the littles run, explore, and create at the Minnesota Children’s Museum
- Watch awe-inspiring films and explore intriguing exhibits at Science Museum of Minnesota
- Learn about the North Star State's rich past at Minnesota History Center
- Get face-to-face with a giant (stuffed) Woolly Mammoth at the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum
- Train fanatics will be in heaven at the Minnesota Transportation Museum and Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum. Or head to Lowertown to explore the transportation hub itself, Union Depot. The station features tons of public art, preserved architecture, Choo Choo Bob's Train Store, the Lake Elmo Inn's 1881 restaurant, and the Rail View Picnic Area, where picnic-goers can enjoy a tasty meal while watching freight and passenger trains pull in.
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is home to a collection of adorable land and sea creatures, as well as a stunning conservatory, outdoor gardens, and an amusement park for the kiddos.
Have You Heard of These Saint Paul Museums?
We bet you haven’t been to every museum in Saint Paul.
Saint Paul: The City of Trains
4 Ways to Experience Saint Paul's Robust Train History.
Family Fun
Make memories that kids will carry with them for years to come with these all-age attractions and activities.
Make a weekend of it and book a stay at one of the many #MYSAINTPAUL hotels and inns.
- DoubleTree Downtown St. Paul and Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Saint Paul both put you close to downtown museums.
- SpringHill Suites & Radisson St. Paul Downtown will satisfy your swimmers with indoor pools and free breakfast.
- Drury Plaza Hotel has a pool, free breakfast, and a 5:30 p.m. kick back with free snacks and cold beverages.
A Weekend by the Water
Labor Day isn't complete without a relaxing trip by the water. Enjoy these excursions on or near the Mighty Mississippi and pristine lakes.
- Go on a guided kayak tour with Paddle Bridge
- Head to the Como Park Pavilion on the shores of Como Lake to enjoy American picnic-style eats from Dock & Paddle over live music. Or head out on the water by renting kayaks, pedal boats, canoes, and paddle boards.
- Enjoy a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Over Labor Day weekend, Padelford Riverboats offers Sightseeing Cruises on Fridays and features a “Monday Madness” special where you can celebrate Labor Day aboard a half-price tour.
Picnic Spots
Enjoy a picnic around Saint Paul at these recommended locations. The views are incredible, the experiences memorable.
Down by the River: Guide to the Mighty Mississippi
Did you know Saint Paul has more shoreline than any other city along the entire Mississippi River? Take advantage of all that riverfront with these activities.
Urban Outdoor Adventure
Snow or shine, let the fresh Minnesota air surround you as you ride, walk, skate or paddle your way around Saint Paul.
Make a weekend of it and book a stay at one of the many #MYSAINTPAUL hotels and inns.
- Request a riverfront room at InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel
- Unwind and relax in a modern, spacious suite (with kitchen) at Residence Inn St. Paul Downtown
- Chill near the shores of Como Lake at Como Lake Bed & Breakfast
A Step Back in Time
Does Labor Day weekend have you wishing you could rewind time and start summer over again? We can’t help you with that, but here are some ways you can travel back in time
- Learn about Saint Paul's gangster past, haunted histories of Summit Avenue mansions, and get the insider scoop on the city’s lore with tours from CynCity Tours and Celestial Tours.
- Take in the city’s magnificent architecture with visits to the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Landmark Center, Union Depot, James J. Hill House, and the Minnesota State Capitol.
- Bring Saint Paul’s brewing history to life with visits to Waldmann (the oldest surviving saloon building in the Twin Cities), Saint Paul Brewing (on the refurbished ruins of the iconic Hamm’s Brewery) and Wabasha Brewing Company (hosted in a former tin shop built in 1865).
Saint Paul’s Beer History
The city's first brewery opened in 1848 (ten years before Minnesota became a state), and it hasn't stopped brewing since.
7 Historic & Beautiful Buildings in Saint Paul
Beautiful, historic architecture is integral to Saint Paul’s identity.
Gangster Past
A look at Saint Paul's notorious involvement in prohibition-era gangster activity.
Make a weekend of it and book a stay at one of the many #MYSAINTPAUL hotels and inns.
- The Hyatt Place Saint Paul Downtown is in a renovated 1933 Art Deco former post office.
- Celeste St. Paul is set in a 1909 former convent where one suite used to be the chapel
The Great Minnesota Get-Together
Head to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to catch the last few (of the 12) days of one of the largest state fairs in the nation. Experience all things fried and on a stick through Labor Day on Monday, September 1.
Plus, get discounted tickets on children's admission and deals on merchandise, food, and specials for the Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games for Kids Day on September 1.
Make a weekend of it and book a stayat one of the many #MYSAINTPAUL hotels and inns.
- The Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown offers a daily complimentary shuttle to and from the Fairgrounds, plus kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing a room with their parents.
The Complete List of New Foods at Minnesota State Fair
We're a big fan of the classics, but we are also excited to try the new delicious offerings by new and existing vendors at the Minnesota State Fair.
Minnesota State Fair Attractions
In between bites, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy. By no means a full listing, here are some spots we recommend you don’t miss.
Minnesota State Fair Pro Tips
Plan your visit to the Minnesota State Fair with our in-depth guide on the costs, hours, attractions, and more.
Back-to-School Shopping
While you're here, complete your back-to-school shopping spree with visits to local shops and boutiques or visiting nearby hubs like the Rosedale Center and Mall of America.
Shop Saint Paul: Selby West
This business and shopping district in the heart of the Union Park neighborhood features an array of unique vintage shops and boutiques.
Shop Local
Shop local, support Saint Paul businesses and find the perfect products, experiences, and so much more for everyone on your list. We’ve taken local boutiques and have highlighted gift ideas that can…
Shop Saint Paul: Downtown
Shop the day away in Saint Paul's historic downtown.
Show us how you're spending the long weekend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!