5 Labor Day Weekend Itineraries

5 itineraries for your holiday weekend in Saint Paul

Flight of various beers set on bar in Saint Pail MN with Mississippi river in background
Credit: @lancerhospitality

Cue the calls of “I can’t believe it’s already Labor Day weekend!?” Yes, it’s the unofficial end of summer and signals it’s 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.

close up of two giraffes at the Como Zoo in Saint Paul Minnesota
Credit: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

1. One last hurrah before back to school

If your travel party includes kids, have we got an itinerary for you! Make memories at 7 museums and 2 zoos packed with all-ages fun.

While you're here, complete your back-to-school shopping spree with visits to Rosedale Center, Mall of America and shopping districts like Selby at Snelling and Grand Avenue.

Book a room: DoubleTree St. Paul Downtown 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 kick back with free snacks and cold beverages.

2. Weekend at the lake (or on the river)

If Labor Day isn’t complete without a trip to ‘the lake’, enjoy these excursions on (or near) the water.

  • Make a stop down to Lambert's Landing on Saturday, September 2nd to marvel at the Viking River Cruise ship, take a photo by the ship, listen to live music, grab a bite from a food truck and more!
  • Rent a kayak and paddle Pickerel Lake
  • Bring a picnic to Como Park followed by paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing Como Lake.
  • Enjoy a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Labor Day weekend, Padelford Riverboats offers a Sightseeing Cruise, a Sunset Dinner Cruise and a Rib Dinner Cruise. With their “Monday Madness” special, you can celebrate Labor Day aboard a half-price tour.

Book a room: 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, or get close to the lake at Como Lake Bed & Breakfast.

stone exterior of the Cathedral of Saint Paul on a partly cloudy day in Saint Paul. MN
Credit: @brother.patrick

3. Take a step back in time

Does Labor Day weekend have you wishing you could rewind and start summer over again? We can’t help you with that, but here are some ways you can make a weekend out of traveling back in time.

a person holding beer in the outdoor patio at Waldmann brewery in Saint Paul MN
Credit: @caitabrams

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), Clutch Brewing (located on the site of the historic Schmidt Brewery) and Wabasha Brewing Company (hosted in a former tin shop built in 1865).

Book a room: The Hyatt Place is in a renovated 1933 art deco former post office. Celeste St. Paul is set in a 1909 former convent (one suite used to be the chapel). Both options include complimentary breakfast.

a crowd of people walk through the ticket booths at the Minnesota State Fair Main Gate
Credit: Photo Credit: Minnesota State Fair

4. Do the Fair

The Minnesota State Fair’s 12-day run concludes on Labor Day. That means Monday, September 4 is your last chance to take in the sights, smells and taste of the Great Minnesota Get Together - and it’s Kids Day, which means reduced admission price for kids at the entrance gates along with deals on merchandise and food and specials on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.

person holding corn on the cob at the Minnesota State Fair
Credit: Minnesota State Fair

We've got your Guide to Minnesota State Fair fun.

Book a room: The Holiday Inn Downtown St. Paul offers a daily complimentary shuttle to and from the Fairgrounds, plus kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room.

the Saint Paul Saints on the baseball field at sunset in Saint Paul Minnesota

5. Cheer on the Saints and the Minnesota United

The St. Paul Saints take minor league baseball to a whole new level with entertaining intermission activities, a real pig mascot, the Craft Brew Corner stocked with local beers and more. With affordable ticket prices as low as $5, Friday night fireworks, and a Monster Food Truck Rally following Sunday's game, there is fun for the whole family.

Book a room: Stay just blocks away at SpringHill Suites or the Drury Plaza Hotel.

Kick the long weekend off early at Allianz Field on Wednesday, August 30th as the Minnesota United take on the Colorado Rapids. Take in a soccer match at this beautiful stadium in the heart of Saint Paul's Midway neighborhood.

Show us how you're spending the long weekend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!

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