St. Paul’s twin city Minneapolis often gets more media attention, but Minnesota’s capital has the kind of attractions that not only keep visitors entertained, but might make them fall a little bit in love with the city.
St. Paul vacations can run the gamut from active and lively to quiet and relaxing – or a little bit of both. Here are some ideas that local insiders recommend as things to put on the top of your to-do list:
* Summit Avenue is as much a journey as it is a destination. This long, leafy thoroughfare cuts through the stateliest neighborhood in St. Paul and is lined from start to finish with incredible mansions. At its eastern end, you’ll find the James J. Hill House, which is maintained by the Minnesota Historical Society. Go for a tour to see up close how the railroad baron lived. And kitty-corner from the mansion is the towering, Baroque-influenced Cathedral of St. Paul, definitely worth a visit for its imposing architectural splendor.
* Como Park, Zoo and Conservatory all combine to make a fantastic, day-long family outing. There’s really something for everyone, and there’s enough to see and do that kids won’t get bored. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a Victorian-style steel and glass construction (albeit with a handsome modern expansion) that is packed with impressive and exotic plants, koi ponds and a jungle environment that hosts birds, snakes, fish and a much-loved sloth. The modestly sized zoo has plenty of exhibits but won’t exhaust you – visit favorites like the monkey house, Sparky the seal and the new, expanded polar bear exhibit. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, there’s a great, old-fashioned amusement park with plenty of rides perfectly suited to young kids.
* Downtown St. Paul might be a little bit quieter than its sister city, but there is plenty for visitors to do: The excellent Minnesota Science Museum has great exhibits and an IMAX theater; the Xcel Energy Center frequently hosts major concerts (as well as being home to the Minnesota Wild hockey team); the Ordway Theater is a beautiful setting for taking in some excellent theater; and the Landmark Center offers a grand architectural glimpse of historic St. Paul. Also downtown is the top-notch St. Paul Farmer’s Market, which is well worth a visit on a weekend morning.
* Despite Minnesota’s reputation as being heavily Scandinavian (and honestly, it’s not entirely untrue), St. Paul vacations can show you the state’s more diverse side. Visit the District del Sol for authentic Mexican food, one-of-a-kind shops and public art. It’s also the site of one the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States. Or, you can immerse yourself in the authentic market atmosphere of the Hmongtown Marketplace. Here you can get a taste of Hmong cuisine and culture, which is little known in much of the rest of the country, and feel transported to a faraway place.
With a major airport hub located conveniently between Minneapolis and St. Paul, cheap flights to the area are readily available. Check on sites like Travelocity.com to find the best airfares – plus, you can add hotel rooms and car rental and potentially get an even better deal.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
