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Top picks in Saint Paul

Historical sites

Walking through historical sites inside a museum brings the weight of the past into focus.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Landmark Center image 1
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Historical landmark

Historic building showcases phenomenal architecture and original courtrooms with rich details. Atmosphere blends elegant charm with a magical, romantic vibe, making it ideal for weddings and events. Spaces include upper-level balconies and areas for music and dancing, creating a festive yet refined experience.

Permanent exhibits include the Schubert Club Museum, musical instruments, and woodturning art. The architecture and historical displays add to the experience.

A beautifully restored historic building with detailed signage explaining its significance. Permanent exhibits include the Schubert Club Museum and displays on local history, making it a rich spot for learning and appreciating architecture.

People are saying

"The historical architecture here is beautiful and phenomenal."

"It's an elegant space with beautiful decorations."

"I found the historical building's architecture to be stunning."

Good to know

1

The Schubert Club Courtroom Concert Series is free and accepts donations.

2

Landmark Center hosts various free community events throughout the year.

3

The building features several interesting museums on the second floor.

02
Historic Fort Snelling image 1
Historical landmark

Old star fort stands with gorgeous river views and extensive hiking trails nearby. Exhibits and guided tours cover 19th-century soldier life and include Native American and WWII history. Accessibility features like golf cart rides and wheelchair availability support diverse visitors.

Exhibits offer a clear view of the United States' settlement impact on Minnesota, showing both good and bad aspects. Guided tours and displays provide an excellent opportunity to understand history, supported by a well done setup and operation.

Guided tours feature volunteers in period clothing who explain historical roles. The site covers Native American history and government dealings, including stories of Dred and Harriet Scott. A visitor center offers detailed history, and living history displays engage kids with reenactments.

People are saying

"It's a kid-friendly place with living history displays that bring the past to life."

"I found the historical sites here really interesting and appreciated their significance."

"The museum's knowledgeable staff really bring history to life."

Good to know

1

Tours or shows occur every 30 minutes, especially on weekends.

2

Veterans receive free admission to the museum and fort.

3

Parking is free at Historic Fort Snelling.

03
West St Paul Antiques image 1

Three levels of museum-style displays create a vast, well-organized space filled with historic memorabilia and a wide variety of antiques. The atmosphere feels cool and clean, with wide aisles and many unique collections arranged into small museums. Visitors can explore rich exhibits like Winter Carnival artifacts alongside diverse vintage items.

Collections of antiques fill several small museums upstairs, showcasing preserved history and informative exhibits. One section focuses entirely on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

Informative exhibits showcase a wide range of historic items. The upstairs museum preserves a lot of history, making it easy to spend hours learning about the past.

People are saying

"You'll find interesting collections and displays in every nook and cranny."

"The staff at this vintage shop are so friendly and knowledgeable."

"You'll find museums filled with preserved history and antiques."

Good to know

1

The store features a wide variety of antiques, from furniture to collectibles.

2

A museum section showcases historical items related to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

3

Expect to spend hours exploring the well-organized aisles filled with unique items.

04
James J. Hill House image 1
History museum

Historic mansion showcases magnificent woodwork and intricate architecture with original features from 1890. Atmosphere feels opulent and rich in history, enhanced by detailed craftsmanship and early technological innovations. Visitors encounter a quiet, immersive experience that transports them back in time through guided tours and preserved interiors.

A stunning museum from the gilded age, this place offers a huge and fascinating house museum experience with pristine exhibits. It focuses on history and is not geared toward young kids.

Rich history fills the house, especially tied to the original owners and Minnesota's past. Knowledgeable staff share stories about the railroad legacy and the home's architectural beauty.

People are saying

"The Guided Tours here are super nice and deeply knowledgeable."

"I found the historic home to be a really cool experience."

"The tour guides here are super nice and deeply knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Tickets for the James J. Hill House must be purchased online in advance to avoid sellouts.

2

Expect limited street parking, especially on Sundays due to nearby events.

3

The holiday tour features beautifully decorated trees and runs during the festive season.

05
Union Depot image 1
Historical landmark

Historic train station features magnificent architecture and dramatic light that create a romantic, old-fashioned atmosphere. The great hall echoes loudly, making it difficult to hear conversations or announcements. Amenities include a large lending library, a bar, a bike shop, and free ping pong, with spaces often hosting lively events like prom photo sessions.

A mini museum on the second floor offers a brief history of the depot and trains. A rail car tour and a train exhibit provide a hands-on experience, especially for kids new to trains.

A beautifully restored train station with a historic feel and a mini museum showcasing its past. The building includes a rail car to tour and dining options within its preserved history.

People are saying

"The architecture here is really interesting and gorgeous."

"I found the European Christmas Market very enjoyable."

"This historical site is a beautiful architectural marvel."

Good to know

1

The Christmas market is held annually, featuring local vendors and festive activities.

2

VIP tickets are available for special events like the Bloody Mary festival.

3

Family-friendly events are regularly scheduled, making it a great place for kids.

06
Jackson Street Roundhouse image 1

Rail museum offers historic trains and detailed railroad exhibits in a family-friendly setting. Visitors enjoy a free caboose ride and interactive experiences like exploring engines. The space feels cool and cute, suitable for all ages interested in trains and history.

Exhibits focus on big trains and railroad history. The space is stroller-friendly and works well for kids and families.

Detailed exhibits showcase railroad history with a focus on trains and their development. The area features historic trains and offers a clear view into the past of rail transportation.

People are saying

"It's super fun for the whole family, especially the little ones."

"The museum volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable."

"I learned an amazing history lesson about trains at these historical sites."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is $15 for adults, which includes a free 15-minute train ride.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the venue.

3

The museum is family-friendly and great for kids of all ages.

07
Minnesota State Capitol image 1

Massive dome and detailed stonework define the building's classical architecture and stunning murals. Interior spaces feel regal and somber, with marble finishes and elegant painted designs. Roof access offers views of golden sculptures and the city skyline, while the surrounding plaza hosts community events and memorials.

Exhibits focus on Minnesota history and Native American culture with powerful, informative displays. The building preserves historical features like original swinging bathroom doors and offers public galleries to watch the legislative process.

A beautiful historic building with deep significance, preserved with great care. Tours offer rich history and architecture insights, making it a great spot to learn about the state's legacy.

People are saying

"This beautiful historical site's architecture is grandiose and stunning."

"The guided tours are so insightful and passionate about history and architecture."

"I learned so much about Minnesota's history at the exhibits."

Good to know

1

Entry to the Minnesota State Capitol is free for all visitors.

2

Guided tours start at the beginning of every hour.

3

The Capitol closes at 3 pm on Saturdays.

08
Minnesota Transportation Museum image 1

Roundhouse setting hosts a cozy, casual space filled with train cars to walk through and model trains. Atmosphere stays quiet and friendly, welcoming families and solo visitors alike. Interactive features like a kids' zone and caboose ride keep children engaged for hours.

Several restored train cars invite exploration inside a historic roundhouse building. Exhibits cover streetcars and buses, showing how people moved before cars. The museum offers a hands-on, historical experience that appeals to kids and rail enthusiasts alike.

Several restored train cars sit inside a historic roundhouse, letting visitors walk through and explore. Staff and volunteers share extensive local rail history and explain the gauges, levers, and engineer seats that bring the railroad past to life.

People are saying

"I loved walking through the train cars at this museum."

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place with lots of trains to see and play with."

"Walking into the Historical Sites, I was struck by the sheer scale of the towering locomotives."

Good to know

1

The museum hosts 'Tots and Trains' events on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 10:30 am.

2

Parking is very limited, so arriving early is advisable.

3

Admission includes train rides, making it a great value for families.

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