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Best of Saint Paul

Interesting places

You are constantly looking for something that breaks the monotony of the everyday. If it is not interesting, it is not worth your attention.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Historic Fort Snelling image 1
Historic Fort Snelling image 2
Historic Fort Snelling image 3
Historical landmark

Old star fort offers gorgeous river views and extensive hiking trails for outdoor lovers. Exhibits reveal 19th-century soldier life and stories about Dred Scott and slavery. Accessibility features like golf cart rides make it welcoming for all visitors.

Historical significance stands out with stories about Dred Scott and slavery in the Northern Territories. The museum offers interesting displays and the walk includes insightful views of daily life at the fort.

People are saying

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

"I found the history here really interesting and educational."

"The nice view of the river is beautiful."

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.

02
PuzzleWorks Escape Co. image 1
Escape room center

Escape rooms offer immersive horror themes with spooky atmospheres and theatrical design. Unique puzzles in a doll museum setting challenge teamwork and creativity. Private rooms and detailed props create an engaging, exciting vibe throughout.

Escape rooms feature interesting and challenging puzzles that are well thought out. The doll museum adds a creative touch with unique puzzles, making the experience interactive and fun.

People are saying

"The game masters here offer fun activities with just enough hints."

"Max's elite energy made our escape room experience awesome."

"The puzzles here are really interesting and interactive."

Good to know

1

PuzzleWorks offers a variety of themed escape rooms suitable for all ages.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

3

The escape rooms are designed for groups of 2 to 8 players.

03
Landmark Center image 1
Historical landmark

Historic building features original courtrooms and elegant charm perfect for weddings. Upper balconies and music spaces create a festive atmosphere. Free museums and an experimental music shop add unique cultural interest.

Historical architecture stands out with beautiful design and interesting exhibits inside. Free museums on the second floor showcase local art and woodwork, alongside unique stores like an experimental music shop.

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 really interesting."

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.

04
History Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Intimate theater offers excellent acoustics and great sight lines. Shows focus on Minnesota history, blending fun with education. Lobby cafe bar serves wine and beer, creating a relaxed vibe before performances.

Plays focus on Minnesota history with well written and informative productions. Stories like "I Am Betty" mix fun with education.

People are saying

"The plays here are phenomenal and well written."

"The musicals here are a blast and great fun."

"I found the plays about Minnesota history really interesting and educational."

Good to know

1

Parking in lot 7A is convenient but costs $18 for Sunday shows.

2

The theatre has limited elevator access, making it challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

The restroom is located half a floor down from the main area.

05
James J. Hill House image 1
History museum

Historic mansion offers intricate architecture and magnificent woodwork that highlight its 1890 origins. Guided tours uncover hidden historical details especially in the basement and first floor. Visitors enjoy a quiet, immersive experience rich in history and craftsmanship.

Tours reveal many hidden aspects and interesting features of the house. The first floor and basement hold particularly engaging historical details.

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 was really interesting and informative."

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.

06
The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center in a former church offers immersive spaces with Addams Family-style decor. Creative puzzles provide an exciting challenge while themed drinks and a cocktail lounge add fun atmosphere. Interactive elements and artwork create a unique experience.

Creative puzzles offer an exciting challenge throughout the space. Interesting cocktails and April Fools trivia add to the fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found these escape rooms to be a unique and fabulous experience."

"The bar here is part of a truly unique and well-curated escape room experience."

"The puzzles here are exciting and creative."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Special events are hosted regularly, check the schedule for details.

3

Reservations are recommended for escape room experiences, especially on weekends.

07
Saint Paul Discount Grocery image 1

Small grocery store offers deep discounts on nuts, candies, and frozen foods, making shopping quick and affordable. Quirky atmosphere invites adventurous exploration with plenty of unique items to try. Clean parking and gluten-free options add to the variety and value.

A collection of discounted grocery and home items offers a variety of interesting things to try. The place feels wonderfully unique with plenty to explore.

People are saying

"I found this place to be a great little hidden gem."

"The staff here are incredibly kind and professional."

"I found the selection of discounted grocery and home items interesting."

Good to know

1

Expect a rotating selection of products that changes frequently.

2

Discounts on groceries can be significant compared to big box stores.

3

Look for gluten-free items as they often have a selection.

08
Minnesota State Capitol image 1

Massive dome and detailed stonework showcase classical architecture. Tours highlight Minnesota history and the building's grand central area. Roof access offers views of golden sculptures and the city skyline, while the plaza hosts community events and memorials.

Tours reveal detailed history and architecture. Exhibits focus on Minnesota history and the building's large central area.

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 found the tour and its interesting details about history and architecture wonderful."

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.

09
Como Regional Park image 1

Spacious park features a beautiful conservatory and Japanese garden for peaceful moments. Kids enjoy penguins and polar bears at the zoo, while volunteers share knowledge about unique plants. Live music and picnic areas create a relaxed, engaging visit.

Contemplative moments appear throughout the zoo, conservatory, and park. The conservatory offers serene sections with diverse ecosystems. Kids find interesting activities and animals like penguins and a polar bear. Volunteers highlight unique plants, and sea lion training adds to the experience.

People are saying

"I loved Como Regional Park's scenic beauty and all the activities."

"The zoo is free, so I highly recommend donating to support it."

"I found so many interesting plants and cool trees here."

Good to know

1

Como Regional Park is free to access, but donations are appreciated.

2

Parking can be very difficult to find, especially during events.

3

The park features a small zoo that is also free to visit.

10
The Wine Thief & Ale Jail image 1

Beautiful old building offers a curated selection of wines and beers with around 50 IPAs and unique cocktails. Atmosphere attracts enthusiasts seeking freshness and variety. Staff provides affordable expert recommendations making it a standout independent liquor store.

Selection includes fun, funky, interesting wines. Choices feel curated to cover a wide range. Options suit many tastes from unique to classic.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection to be fabulous and always something new to try."

"The staff here are super friendly and helpful with wine recommendations."

"I loved building my own 6-pack from their interesting selections."

Good to know

1

The store offers a curated selection of wines and beers for all tastes.

2

Staff provides assistance with wine pairing and recommendations.

3

Prices are reasonable, catering to both affordable and premium options.

11
West St Paul Antiques image 1

Explore three levels of museum-style displays with Winter Carnival artifacts and unique vintage items. Basement holds interesting artwork and eye-catching displays. Wide aisles and clean space make browsing easy and enjoyable.

Basement holds a lot of interesting items. Artwork and unique displays catch the eye throughout the shop.

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."

"The museum upstairs has a lot of preserved history."

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.

12
Trapped Puzzle Rooms image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center offers immersive themed rooms with puzzles that spark collaboration and communication. Family-friendly designs make it great for all ages. The Wizard's Tower adds a cohesive story-line for extra fun and depth.

Games feature interesting puzzles with fun twists and tasks. The Wizard's Tower offers a cohesive story-line that adds depth to the experience.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly; the kids loved contributing to the puzzles."

"The puzzles are smart, fun, and challenging in the best way."

"The puzzles here are really interesting with lots of fun twists."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

The escape rooms are suitable for ages 5 and up, making them family-friendly.

3

Expect to spend about 60 minutes in each escape room experience.

13
Ax-Man Surplus Stores image 1

Surplus store offers an eclectic mix of old and new items, perfect for curious shoppers. Quirky atmosphere with off-key recital music adds charm. Large space invites long browsing to find unique treasures and affordable prices.

Many classic items fill the shelves, creating a collection that sparks curiosity. Browsing here always reveals something interesting and unexpected.

People are saying

"It's a cool store with tons of random, interesting stuff."

"You can find cool costumes and genuine WWI helmets here for kids."

"I always found something interesting and fun here."

Good to know

1

The store has no air-conditioning, so dress accordingly.

2

Expect to find a wide variety of unusual items, from electronics to crafts.

3

Prices range from $4 to $9+ for mismatched casters of various sizes.

14
Celeste of St. Paul Hotel + Bar image 1

Boutique hotel shines with historic convent charm and intimate bar serving themed cocktails. Spacious rooms mix modern amenities with old-world style but thin walls mean noise travels easily. Unique past as a fine arts school adds special character.

Building has a unique history as a fine arts school. This background adds charm beyond typical hotels.

People are saying

"This hotel has a unique, quiet convent vibe."

"The bar and historic architecture here are really cool."

"This place has an interesting history and unique character."

Good to know

1

Parking is available directly behind the hotel.

2

The hotel has a happy hour that goes until 6 pm.

3

Showing MN Wild tickets at the bar gets a free drink per ticket.

15
Hmong Village image 1
Shopping mall

Huge building packed with hundreds of shops creates a vibrant marketplace. Traditional Hmong clothes hang overhead, adding authentic Asian culture. Food court serves diverse, flavorful dishes and fresh produce. Many shops offer garden tools and plants, making it a unique shopping experience.

Many shops offer garden tools, plants, and prepared food that catch the eye. Browsing through the variety of goods feels like a unique experience for small town shoppers.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and flavorful."

"I found so many unique items at this market."

"It's an interesting place with a wide variety of goods."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very limited, especially on weekends.

2

Hmong Village features a variety of Asian foods and cultural items.

3

Not all shops are open during weekdays, but many are.

16
Minnesota State Fair image 1

Fairgrounds turn into a post-apocalyptic wonderland with over 60 rides and games. Lively crowds enjoy diverse live entertainment like music and comedy. Art exhibits and Ag building presentations add a fun, educational twist for all ages.

Art exhibits and crafts offer plenty to explore. Presentations at the Ag building add a fun, educational twist.

People are saying

"The food options here are diverse and plentiful."

"I found the fun activities here to be great for all ages."

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the pork chop on a stick."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $25, and availability can be limited during peak times.

2

The Minnesota State Fair runs from late August to shortly after Labor Day each year.

3

Restrooms are plentiful and well-maintained throughout the fairgrounds.

17
Micho love image 1
Ice cream shop

Bright, spacious shop offers unique Latin American flavors and non-dairy options. Creative ice cream and interesting snacks create a fun atmosphere with a clean, casual vibe and friendly staff.

Creative ice cream flavors stand out here, offering a very different taste experience. The shop also features interesting snacks and a cute cafe vibe.

People are saying

"I loved their unique homemade ice cream flavors and creamy pistachio."

"The staff here is so friendly and kind, making it feel Kid Friendly."

"The ice cream flavors here are really interesting and creative."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a wide variety of unique Latin American flavors.

2

Prices at Micho Love are generally fair, with a total cost around $20 for two.

3

The place is very clean and maintains good hygiene standards.

18
Union Depot image 1
Historical landmark

Historic train station boasts magnificent architecture and a large lending library. Family-friendly events and a coffee shop create an engaging vibe. Loud echoes fill the great hall, making conversations tough but adding to its romantic atmosphere.

Many interesting historical details fill the building, making it a unique spot to wait for buses. The family friendly events and the coffee shop add to the engaging atmosphere.

People are saying

"The architecture here is really interesting and gorgeous."

"I found the European Christmas Market very enjoyable."

"I found a nice small museum with great history inside."

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.

19
Minnesota Transportation Museum image 1

Cozy roundhouse setting offers interactive kids' zone and caboose ride for fun. Quiet, friendly space with model trains and self-guided exhibits focused on transportation. Welcomes families and solo visitors with engaging displays.

Displays offer interesting self-guided activities inside a nice space. The exhibits focus on transportation and hold attention for adults more than kids.

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."

"I found the displays here really interesting."

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.

20
Center For Lost Objects image 1

Shop bursts with quirky thrift items and unique vintage treasures that spark curiosity. Creative vibe thrives with handmade goods and a roaming store cat. Atmosphere stays fun and inviting, making every visit a lively experience.

Creative space filled with weird and interesting pieces that catch the eye. The collection includes lots of unique items that make you stop and laugh.

People are saying

"This vintage shop has surprising treasures like books, jewelry, and furniture."

"I found the space to be creative and interesting."

"I always found surprising vintage furniture and cool things at this store."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices; many items are overpriced and may be damaged.

2

The store features a unique collection of vintage books, jewelry, and furniture.

3

Items are often one-of-a-kind and change frequently.

21
Little Brazil MN Market & Cafe image 1

Cafe blends authentic Brazilian style with a small grocery market full of hard-to-find imports. Warm, vibrant atmosphere with colorful decor and a spacious patio invites groups. TVs show Brazilian football, making it a lively spot for casual gatherings.

Workers from Brazil add an authentic touch. Shelves hold some interesting items. Coffee options stay basic and straightforward.

People are saying

"The food at this grocery store is amazing, especially the chicken sandwich."

"This market feels like Brasil with authentic Brazilian products."

"The roasted pork sandwiches here are delicious and savory."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays, they have a special feijoada available.

2

The cheese bread costs only $1.50 each.

3

Food options are available for under $10.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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