Activities

Downtown Activities of St. Paul

If you are planning to visit the lovely downtown St. Paul area, more than likely you are interested in finding some great downtown activities to be involved in. The St. Paul history is long and deep, and there are many exciting historical attractions to visit while you are in the area. So, if you’re looking for some great places to visit and for some wonderful activities to check out while you’re in Saint Paul, Minnesota, here are a few great activities and places that you’ll want to check out during your stay.

James J Hill Mansion

While you are in downtown St. Paul, you’ll definitely want to take the time to check out the James J. Hill Mansion. This is the home of James J. Hill, who is the well known railroad baron of years ago. Today the home is owned by the Minnesota Historical Society. You can take a tour of the mansion, getting a glimpse of the amazing wealth that Hill had and all it could by in the early 1800s. There are 42 rooms in the home, more than 20 fireplaces, and 13 bathrooms. You’ll also find beautiful stained glass windows, lovely woodwork, and even a huge and old pipe organ. There is also an art gallery, and the tours of the mansion start on the half our. The price is only $8 for adults, $4 for kids, and $6 for senior citizens.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

If you’re in Saint Paul Minnesota, another great place to stop and visit is the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. In fact, it’s a great place to go with the entire family. Not only will you get to see all the great animals that are currently in the zoo today, but you’ll get to see the older cages from years ago where the animals used to be held. If you go during the summer, you will not want to miss the “Sparky the Seal” show, which the whole family will love. Going to the zoo is totally free and there is also an amusement park beside the zoo that you can visit as well, where you can find rides for the kids, cotton candy, and other great treats that everyone will enjoy.

Minnesota History Center Museum

Another excellent place to visit if you’re interested in St. Paul history is the Minnesota History Center Museum. There are better than 500,000 documents housed in the museum, not to mention over 100,000 different objects. Whether you are a tourist or you’ve lived in the area for years, this is a wonderful place to visit. One exhibit you’ll encounter is called “Minnesota A to Z.” It shows how Minnesota life has been and how it has developed in the past 150 years. There is a huge boxcar that is life size that you can go in, and there are many other great exhibits and videos to check out. Admission is free, so you won’t have to pay a thing to have a great time.

Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is a great stop in downtown St. Paul. The museum is built so it is right in the bluffs above the Mississippi River. The museum is 370,000 square fee and it has a nice theater that seats 415 people as well as a special hall devoted to human biology. Exhibits rotate and you’ll find interesting things like human heart exhibits and even holograms. The Omnitheater on site has a variety of films available and the main entrance is guarded by a steel iguana that is 40 feet long.

Alexander Ramsey House

Another excellent stop if you’re interested in St. Paul history is the Alexander Ramsey House. You can get tours of the house by guides who are dressed up in costumes from the period. This mansion was actually build by the first territorial governor of Minnesota, Alexander Ramsey back in 1872. You’ll be able to see the home and many great pieces that are originals as well.

Minnesota State Capitol

While you are in Saint Paul, Minnesota, you will definitely want to make a stop at the Minnesota State Capitol. This capitol building is considered to be the most beautiful one in the entire nation. It was designed by Cass Gilbert, who is an architect in the area. It was first opened up in 1905 and the cost of the building was $4 million and it took 6 years for the building to be completed as well. It is actually somewhat modeled after St. Peter’s, which is located in Rome and it has a huge dome and the interior is extravagant. It is located up on a hill where you have a great view of St. Paul and there are free tours available each hour. Tours are offered each hour and the cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $4 for senior citizens.

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