Question 1

What is there to do in Saint Paul?

Accepted Answer

Climb to the Cathedral of Saint Paul's hilltop dome, walk Summit Avenue — the longest intact stretch of Victorian mansions in America, including F. Scott Fitzgerald's haunts — tour the golden-horsed State Capitol (free), take kids to the excellent Science Museum of Minnesota and Como Park's free zoo and conservatory, and eat and browse around Grand Avenue and the food halls downtown.

Question 2

Is Saint Paul worth visiting separately from Minneapolis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as at least a full day: it's the historic, slower-paced twin — grand architecture, Fitzgerald history, the Capitol and Cathedral, and a strong Hmong food scene (try Hmong Village or the egg-roll stalls; Saint Paul has the largest urban Hmong population in America). The Green Line light rail links the two downtowns in about 45 minutes.

Question 3

Is Saint Paul safe?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes — it's calmer than Minneapolis, and visitor areas like Summit Hill, Grand Avenue, Como Park, downtown and the Capitol campus are comfortable with normal awareness. A few East Side and North End pockets see more crime but aren't on tourist routes. Keep valuables out of parked cars. Emergency: 911.

Question 4

How do I get to Saint Paul from MSP airport?

Accepted Answer

The Route 54 limited-stop bus is the direct transit option, running from the airport to downtown Saint Paul in about 25 minutes for $2 off-peak / $2.50 rush hour (the Blue Line light rail heads to Minneapolis, not Saint Paul). A cab or rideshare covers the 10 miles in about 15–20 minutes.

Question 5

What is the Minnesota State Fair and when is it?

Accepted Answer

One of the largest state fairs in the country — nearly 2 million people over 12 days ending Labor Day — held at the permanent fairgrounds on Saint Paul's edge. It's a Minnesota institution: Sweet Martha's cookie buckets, all-you-can-drink milk, butter sculptures of dairy princesses, livestock barns and everything fried on a stick. Go on a weekday morning to breathe.

Question 6

What is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival?

Accepted Answer

America's oldest winter festival, running since 1886 — born, legend says, to rebut a reporter who called Saint Paul "another Siberia." Late January–early February brings ice-carving contests, parades, a medallion treasure hunt and, in blowout years, a full ice palace. Dress for real cold; that's the point.

Question 7

When is the best time to visit Saint Paul?

Accepted Answer

Late August–Labor Day if you want the State Fair — it's the city at full roar — or June–September generally for warm patio-and-parks weather. Late January–early February is Winter Carnival for cold-weather romantics. May and October are quiet, pleasant shoulder months.

Question 8

What food is Saint Paul known for?

Accepted Answer

The Twin Cities' best Hmong food (egg rolls, papaya salad and sausage at Hmong Village), old-school suppers and the Nook's Juicy-style burgers, Grand Avenue's restaurant row, and — every late summer — the State Fair's legendary food-on-a-stick universe. Fitzgerald-era charm survives at spots like the Commodore bar.

Question 9

When was Saint Paul established?

Accepted Answer

Saint Paul was founded around 1854.

Question 10

What languages do people speak here?

Accepted Answer

English; Spanish is spoken by 40+ million people — dominant in parts of Miami, LA, Texas and the Southwest.

Question 11

What is Saint Paul known for?

Accepted Answer

Saint Paul is known as: Minnesota's capital and the quieter Twin City — a grand cathedral, Victorian Summit Avenue, the State Capitol, the Winter Carnival and the State Fairgrounds.

Question 12

What is the nearest major airport?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP) — about 13 km away.

Question 13

What timezone is it in?

Accepted Answer

Saint Paul is in the UTC-5 to UTC-10 timezone.

Saint Paul

Airports near Saint Paul

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field

Saint Paul at a Glance

Nearby places to explore

Famous Places Near Saint Paul

Info about Saint Paul