Minneapolis-St Paul is actually two cities that are separate and situated on opposite sides of the Mississippi and is known for having extremely cold winter temperatures. As the state capital in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes", St. Paul has plenty of water - and all sorts of other fun things to do!
Together the twin cities attract more than 40 million tourists each year and when looking for hotel accommodation visitors should remember a couple of key points. Firstly, the winter rates are roughly half that of summer and spring rates. Secondly, it is cheaper to stay in St Paul than Minneapolis.
Top St Paul, MN Attractions
If you want to get up close to the water, head over to the Como Lakeside Pavilion. Located just north of downtown St. Paul, the Pavilion sits right on the Como Lake. During the day, you can rent a paddleboat and enjoy other waterfront activities. Then, once the sun goes down, you can enjoy a play or concert on the lakeside stage.
For some of St. Paul's local flavour, a trip over to Grand Avenue is a must. The street is chock full of local eateries, locally-owned shops, and a ton of historic homes.
The Alexander Ramsay House is one of the best-preserved Victorian houses in the USA and has numerous pieces of original furnishings. Alexander Ramsay was a Minnesota territorial governor in 1849, who went on to serve as the mayor of St Paul, the second governor of the state and also as a US Senator. Staff are dressed in period clothing and lead guided tours through the grounds and house. Guests are offered freshly baked cookies from the 'servants'.
Over 80,000 works of every culture and age are displayed at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Exhibits include a collection of photography dating from 1863 to the present day, Chinese jade and French Impressionists.
The Cathedral of St. Paul is a classic Renaissance styled dome church that has exquisite stained glass windows, paintings, statues and other art.
If you're into history, then the Wabasha Street Caves are the perfect spot for you! These underground caves stretch for more than 12,000 square feet under St. Paul. While you're there, your tour guide will tell you all about the caves' colourful history of gangsters and bootlegging!
Parks and the Great Outdoors
Minnehaha Falls are found at Minnehaha Park. Minnehaha was a character made famous by the Song of Hiawatha by Longfellow. Minnehaha Parkway travels along Minnehaha Creek and provides miles of biking and jogging trails.
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city, head across the Mississippi River, drive for about 8 miles, and check out Cottage Grove. There, you will find a quaint little town that is home to outdoor ice skating rinks, a drive-in movie theatre, and several golf courses.
St Paul, MN Accommodation
Accommodation is not too difficult to find and many rooms offer views of the water, of which there is an abundance in this area. In fact many of the hotels in St Paul are found perched right by the Mississippi River. Room rates, including cheap hotels in St Paul, MN, can change quite drastically each month. It all depends on the first signs of autumn, high profile local festivals, sports events and conventions that are happening in town.