Overview
St. Paul, Minnesota, a historic river city of 310,000, hides an offbeat allure where quirky museums, secret urban haunts, and peculiar oddities draw adventurous travelers beyond its twin city fame, attracting over 7 million visitors yearly. Founded in 1841 as a fur-trading post, this Midwest hub sits 10 miles east of Minneapolis and 400 miles northwest of Chicago, cradled by the Mississippi River and rolling bluffs. Beyond the Winter Carnival and state capitol, St. Paul offers eccentric gems like a museum of quirky gangster artifacts, a hidden speakeasy in a former brewery, and vibrant street art in the Lowertown Arts District. It’s an offbeat Northern playground where pioneer history, quirky creativity, and riverfront charm collide, perfect for those craving unique adventures over tourist staples.
Top Attractions (Caves, Carnivals & a Conservatory!)
Wabasha Street Caves
Explore historic 1840s caves that were once quirky gangster hideouts and see Prohibition-era relics.
Lowertown Arts District Murals
Wander near Mears Park where colorful murals tell tales of Minnesota's history and local Native heritage.
Minnesota History Center
Home to 100,000 artifacts, from a quirky, working 1920s soda fountain to historic pioneer tools.
The Dubliner Pub Speakeasy
A hidden bar inside a historic 1900s brewery, serving Irish whiskey cocktails with live music vibes.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
A historic 1897 zoo featuring a quirky albino kangaroo and stunning Victorian sunken gardens.
James J. Hill House
A massive 1891 Gilded Age mansion filled with quirky railroad baron artifacts and local ghostly tales.
Unique Stories & Facts (Bootleggers, Barons & Bullet Holes!)
- Gangster Caves: The Wabasha Street Caves once hosted 1930s mobsters like John Dillinger, and quirky bullet holes still remain.
- Mural Surge: A 2015 art boom transformed Lowertown’s old warehouses into vibrant outdoor galleries celebrating Ojibwe pride.
- Speakeasy Secret: The Dubliner's hidden bar was a secret 1920s bootlegger’s den and is now a quirky whiskey nook.
- Hill’s Excess: The James J. Hill House, a 36,000-square-foot mansion, was built with railroad wealth and showcases quirky 1891 opulence.
Best Travel Seasons (When to Visit St. Paul!)
Spring (Mar-May)
Mild weather (40-60°F) and blooming river bluffs make it ideal for exploring murals and taking historic cave tours.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm temperatures (70-80°F) are perfect for city festivals, but it's the busiest season, so book speakeasy visits early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Cool, pleasant weather (50-65°F) and beautiful fall foliage make this the perfect time for zoo visits and art strolls.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold, snowy days (10-30°F) are perfect for enjoying cozy hidden bars, the Winter Carnival, and indoor museums.
Popular Activities (Beyond the Capitol!)
- Cave Touring: Explore the Wabasha Street Caves to see its quirky gangster hideouts and historic Prohibition-era relics.
- Mural Strolling: Wander through Lowertown, where Mears Park’s vibrant, Ojibwe-inspired art comes to life.
- History Browse: Visit the Minnesota History Center to see its quirky 1920s soda fountain and historic pioneer gear.
- Speakeasy Sipping: Slip into The Dubliner for expertly crafted whiskey cocktails in a hidden, historic brewery nook.
- Zoo Visiting: See the quirky albino kangaroo at Como Park Zoo and enjoy strolls through the beautiful sunken gardens.
- Mansion Wandering: Tour the James J. Hill House to admire its Gilded Age artifacts and learn about its quirky ghostly tales.
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
For slots and table games, you can visit **Mystic Lake Casino** in Prior Lake, just 25 miles away. This large Native gaming hub features 4,000 slot machines and 100 table games. A bit farther out (40 miles) is the **Treasure Island Resort & Casino** in Red Wing.
Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)
For a classic all-you-can-eat Midwest feast, **Golden Corral** is 5 miles away in Maplewood. While not a buffet, the **Hmong Village** (3 miles away) is a local institution famous for its hearty Hmong platters with delicious papaya salad and a quirky flair.
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - St. Paul's Quirkiest Side!)
Wabasha Caves’ Bullet Holes
A quirky Prohibition relic, these authentic 1930s bullet holes in the cave walls are marks left by gangsters.
Lowertown’s Giant Loon Mural
An oversized piece of Minnesota art on 4th Street, this iconic loon mural is a vibrant tribute to the state bird.
History Center’s Soda Fountain
A quirky and fully functional 1920s working relic, this soda fountain serves up old-fashioned root beer floats.
Como’s Sunken Garden Clock
This quirky Victorian floral timepiece is a beautiful piece of greenhouse art that changes with the seasons.
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Ghosts of the Twin Cities!)
- Wabasha Street Caves:** The spirits of ghostly gangsters are said to haunt the dark, historic tunnels of these 1840s caves.
- James J. Hill House:** Phantom servants are rumored to roam the grand staircase of this massive 1891 mansion.
- Forepaugh’s Restaurant (Downtown):** The ghost of a former maid is said to linger in the dining room of this historic 1870s eatery.
Local Events & Festivals (St. Paul's Offbeat Calendar!)
- Winter Carnival (January):** A massive celebration in Rice Park featuring intricate snow sculptures and a quirky ice palace tradition.
- Lowertown Art Crawl (October):** Watch urban creativity shine near Mears Park with live mural painting and open artist studios.
- Hmong New Year (November):** A vibrant cultural festival with traditional dances and quirky Hmong crafts.
- Irish Fair of Minnesota (August):** A lively festival on Harriet Island with Celtic music and quirky bagpipe parades.
Lodging Options (From Posh Stays to Lakeside Sites)
Luxury: The Saint Paul Hotel
(Downtown) A landmark hotel offering stunning 1910 elegance and luxurious, historic rooms. (From $200/night).
Mid-Range: InterContinental Riverfront
(Riverfront) A hotel with a modern vibe and beautiful views, located right on the Mississippi River. (From $150/night).
Budget: Best Western Plus Capitol Ridge
(Near Downtown) A reliable and simple stay providing great value for budget travelers. (From $80/night).
Camping: Lebanon Hills Park
(Eagan, 15 mi) Beautiful lakeside campsites in a massive 2,000-acre park just outside the city. (From $20/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Pancakes, Oysters & Pho!)
Mickey’s Dining Car
(Downtown) A 24/7 diner with legendary quirk since 1939, famous for its delicious pancakes and malts.
Meritage
(St. Paul) An acclaimed restaurant known for its incredible fresh oysters and classic French flair with Mississippi views.
Hmongtown Marketplace
(Como) A bustling market with quirky Hmong street food stalls serving up authentic and delicious pho.
W.A. Frost & Company
(Cathedral Hill) A fine-dining spot famous for its delicious walleye and quirky, romantic Victorian patio.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack: For a fall visit (September), pack layers for 50-65°F weather, plus comfy shoes and rain gear. Book speakeasy visits early as Lowertown gets crowded.
- Safety First: Tourist zones like Downtown and Lowertown are generally safe. Be cautious of pickpockets at crowded festivals and events.
- Accessibility: Downtown is walkable, but many attractions are spread out. Check Metro Transit bus and light rail routes, which are efficient for getting around.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles (Explore the Twin Cities!)
- Lowertown (1 mile):** An artsy enclave known for its vibrant murals, historic warehouses, and unique dining.
- Como Park (3 miles):** A huge urban park famous for its beautiful zoo, conservatory, and Japanese garden.
- Roseville (5 miles):** A charming suburb known for its extensive shopping, beautiful parks, and family-friendly activities.
- Eagan (15 miles):** A large suburb with extensive parks, including Lebanon Hills, and the Twin Cities Premium Outlets.
Recommended Duration of Stay
3-4 Days: The Ideal Offbeat Itinerary. This provides enough time to explore St. Paul's unique museums, hunt for murals, and discover its quirky urban haunts without feeling rushed.
Target Travelers
- Art Enthusiasts: From the vibrant Lowertown murals to the impressive collection of historical and contemporary art.
- History Buffs: Explore gangster caves, learn about pioneer history, and visit the opulent homes of railroad barons.
- Families: Enjoy the fascinating zoo animals, quirky historic caves, and fun local festivals.
- Adventure Seekers: Hunt for hidden speakeasies, take ghost tours of haunted mansions, and explore the local craft beer scene.
Destination Joke
Because even its caves hide gangster secrets!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"St. Paul, MN: Offbeat River City Quirk" - Your 7-minute audio journey to the city's hidden gems!
Your St. Paul Offbeat Urban Guide!
Ready to explore the North Star State's quirky capital? This guide is your ticket to St. Paul's best offbeat museums, vibrant street art, secret speakeasies, and must-try Midwest eats.
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your St. Paul Vibe?
Answer to find your perfect offbeat adventure!
History Buffs will love the quirky caves, Art Enthusiasts can explore the street art, and Adventure Seekers will hunt for speakeasies!
City lovers can wander the urban murals, while scenic fans will love the riverfront haunts!
Those interested in the past will love the gangster relics, while the playful-at-heart can meet the zoo animals!