Free Attractions in Saint Paul

Exploring Saint Paul doesn’t have to cost you much. From zoos to festivals and landmarks, here’s a roundup of our free activities.

close-up of two giraffes at Como Zoo in Saint Paul

Como Zoo

Minnesota's best attraction is family-friendly, free and open 365 days a year. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an easy day of entertainment and education that doesn’t cost you anything. In addition to all of the animals, make sure to snap photos of the 105-year-old Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, the Sunken Garden and the Japanese Garden.


Landmark Center

If you love history, then you’ll geek out over the Landmark Center. This castle-esque building in downtown Saint Paul began its legacy as a federal post office and courthouse. It's a place where famous gangsters were tried, two US Supreme Court Justices practiced, and the act that enforced Prohibition was written. Today, it’s a free arts and cultural center that’s ready to welcome you to Saint Paul.

Harriet Island

The Twin Cities parks systems rank top in the nation, so Harriet Island is just one of many free parks to check out (we also recommend Indian Mounds Park, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Crosby Farm Park). Have a picnic, hike the Mississippi River, photograph Raspberry Island or see if there’s an event going on. Great views of the downtown skyline are an added bonus.


Union Depot

Renovated in 2012, Union Depot is a 1920s train station that today serves as a transportation hub, event center, architectural inspiration, bike shop, and much more. Don’t miss the building's public art installations, including “Forever Saint Paul”, the Guinness World Record Largest Lite-Brite in the world. Free public tours are held every other Tuesday at 11 a.m., and on other days, the audio tour is great for a self-guided option.

Minnesota Museum of American Art

The iconic Minnesota Museum of American Art has found its home in the historic Pioneer Endicott building. While the indoor galleries are currently closed for a total rehaul, you can still take in The M’s exhibitions from their window galleries and skyways.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

The highest point of the city is the Cathedral of Saint Paul—the third largest Catholic church in the United States and the fourth tallest. Stop by to check out the beautiful century-old building to see where John F. Kennedy sat when he attended Mass here and observe the shrine representing countries across the world. Weekday guided tours are at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.

Saint Paul Farmers' Market

Sure—the essence of a "market" is to spend money, but you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of the lively Saint Paul Farmers' Market without reaching into your wallet. The outdoor market near CHS Field in Lowertown is open 9am-1pm Saturdays from Nov-April and both Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the season.

Summit Avenue

Summit Avenue

Get your exercise and sightseeing in the same go. Summit Avenue is the longest stretch of Victorian houses in the United States, and the houses are stunning in every season. Whether you choose to walk, bike or drive down this historic street, make sure you stop at the James J. Hill House, the F. Scott Fitzgerald house and the Mississippi River Overlook.

Festivals

See what’s happening on our events calendar, because there’s always some kind of festival going on in Saint Paul. The season doesn't matter—winter, spring, summer or fall—you'll find free events throughout the year. Some of our favorites include Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Saint Paul Art Crawl, Grand Old Day, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Little Africa Festival, Lowertown Sounds, and the Japanese Obon Festival.

Graphic promoting the Local Lover VIP Pass from Visit Saint Paul.

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