Nobody Likes Boring Dates

Were you expecting a stiff list of all the places to eat on a special occasion? You were wrong.

You’ve probably heard of most of the restaurants that helped win Saint Paul the 10 Best Romantic Getaway—you know, Meritage, WA Frost and more. We’ll write another post about traditional dinner date spots in Saint Paul, but there’s more to explore than our award-winning food scene. Here's our list of adventure date ideas.

Museum exhibits.

Saint Paul has some fascinating exhibits open in its museums right now, and many will provoke stimulating conversation. The Science Museum of Minnesota's is always a fun stop -- make bets on who has superior hand-eye coordination at the Sportsology exhibit (winner buys dinner). The Minnesota Museum of American Art is also tucked away in Lowertown. Check out any of the Minnesota Historical Society sites and get playful at Minnesota Children's Museum's events for adults, like meet ups in taprooms.

For a more whimsical experience, head to Mall of America's Museum of Illusions to see over 60 exhibits that trick the eye and entertain the mind.

Listen in.

Sure, the Xcel Energy Center will always have the biggest names that come to the city—but that’s not all of the music we have to offer. The Palace Theatre, The Turf Club, and Amsterdam Bar and Hall and should also be on your list.

Go hiking.

Or picnicking. Or biking. Any outdoor activity, really. It might be cooling down, but spending time together outside is healthy, adventurous and can heat it up. Check out this list of parks and zoos to find one near you.

Green Line it.

There are so many restaurants near the Green Line, and it’s impossible for us to name them all. Pick a stop to explore—we recommend the Victoria stop for a melee of multicultural cuisines or the Union Depot stop for a day in Lowertown.

Hit a hole-in-one.

Can Can Wonderland is the out of the box date of your dreams. This artsy, mini-golf filled fun-house also features some extremely creative adult beverages, a wall of pinball machines and a variety of shows on the main stage.

Plan for a festival or event.

There are so many great events in Saint Paul. There's always something going on in the summer, but the winter has some of our favorites with Wells Fargo WinterSkate, European Christmas Market, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and The Winter Dabbler.

Cooking classes.

Cooking is a sexy skill, and it’s better when you and your S.O. learn how to make a new dish together. Turn up the heat in the kitchen after you take a class at Cooks of Crocus Hill.

Date idea: Cooking classes on Grand

Get theatrical.

The Ordway and Park Square Theatre are the best launching points for live theater in Saint Paul. You’ll usually find free shows that explore the local culture at the Landmark Center, and it’s hard to match the emotion you’ll feel at during a poetry slam at Camp Bar.

Brewery hop.

Saint Paul’s local beer scene is crazy right now, making it a perfect option for those who are crazy in love. Try pints of Minnesota favorites, such as Surly or Summit brewing companies, or bury yourself in a smaller spot like Bad Weather or Saint Paul Brewing Paul. Find the beer that speaks best to you both.

Get loud.

It’s really hard to not enjoy a Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Whitecaps, Minnesota United or St. Paul Saints game, but it’s always better when the home team wins—the atmosphere of the game is great and gets you out of the house.

Sledding.

Once the snow starts, it's not going anywhere -- but you can make the best of it. Saint Paul has some pretty sick sledding hills, and it will make you both feel like a kid again.

Get to Saint Paul.

That’s right—get here. Remember, Saint Paul was named the 10Best Romantic Getaway in the nation by USAToday. If you’re not in a rush, the most scenic way to arrive is via Amtrak’s Empire Builder line that stops at charming Union Depot.


Want more date ideas? We’re full of them. We’ll soon have a blog up about the most romantic restaurants in the city, too, for a more traditional date (in the 10Best local food scene, mind you). Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more and share your best photos from date night on Instagram with the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.

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