Your Winter To-do List
Must-Do Activities for a Wonderful Winter
From brisk outdoor activities to warmer indoor entertainment, Saint Paul is a joyful winter wonderland destination. We are a city with four seasons, and we wouldn't have it any other way, making winter one of the best times of year to go out and experience all that Saint Paul has to offer. Whether looking to embrace the great outdoors or stay sheltered from the cold, our capital city is home to a wide variety of activities to be enjoyed during the snowy season—so, lace up your boots for some frosty winter fun!
Out and About
Outdoor Adventures
Take the whole family sledding at Baker Park or Highland Park Community Center for a rush of adrenaline—or for a more laid-back ride, head to Griggs Park or Orchard Park. Como Park Ski Center is a local favorite for winter sports enthusiasts and is home to one of the best ski and snowboard hills in the area for beginners and pros alike.
If biking and hiking are more your speed, Saint Paul’s vast park system provides a variety of trails to explore. With nearly five miles of plowed trails open for biking and hiking and another five miles of unplowed terrain for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, Battle Creek Regional Park offers something for everyone. The capital city is also home to recreational ice skating at both indoor and outdoor rinks, and many local parks have rinks open for public use—14, to be exact.
Cheers with Beers
When the snow flies, Saint Paul’s breweries heat up! Waldmann Brewery boasts an award-winning outdoor biergarten, open year-round (and dogs are welcome, too!). Lake Monster Brewing Co. also has a heated winter patio and plenty of classic and specialty brews to keep warm. Situated on the grounds of the historic Hamm’s Brewery on the East Side of the city, Saint Paul Brewing is a popular gathering spot with eclectic indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for all kinds of groups.
Pay homage to Saint Paul’s history by attending the annual beloved Winter Carnival, a 130-year tradition. With a packed event calendar and a list of new happenings for 2023, The January festivities are sure to be a hit. Attend the royalty coronation, view the gorgeous ice and snow sculptures created by local artists, and bundle up for King Boreas’ Grande Day Parade.
Indoor Adventures
Shop Local
If shopping is more your speed, take a trip down Grand Avenue, a street filled with local shops and boutiques perfect for any taste or style. Stop by Atelier957, a well-known clothing store that provides items from small artisan designers around the world. If in need of home accessories, Cooks of Crocus Hill is a great option for kitchenware, gadgets, and ingredients. Historic downtown is also home to a variety of shops—a perfect walking tour of specialty stores, markets, and gift shops. Wander into Subtext Books, downtown’s only independent bookstore, for your fill of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, history, and more. For an excellent selection of antiques, try Anthony Scornavacco Antiques, a treasure trove of furniture, jewelry, and sculptures.
Warm Up
For a peek at warmer days ahead, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory offers family-friendly events all winter. Gaze at endless rows of poinsettias—sparkling with warmth and light—at the Holiday Flower Show through Jan. 8 or check out the Winter Flower Show from Jan. 14 to March 19—featuring a variety of pinks and purples designed to put a little springtime back in our lives.
Or, embrace our state’s love of hockey at a Minnesota Wild game at Xcel Energy Center. Or spend an afternoon watching live curling at the Saint Paul Curling Club on Selby Avenue, the largest curling club in the country.
Whether it’s racing down a sledding hill, watching the puck drop at a Minnesota Wild game, or perusing shops along Grand Avenue, you’ll never run out of activities to do in Saint Paul. The hardest part will be deciding what to do first! Share your adventures with us at #MYSAINTPAUL