Top free things to do in St. Paul (2025)
Enjoy Minnesota’s Capitol city year-round — for free!
Live
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Historic Landmarks
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1. Mississippi River Visitor Center
Located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the center offers a wide variety of programming, including interactive exhibits and displays that explain Mississippi River culture, biology and history. Information about the many recreational opportunities along the river is also available.
Location: 120 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN 55102
More info: www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/mrvcabou
2. Como Zoo & Conservatory
Open daily year-round to view animals, art, gardens and other attractions.
Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul
More info: comozooconservatory.org
3. Landmark Center
St. Paul’s premier arts and cultural destination has free events throughout the week, including concerts, art displays, cultural performances and demonstrations, and building tours.
Location: 75 5th St. W., St. Paul
More info: landmarkcenter.org
4. Union Depot
Here you’ll find free musical performances, yoga,
game nights, building tours and more.
Location: 214 4th St. E., St. Paul
More info: uniondepot.org/event-calendar
5. George Latimer Central Library
The library offers craft and book clubs, game nights,
puppet shows, building tours and more.
Location: 90 W. 4th St., St. Paul
More info: sppl.org/locations/c
6. Minnesota Museum of American Art
The M is one of the oldest visual arts organizations
in Minnesota. It holds more than 5,000 artworks that showcase the unique voice of American artists with a focus on living Minnesotan artists.
Location: 350 Robert St. N., St. Paul
More info: mmaa.org
7. Minnesota State Capitol
The Capitol offers guided and self-guided tours, an art gallery, and the opportunity to view state legislators in action.
Location: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
More info: www.mnhs.org/capitol
8. Cathedral of Saint Paul
Take a self-guided tour to view the cathedral’s stunning architecture and reverent artwork and furnishings. Guided tours (donation requested) are offered weekdays at 1 p.m.
Location: 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul
More info: www.cathedralsaintpaul.org
9. Minnesota History Center
Learn fascinating stories of what makes our state special. The museum features regular exhibits and traveling exhibits. Admission and parking are free on Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.
Location: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
More info: mnhs.org
10. Minnesota Children’s Museum
The museum has exhibits and activities for the young, and young at heart. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required, and tickets are limited.
Location: 10 7th St. W., St. Paul
More info: mcm.org
Honorable mentions
Winter Carnival
Late January-early February
Dating to 1886, the carnival is the oldest winter festival in the United States and annually provides a pleasant diversion in the heart of winter. Enjoy parades, ice carving competition, snow park fun day, live music and much more.
More info: wintercarnival.com
Biannual Art Crawl
April-May & October-September
Since 1977, the St. Paul Art Collective has organized two art crawls in the city each year. Stroll through galleries and open artist studios to view a wide array of artwork, including paintings, photography, ceramics and much more.
More info: stpaulartcollective.org
West Side Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Weekend of May 5
Once attracting more than 100,000 people over a full weekend and called one of the top 10 largest Cinco de Mayo fiestas in the nation, the fiesta is gaining steam again after being canceled for two years due to the covid pandemic. Commonly features parades, car show, jalapeño eating contest and more.
More info: stpaulwestsidefiestas.com/cinco_de_mayo
St. Paul Farmers Market
April-October
Open for the summer 7 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturdays, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sundays, in downtown St. Paul. Dozens of local farmers and artisans selling fresh vegetables, meats, bread and more. Winter Market is held in off months, boasting a variety of products.
More info: stpaulfarmersmarket.com
Annual Summer Event Guide (2024)
– 2025 version published in June!
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