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Downtown Saint Paul
If you are planning a short weekend trip–
don’t worry! There is plenty to do in Downtown Saint Paul – with almost
everything connected indoors through the skyway system. But in June, the
cobblestone streets decorated with flower baskets draw most visitors outdoors!
If there is something in particular you are interested in that you don’t see
here, just ask Ramseyhillman!
Landmark Center
Start your day at this incredible structure.
Across from beautiful Rice Park, the Landmark Center (the old Federal Courts
Building) houses the court rooms that held the infamous “Gangster Trials”
for the likes of Ma Barker and Al "Creepy" Karpis, with J. Edgar
Hoover in attendance. The Landmark Center is also the home of the Minnesota
Museum of American Art. Tour the building in about 30 minutes. or add the American
Art Museum for 15-30 more minutes.
Free! Self-Guided
Tours M-F 8am-5pm, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5.
Guided Tours Thurs & Sun at 11:00am.
www.landmarkcenter.org,
 Tel:
651.292.3225
Science
Museum of Minnesota & Omnitheater
Enjoy the magnificent view the museum provides, set on the banks of the great
Mississippi River in downtown. 5 Floors of Interactive Exhibits. While you’re
there, catch a show at North America’s only convertible domed Omnitheater. Or you can stop in just to see a 1 hour
movie – “Coral Reef Adventure” will be playing in June. Kids’ activity
area. Plan to spend 2-4 hours.
M-W 9:30am-5pm
(probably 8pm in summer), Th-Sat 9:30am-9pm, Sun 10:30am-5pm (probably
8pm in summer).
$8-13 adults, $6-10 kids,
depending
on whether you’re seeing a show.
www.smm.org,
Tel: 651-221-9444
Walk to Harriet Island
Walk across the Mississippi River (about
15-20min walk) on the Wabasha Street Bridge (renamed Wabasha Freedom Bridge on
Sept. 11, 2002) to Harriet Island – a recently overhauled public park with a
playground and events throughout the summer. Located on the opposite side
(South) of the River from Downtown. It’s not an island any longer, but it’s
neighbor, Raspberry Island, can be reached by footbridge. You can have a nice
lunch on the floating restaurant – The Mildred Pierce Café. Then go next door
for a Riverboat Cruise.
www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/depts/parks/,
Tel: 651-266-6400
Riverboat
Cruise down the Mississippi
Sternwheeler riverboat cruises on the
Mississippi River between downtown Saint Paul and Fort Snelling. Come aboard a
riverboat and ply the mighty Mississippi River experiencing the sandsto0ne
bluffs and the open water. Peer out from the decks and enjoy this beautiful
journey, viewing more Mississippi River shoreline than any city along its path.
All cruises are historically narrated. 1.5 hours.
(Special Cruises are also available, such as
the 4 hour Lunch & Lock Cruise, the Sunday Brunch Cruise from Downtown
Minneapolis, and the Prime Rib Dinner Cruise.)
Daily 12noon & 2pm.
$12 adults, $6 kids, $10 seniors.
Padelford
Packet Boat Company, Inc.
www.padelfordboats.com,
Tel: 651.227.1100
Peanuts on Parade
The 50th Anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip
in 2000 started a new tradition for St. Paul honoring it’s former resident and
Peanuts creator, Charles Shultz, by commissioning 100 statues of his beloved
characters placed all over town. People have traveled from all over the world to
take pictures with each of the characters. The 2004 character is yet to be
unveiled…but the rumor is Linus & his blanket.
www.ilovestpaul.com
Rice Park & Landmark
Plaza
After your fill of the Landmark Center, stop by
the new Landmark Plaza – grand opening in June 2003. This small public park
houses bronze Peanuts statues and “ephemeral” streambed. The larger Rice
Park is a lovely place to pause and is home to a statue of St. Paul resident F.
Scott Fitzgerald. The park usually has a snack cart with hot dog & bratwurst
(the MN favorite!), and live music plays many summer days.
www.riverfrontcorporation.com,
www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/depts/parks/
Alexander Ramsey House
265 South
Exchange Street, St Paul,
Visit this second empire Victorian-restored
home complete with its original furnishings. Costumed interpreters guide
visitors on a tour of this impressive 1872 home of Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota's
first territorial governor and second state governor. Guided tours leave on
the hour and last approximately one hour with the last tour leaving at 3 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 3 pm. $6, adults, $4 kids, $5 seniors.
www.mnhs.org/ramseyhouse,
Tel:
651.296.0100
55102
Minnesota
State Capitol
On the north end of Downtown – a 13 block
walk from the river. Cass Gilbert constructed; the Minnesota State Capitol is a
beautiful masterpiece. Explore the "ins and outs" of Minnesota’s
amazing government building. 45-minute guided tours on the hour. Last tour
begins one hour before close. Self-guided tours anytime.
Free! M-F 9am - 5pm,
Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 1 - 4pm.
www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc/,
Tel: 651-296-2881
City Hall
This beautiful 1930s building features detailed
architecture, carvings, and statues. Across the street from the Radisson
Riverfront hotel. Stop in for a quick look around.
Free.
M-F approx. 9am-5pm.
www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/welcome/cityhall/
St. Paul Farmer’s Market
In the warehouse district of Downtown, now a
thriving artist community, the Farmer’s Market showcases only locally grown or
produced items for sale. Have a breakfast pastry & coffee while you stroll
along the colorful aisles of MN-made breads, soaps, sauces, flowers, produce,
& more!
Free!
Sat 6:30am – 2pm, Sun 8am – 1pm.
www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com
Classic Cars on Kellogg
Every Saturday night from June – September,
cars older than 1967 line up along Kellogg Boulevard (in front of the Radisson
Riverfront wedding hotel) for spectators to stroll amongst. Hot dog stands and
Minnesota’s famous mini-donuts are available for purchase. During the weekend
of Jun 20-22, there will probably be fewer cars along the Boulevard, because the
“Back to the 50’s Car Show” is in town at the State Fairgrounds. (For info
on the “Back to the 50’s Car Show,” see the Greater St. Paul area section
below).
Free!
Saturdays, 6pm – approx. 8:30pm.
Minnesota
History Center
Walking distance on the edge of Downtown. Immerse yourself in Minnesota culture
and history with many lively exhibits, multi-media presentations, costumed
characters from the past and more. Research library, Cafe Minnesota and two gift
shops. Come see the new "Weathered" exhibit - all about our dramatic
seasons.
345 Kellogg Boulevard West, Saint Paul, MN
55102-1906
www.mnhs.org/places/historycenter/exhibits/index.html,
 Tel:
651.296.6126
Minnesota
Centennial Showboat
The 2003 Minnesota Centennial Showboat season
opens Saturday, June 21. "Dracula" will be presented as a classic
melodrama filled with wry humor and eerie allure. The show will be complimented
by a selection of the best of the Showboat's famous olios to amuse and entertain
all audiences. The audience is encouraged to cheer the hero and boo the villain!
Dinner & Theatre:
A Victorian feast will be presented in keeping with the splendor of this special
reception area. During dinner, Showboat actors will give guests a preview of the
evening performance and explain the audience participation protocol.
Tues or Sat 5:30pm. $55.00 per person
Riverboat Lunch Cruise & Theatre:
Board the Padelford Riverboat for a 1.5 hour cruise, return for a little time on
shore in Harriet Island Park, then it’s on to the Showboat for Dracula.
Tues or Thurs 11:45am cruise, 2:30pm performance.
$33.50-39.00 per person
Theatre
only: Tues – Sat. 8:00pm, Tues/Thurs/Sat 2:30pm.
$13-18.00 per person
www.padelfordboats.com,
Tel: 651.227.1100
Xcel
Energy Center
Home of the Minnesota Wild NHL team! Groups
like Fleetwood Mac can be found performing here- tickets
go fast! Connected to the RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, which
also hold concerts, special events, and conventions.
www.xcelcenter.com,
Tel:
651-726-8240
Ordway
Center for the Performing Arts
Saint Paul’s premier performance hall on Rice
Park, where you can see touring Broadway shows and the Saint Paul Chamber
Orchestra.
www.ordway.org,
Tel: 651-224-4222
The Fitzgerald Theater
The Theater affords near-perfect acoustics and
sight lines. Built in 1910, it's Saint Paul's oldest surviving theater
space. Named after Saint Paul native, author F. Scott Fitzgerald, and home
to Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion," broadcast on NPR.
The Fitzgerald is also the new home to the Actors Theater of Minnesota, which
runs plays year round. Check website for their upcoming summer schedule.
www.fitzgeraldtheater.org,
www.actorstheaterofminnesota.org,
Tel: 651-290-1221
Great American History
Theatre
The award-winning professional theater stands
out for creating and producing plays about Minnesota, the Midwest and the
American Experience. Check website for their upcoming summer schedule.
www.historytheatre.com,
Tel: 651-292-4323
Park Square Theatre
Park Square Theatre is located in the heart of
downtown Saint Paul on 7th Place, across from The Saint Paul Palace Theater. (By
the way, it’s next door to the most authentic, cozy jazz club in the Midwest,
The Artists’ Quarter.) “Melville Slept Here” will be playing in June -
this sweet-natured ghost story centers on the haunting of an 18th-century house.
www.parksquaretheatre.org,
Tel: 651-291-7005
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