Things To Do
in South St. Paul
South St. Paul sits on the southeast bank of the Mississippi River just downstream from downtown St. Paul and forms part of the larger Twin Cities metro area. Historically a meatpacking and stockyards town, it mixes industrial heritage with riverfront parks and working-class neighborhoods. The city is compact, family-oriented, and offers easy access to regional trails, parks and St. Paul cultural attractions.
Visitors find a low-key, practical community with good proximity to Minneapolis–Saint Paul amenities and the international airport.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the historic Fort Snelling, where you can delve into the rich history of Minnesota. A guided tour will provide insights into the military and cultural significance of the fort. Don’t forget to enjoy the scenic views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
After lunch, visit the nearby Fort Snelling State Park for some outdoor adventure. You can hike the trails or rent a canoe to explore the waters. The beautiful landscapes and wildlife will surely rejuvenate your spirit.
As the sun sets, head back to South St. Paul and dine at a local eatery that serves classic American cuisine. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and maybe chat with the locals about the area’s history. Finish the evening with a leisurely stroll along the riverfront.
Visit the South St. Paul Historical Society to learn about the city's heritage through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The society often offers guided tours, which can enhance your understanding of local stories. Make sure to grab some pamphlets for future reference.
For lunch, try a local café that features Minnesota specialties like wild rice soup and tater tot hotdish. Afterward, explore the local shops that offer unique crafts and gifts. Engaging with the local artisans will give you a true sense of the community spirit.
End your day with a relaxing evening at a nearby park, watching the sunset and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Bring a blanket and a book, or simply enjoy the company of friends and family. It’s a lovely way to reflect on your experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Taxi / rideshare short trip | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to downtown St. Paul and the broader Twin Cities amenities
- Easy access to riverfront parks and regional trails
- Low-key, community-oriented atmosphere with local character
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining within the city itself
- Cold, long winters that restrict some outdoor activities
- Dependence on a car for some destinations and limited light-rail service directly in town
Places to Visit in South St. Paul
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverfront park with walking paths, marsh views and opportunities for sunrise and sunset shots over the Mississippi River.
Industrial relics, grain elevators and older brick buildings offer gritty, textured urban-industrial photography backdrops that nod to the city’s history.
Several spots along the river provide sweeping views of the waterway, bridges and seasonal bird migrations — great for landscape and nature photography.
Wooded trails, river bluffs and wetlands with excellent opportunities for wildlife, macro and autumn-color photography.
Food in South St. Paul
South St. Paul Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater walleye is a Minnesota favorite; find it fried or pan-seared at local pubs and family restaurants in the metro area.
Must-Try!
A Midwestern casserole topped with tater tots — comfort food you can sample at diners or potlucks and sometimes on local restaurant specials.
A cheese-stuffed burger invented in the Twin Cities; not South St. Paul–specific but widely available throughout the metro.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers' markets in the metro supply fresh produce, baked goods, and regional specialties — great in summer for berries, local honey and artisanal breads.
Look for food trucks and weekend pop-ups around parks and community events in warm months for sandwiches, tacos and local comfort foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in the Twin Cities tend to be polite and respectful of personal space—use please and thank you, and avoid loud or intrusive behavior in public.
Form a line and wait your turn in shops and public transit; be punctual for tours or appointments.
Follow park rules, pack out trash, and keep dogs on leashes where required — the community values clean public spaces and conservation.
Safety
Tipping in South St. Paul
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: aim for 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 10–15% for taxis/rideshares. Tip service workers such as hairdressers and delivery drivers appropriately.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors or tips, but most kiosks, cafes and shops accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid, with long daylight hours and many outdoor festivals, farmer’s markets and river activities. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent and lightweight layers for cool mornings or evenings.
Crisp temperatures and excellent fall foliage on river bluffs and parks; bring layers, a windproof jacket and good shoes for muddy or leaf-covered trails.
Cold and snowy with sub-freezing temperatures common; be prepared for snow, ice and wind (bundled layers, insulated boots, hat and gloves). Many outdoor activities shift to ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Changeable weather with thawing trails and muddy conditions; pack waterproof shoes and a light jacket, and expect frequent rain showers as the region greens up.
South St. Paul at Night
Hiking in South St. Paul
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive from South St. Paul, this park offers wooded trails, riverbottoms and scenic overlooks along the Mississippi for easy to moderate hikes.
Historic park with varied trails, river views and interpretive sites; popular for hiking, birding and winter recreation.
Larger regional park with a network of trails and lakes (located in nearby Eagan), great for longer hikes, trail running and mountain biking.
Segments of the Mississippi River Trail and connected riverfront paths provide continuous walking and biking routes with scenic river views and opportunities to link to St. Paul trails.
Airports
How to reach South St. Paul by plane.
The region’s main airport, about 15–25 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights plus car rental and transit connections to the Twin Cities.
Small airport on the Mississippi River serving general aviation and private flights; useful for charters and small aircraft, located only a few minutes from downtown St. Paul.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Historically the backbone of South St. Paul, reflecting the city’s industrial and meatpacking heritage.
Residents who work in the broader Twin Cities, attracted by neighborhood schools and proximity to urban centers.
The Twin Cities region includes growing Hmong, Somali, Latino and other immigrant communities contributing cultural and culinary diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is hugely popular in Minnesota at youth, high school and adult levels; local rinks and community leagues are active throughout the area.
High school and college football have strong followings, and pro football fans support the Minnesota Vikings.
Summer baseball, little league and community leagues are popular, with fans also following the Minnesota Twins regionally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting South St. Paul.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in the Twin Cities; many diners and casual restaurants offer salads, veggie burgers and pasta dishes. Larger nearby St. Paul and Minneapolis eateries have extensive vegetarian and vegan menus.
Dedicated vegan restaurants are more common in the broader metro; in South St. Paul itself, call ahead or check menus online for vegan-friendly options at cafes and markets.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and specialty stores in the metro sell gluten-free breads and sweets.