Things To Do
in St. Anthony
St. Anthony, Minnesota is a small suburban city just north of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River, offering a quiet residential feel with quick access to the Twin Cities. The community blends older neighborhoods, parks and riverfront trails with convenient shopping and small local businesses. Visitors appreciate easy access to urban attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul while enjoying lower-key neighborhoods, green space and family-friendly amenities.
The city is practical for short stays focused on outdoor recreation, exploring nearby cultural institutions, or using it as a quieter base for Twin Cities sightseeing.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in St. Anthony and settle into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe, sampling some of the region's delicious pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through the quaint streets, soaking in the small-town charm.
Visit the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, where you can rent an ATV or simply hike through the stunning landscape. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the dunes, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the rolling sands. The thrill of the outdoor activities can be invigorating and refreshing.
Dine at a family-run restaurant known for its hearty comfort food, where you can savor local flavors. Take a post-dinner walk along the scenic riverfront, catching sight of the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. End the evening with a cozy bonfire, sharing stories under the stars.
Start your day with a sunrise hike at the nearby Targhee National Forest, breathing in the fresh mountain air. The early morning hours provide serene views and the chance to spot wildlife. After the hike, return to town for a hearty breakfast at a popular diner.
Spend your afternoon exploring the Idaho Falls River Walk, a scenic pathway that winds through parks and offers views of the falls. Bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. You can also stop for lunch at one of the food trucks that often line the riverfront.
Experience the community's culture by attending a local event or festival, where you can enjoy live music and crafts. Afterward, enjoy dinner at an outdoor patio, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the evening. Conclude your night with a nightcap at a local brewery, tasting some of Idaho's best craft beers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (at bar) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $120-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, residential atmosphere with easy access to Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Good riverfront trails and nearby parks for outdoor recreation
- Lower-key, family-friendly environment compared with downtown
- Limited nightlife and dining options within St. Anthony itself
- Winters can be very cold and snowy, affecting travel and outdoor plans
Places to Visit in St. Anthony
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic river views, bridges, and wildlife—great for sunrise and sunset shots, reflections and long-exposure river photography.
Iconic cityscape views spanning the river with downtown skyscrapers and historic mill buildings; excellent for panoramic photos and day-to-night transitions.
A dramatic waterfall in a park setting, photogenic year-round—frozen cascades in winter and lush greenery in summer.
Small neighborhood parks and riverbank overlooks in St. Anthony provide tranquil nature shots, birdlife and seasonal foliage.
Food in St. Anthony
St. Anthony Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Midwestern comfort classic — hearty casseroles with meat, vegetables and often a potato or noodle base; commonly found at diners, local community potlucks and some neighborhood restaurants.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish popular in Minnesota — available at regional restaurants and seasonal fish fries; try it pan-seared or beer-battered at local pubs in the metro area.
Reflecting the area's Scandinavian heritage, you can find lefse, cardamom buns and other Nordic baked goods at local bakeries and farmers markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets in St. Anthony and adjacent Minneapolis neighborhoods offer local produce, baked goods and prepared foods—great for picnic supplies and regional specialties.
A short drive away, Minneapolis hosts food halls and food truck gatherings where you can sample diverse global cuisines and local street-food favorites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People tend to be polite and somewhat reserved — a friendly hello and small talk are appreciated, but personal space is respected.
Keep parks and trails clean, follow posted rules, leash dogs where required and dispose of trash properly.
Arrive on time for tours, reservations and appointments; punctuality is considered respectful.
Safety
Tipping in St. Anthony
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tipping is customary: about 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $3–5 for taxi or ride-share help, and $2–5 for hotel housekeeping per night. Tip for good service and round up for casual purchases when helpful.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for very small purchases or cash-only vendors at markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours and many outdoor events. Ideal for hiking, biking, river activities and farmers markets. Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent for evenings near water, and comfortable layers for breezy river conditions.
Crisp temperatures and colorful foliage along river corridors and parks—great for hiking and photography. Dress in layers; early frosts are possible later in the season.
Cold, snowy and often below freezing; good for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating in maintained areas. Prepare with insulated clothing, traction on shoes and awareness of winter driving conditions.
Variable weather with melting snow and budding trees; muddy conditions on trails early in the season and a mix of warm and chilly days. Layered clothing and waterproof footwear are recommended.
St. Anthony at Night
Hiking in St. Anthony
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Linear trails along the river offering easy to moderate walks, bike routes and scenic overlooks—good for birding and sunset views.
Large park with multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing—offers varied terrain and city skyline views.
Short, accessible trails around a scenic waterfall and river gorge—very popular for photography and casual walks.
Extensive trail network, wooded areas and prairies—good for longer hikes, mountain biking and seasonal activities.
Airports
How to reach St. Anthony by plane.
The primary commercial airport serving the Twin Cities, about 15–25 minutes by car from St. Anthony depending on traffic. Offers domestic and international flights, rental cars, shuttles and public transit connections.
Smaller airport in St. Paul for general aviation and some charters; useful for private flights and closer for some downtown destinations.
General aviation airport north of the metro area, useful for private and recreational pilots; commercial flight options are limited.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families attracted to suburban schools, parks and quieter neighborhoods.
Proximity to Minneapolis makes St. Anthony appealing to young professionals who commute or prefer a neighborhood feel close to urban jobs and amenities.
Established neighborhoods include long-term homeowners and older residents who value community services and local events.
The broader Twin Cities region includes growing immigrant and multicultural populations, contributing to diverse food and cultural offerings nearby.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is extremely popular at youth, high school and recreational levels; the Twin Cities is a strong hockey region with rinks and leagues throughout the area.
High school and college football are widely followed, and the professional NFL team (Minnesota Vikings) draws regional interest.
Local leagues and summer recreational play are common; the Minnesota Twins are the professional MLB team based nearby.
Growing participation in club and recreational soccer and lacrosse for youth and adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. Anthony.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers). Larger Twin Cities venues have extensive vegetarian and vegan choices.
Vegan options are increasingly available in the metro area, including plant-based entrées at many casual and upscale spots; check menus online or call ahead for assurance.
Gluten-free dishes and accommodations are common in cafés and larger restaurants; for strict gluten-free needs, mention cross-contamination concerns and verify with staff.