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

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature and Adventure
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Mississippi River Regional Trail

Offers scenic river views, bridges, and wildlife—great for sunrise and sunset shots, reflections and long-exposure river photography.

Stone Arch Bridge and Mill District (nearby Minneapolis)

Iconic cityscape views spanning the river with downtown skyscrapers and historic mill buildings; excellent for panoramic photos and day-to-night transitions.

Minnehaha Falls (short drive)

A dramatic waterfall in a park setting, photogenic year-round—frozen cascades in winter and lush greenery in summer.

Local Parks and Riverbanks

Small neighborhood parks and riverbank overlooks in St. Anthony provide tranquil nature shots, birdlife and seasonal foliage.

Culinary Guide

Food in St. Anthony

St. Anthony sits close to the culinary diversity of the Twin Cities, so while local eateries lean toward classic American and Midwestern comfort food, you have easy access to a wide range of international cuisines and craft breweries in nearby Minneapolis and St. Paul.

St. Anthony Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hotdish / Casseroles

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!

Walleye

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.

Lefse and Scandinavian Pastries

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

Nearby Farmers 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.

Minneapolis Street Food & Food Halls

A short drive away, Minneapolis hosts food halls and food truck gatherings where you can sample diverse global cuisines and local street-food favorites.

Climate Guide

Weather

St. Anthony experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm, humid summers; colorful, cool falls; cold, snowy winters; and variable, often wet springs. Temperatures can range from well below freezing in winter (often below 0°F/-18°C on cold spells) to the 80s–90s°F (mid 20s–30s°C) in summer. Snow is common from late November through March, while summers are the peak season for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite and Reserved Interaction

People tend to be polite and somewhat reserved — a friendly hello and small talk are appreciated, but personal space is respected.

Respect for Public Spaces

Keep parks and trails clean, follow posted rules, leash dogs where required and dispose of trash properly.

Punctuality

Arrive on time for tours, reservations and appointments; punctuality is considered respectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

St. Anthony is generally a safe suburban community, but like any urban-adjacent area exercise common-sense precautions: be aware of your surroundings after dark, secure valuables in your vehicle, lock doors and keep an eye on weather advisories in winter. In winter, plan for icy sidewalks and roads; carry a phone and emergency kit if driving in snowy conditions. Check local police or community alerts for any neighborhood notices during your stay.

Tipping in St. Anthony

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

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.

Fall

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.

Winter

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.

Spring

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.

Nightlife Guide

St. Anthony at Night

St. Anthony itself is quieter after dark, with most nightlife concentrated in nearby Minneapolis and Northeast Minneapolis where you’ll find craft breweries, live-music venues, bars, late-night eateries and occasional cultural events. For a low-key evening in St. Anthony look for neighborhood pubs, community events or small concerts; if you want a lively night out, plan a short trip into the Twin Cities.

Hiking in St. Anthony

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mississippi River Regional Trail

Linear trails along the river offering easy to moderate walks, bike routes and scenic overlooks—good for birding and sunset views.

Theodore Wirth Park Trails

Large park with multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing—offers varied terrain and city skyline views.

Minnehaha Falls Park Trails

Short, accessible trails around a scenic waterfall and river gorge—very popular for photography and casual walks.

Elm Creek Park Reserve (short drive)

Extensive trail network, wooded areas and prairies—good for longer hikes, mountain biking and seasonal activities.

Airports

How to reach St. Anthony by plane.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

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.

St. Paul Downtown Airport / Holman Field (STP)

Smaller airport in St. Paul for general aviation and some charters; useful for private flights and closer for some downtown destinations.

Anoka County–Blaine Airport (ANE)

General aviation airport north of the metro area, useful for private and recreational pilots; commercial flight options are limited.

Getting Around

Walkability

St. Anthony is moderately walkable in neighborhood centers and along riverfront trails, but many amenities and dining options are easier to reach by bike or car. If you plan to explore beyond the immediate area, a car or bike is recommended; parts of the city and surrounding suburbs are more car-dependent.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families attracted to suburban schools, parks and quieter neighborhoods.

Young Professionals

Proximity to Minneapolis makes St. Anthony appealing to young professionals who commute or prefer a neighborhood feel close to urban jobs and amenities.

Long-term Residents and Seniors

Established neighborhoods include long-term homeowners and older residents who value community services and local events.

Growing Diverse Communities

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.

Ice Hockey

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.

American Football

High school and college football are widely followed, and the professional NFL team (Minnesota Vikings) draws regional interest.

Baseball and Softball

Local leagues and summer recreational play are common; the Minnesota Twins are the professional MLB team based nearby.

Soccer and Lacrosse

Growing participation in club and recreational soccer and lacrosse for youth and adults.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be busy during weekday rush hours on major corridors and interstates leading into Minneapolis (I-35W, I-94, Highway 280). Public transportation is provided by Metro Transit (buses and light rail in parts of the metro), and biking infrastructure is improving with dedicated lanes and trails. For short local trips, driving or ride-shares are often most convenient; allow extra time during peak hours or event days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting St. Anthony.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers). Larger Twin Cities venues have extensive vegetarian and vegan choices.

Vegan

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

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services and clinics are available nearby, with full-service hospitals and specialist care located in Minneapolis and St. Paul (short drive away). For emergencies, use 911; for non-emergency care, urgent care clinics are common in the metro area and larger hospitals offer comprehensive services.

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