Free Things To Do in Saint Paul

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is family-friendly, free and open 365 days a year. In addition to all of the animals, don’t miss the 106-year-old Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, the Sunken Garden and the Japanese Garden.

Twin Cities’ parks systems rank as the top in the nation. Harriet Island is one of the many free parks. We also recommend Indian Mounds Park, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Crosby Farm Park. Have a picnic, hike the Mississippi River or see if there’s an event going on.

If you love history, don’t miss Landmark Center. This “castle” downtown is where famous gangsters were tried and the act that enforced Prohibition was written. Today, it’s a free arts and cultural center that’s ready to welcome you to Saint Paul.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the lively Saint Paul Farmers' Market without reaching into your wallet. The outdoor market in Lowertown is always hoppin'. All year, there’s a world to discover at the indoor Hmongtown Marketplace, Hmong Village or Keg and Case West 7th Market.

There’s always some kind of festival going on here, no matter the season. We have the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Little Mekong Night Market — and the list goes on.

Step into the 1920s at Union Depot. It serves as a transportation hub, event center, architectural inspiration and much more. Open to the public, the building is one of many must-sees for history lovers.

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For a world-class arts experience, peer into the Minnesota Museum of American Art’s rotating window exhibits from the street or skyway within the historic Pioneer Endicott building downtown. Check out the interior galleries when they reopen in 2023 following an exciting new expansion.

Get your exercise and sightseeing along Summit Avenue, the longest stretch of Victorian houses in the United States. Whether you walk, bike or drive down this historic street, the views are stunning in any season.