Welcome to Saint Paul, Minnesota! For people seeking truly unique urban experiences, Saint Paul is Minnesota's must-see capital, a Mississippi River landmark where adventure and inspiration meet unparalleled innovation, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Use this website to find everything you'd need to know about a visit to Saint Paul - Where Minnesota Adventure Begins!!

Neighborhoods

It's been said Saint Paul is the City of Neighborhoods. While the City has 17 official district councils which give residents a say in decisions affecting their communities, it also has a smaller number of neighborhoods that have become their own entities. Each neighborhood has its own unique feel with a neighborhood grocery store or popular pub or well known spot for a burger, or pizza or walleye.

Some neighborhoods you should check out while you're here include:

West Seventh:
West Seventh is a mesh of the old and new. With the historic Mancini's Steakhouse as an anchor it holds true to its Saint Paul oots while opening itself up to new developments. It's got everything you could ask for in one stretch including grocery stores, fantastic restaurants, liquor stores, fast food and easy access to major highways.

Grand Avenue:
When it's not the first Sunday of June and the site of the largest one day outdoor festival in the Midwest, Grand Avenue is a melting pot of boutique shops, family restaurants and pubs and sidewalks full of people looking for the next great deal. Grab a cup of coffee and a paper and sit outside onthe sidewalk and let the buzz pass you by!

University Avenue:
University Avenue is an eclectic mix of ethnic foods and shops from Hmong to Ethiopian. Delicious cuisine from numerous countries is available and shops with unique gifts line the streets.
 

The Soul of Saint Paul

Saint Paul is the Arts and Culture Capital of the Midwest, with over 52,000 theater seats, three world class museums, and a vibrant grass roots arts community. Each year 7 million visitors come to see world renowned groups like the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, national treasures like Penumbra Theatre Company, and a music scene ranging from Mint Condition to Tapes and Tapes.A cluster of warehouse renovations created the country's largest concentration of live/work space for studio artists.Saint Paul has a literary history as rich as any, with giants from Fitzgerald to Keillor.Finally with fan-friendly sporting attractions ranging from Saint Paul Saints to the Minnesota Wild, there is something for everyone in Saint Paul.


The Mississippi River

Did you know Saint Paul has more miles of Mississippi River shoreline--26--than any other city on the entire stretch of the Mississippi River. As the capital city of the headwaters state, what Saint Paul does with the river is very important.

There are a number of ways for you to enjoy the magnificent Mississippi River while visiting Saint Paul. Whether you want to be on the river, close to it or admirring it from afar there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy it.

Be on the water with a ride aboard one of the Padelford Packet Boat companies paddlewheeler boats. Lunch and dinner cruises are available as well as other narrated tours. You can stay on the river as well with the Covington Inn Bed and Breakfast located on the river at harriet Island.

Get close to the river with miles of riverfront trails for walking, biking or rollerblading. Pause and relax on a riverside bench to admire the foilage or eagles flying overhead.

Want to admire it from afar? Head up to Mounds Park and get a beautiful panoramic of downtown Saint Paul and how the Mississippi cuts through the City.

It is the most famous river in America and a jewel in our back yard. Be sure to make it part of your visit to Saint Paul!

To take a guided tour of the river, check out these sites listed below:

http://www.riverrides.com/

http://www.magnoliablossom.net

http://www.stillwaterriverboats.com

http://www.aftonhouseinn.com/

Divercity

Saint Paul is a uniquely diverse city. A glance at the most recent data shows an increase in almost every ethnic minority population. According to the 2000 census, Saint Paul's total population grew by a modest 5.5% from 272,235 to 287,151 people. Between 1990 and 2000, the population statistics for Saint Paul showed decreases, increases, and status quo population data:

• The Caucasian population decreased from 81% to 64%.
• The Asian population, primary comprised of Hmong and Vietnamese, increased from 7% to 12%. Saint Paul's Hmong population is one of the largest contingents of urban Hmong in the United States.
• The African American population grew from 7% to 11%.
• The Latino population, the fastest growing population in the United States, grew from 4% to 8% in Saint Paul.
• The Native American population remained constant at 1%.
• Multiracial population data, for the first time in United States history, was gathered through the census and 3% of Saint Paul's population declared themselves as multiracial.

Below is a list of the many cultural celebrations in Saint Paul

Festival of Nations
The Festival of Nations is one of the nation's largest and longest-running multi-ethnic events. It showcases Minnesota's ethnic diversity, celebrates ethnic traditions and encourages ethnic understanding. Ninety ethnic groups are represented.

Vive Minnesota...El Festival
This new festival on Harriet Island is a Latino celebration of music, art and food over Memorial Day weekend.

Cinco de Mayo
One of the country's ten largest Cinco de Mayo festivals takes place across the river from downtown St. Paul in District del Sol. This is a family-friendly experience with ethnic foods, entertainment, parade and more.

Flint Hills International Children's Festival
The festival presents an opportunity for young children and their families from all over Minnesota to gather in Saint Paul for a celebration of the best in performing arts from around the world. There are inside performances at the Ordway Center and many outdoor activities. There is also food for purchase.

Irish Fair
The Irish Fair is a three-day celebration of Irish heritage with music, dance, family activities and good craic. It is recognized as one of the most family-friendly events in the Twin Cities, one of the most authentic Irish festivals nationwide while drawing nearly 100,000 people each year.

Rondo Days
The Rondo Days Festival is one of Ramsey County's premier entertainment festivals It is the second largest African American sponsored festival in the State of Minnesota. It offers a multicultural celebration of art, music, food, and family fun and is attended by a diverse audience. The Rondo Days Festival attendance has grown annually, averaging an estimated 25,000 – 35,000 visitors each year.