| If you are planning to visit the lovely downtown | | | | mention over 100,000 different objects. Whether |
| St. Paul area, more than likely you are interested | | | | you are a tourist or you've lived in the area for |
| in finding some great downtown activities to be | | | | years, this is a wonderful place to visit. One |
| involved in. The St. Paul history is long and deep, | | | | exhibit you'll encounter is called "Minnesota A to Z." |
| and there are many exciting historical attractions | | | | It shows how Minnesota life has been and how it |
| to visit while you are in the area. So, if you're | | | | has developed in the past 150 years. There is a |
| looking for some great places to visit and for | | | | huge boxcar that is life size that you can go in, |
| some wonderful activities to check out while | | | | and there are many other great exhibits and |
| you're in Saint Paul, Minnesota, here are a few | | | | videos to check out. Admission is free, so you |
| great activities and places that you'll want to | | | | won't have to pay a thing to have a great time. |
| check out during your stay. | | | | Science Museum of Minnesota |
| James J Hill Mansion | | | | The Science Museum of Minnesota is a great stop |
| While you are in downtown St. Paul, you'll definitely | | | | in downtown St. Paul. The museum is built so it is |
| want to take the time to check out the James J. | | | | right in the bluffs above the Mississippi River. The |
| Hill Mansion. This is the home of James J. Hill, who | | | | museum is 370,000 square fee and it has a nice |
| is the well known railroad baron of years ago. | | | | theater that seats 415 people as well as a special |
| Today the home is owned by the Minnesota | | | | hall devoted to human biology. Exhibits rotate and |
| Historical Society. You can take a tour of the | | | | you'll find interesting things like human heart |
| mansion, getting a glimpse of the amazing wealth | | | | exhibits and even holograms. The Omnitheater on |
| that Hill had and all it could by in the early 1800s. | | | | site has a variety of films available and the main |
| There are 42 rooms in the home, more than 20 | | | | entrance is guarded by a steel iguana that is 40 |
| fireplaces, and 13 bathrooms. You'll also find | | | | feet long. |
| beautiful stained glass windows, lovely woodwork, | | | | Alexander Ramsey House |
| and even a huge and old pipe organ. There is also | | | | Another excellent stop if you're interested in St. |
| an art gallery, and the tours of the mansion start | | | | Paul history is the Alexander Ramsey House. You |
| on the half our. The price is only $8 for adults, $4 | | | | can get tours of the house by guides who are |
| for kids, and $6 for senior citizens. | | | | dressed up in costumes from the period. This |
| Como Park Zoo and Conservatory | | | | mansion was actually build by the first territorial |
| If you're in Saint Paul Minnesota, another great | | | | governor of Minnesota, Alexander Ramsey back |
| place to stop and visit is the Como Park Zoo and | | | | in 1872. You'll be able to see the home and many |
| Conservatory. In fact, it's a great place to go with | | | | great pieces that are originals as well. |
| the entire family. Not only will you get to see all | | | | Minnesota State Capitol |
| the great animals that are currently in the zoo | | | | While you are in Saint Paul, Minnesota, you will |
| today, but you'll get to see the older cages from | | | | definitely want to make a stop at the Minnesota |
| years ago where the animals used to be held. If | | | | State Capitol. This capitol building is considered to |
| you go during the summer, you will not want to | | | | be the most beautiful one in the entire nation. It |
| miss the "Sparky the Seal" show, which the whole | | | | was designed by Cass Gilbert, who is an architect |
| family will love. Going to the zoo is totally free and | | | | in the area. It was first opened up in 1905 and the |
| there is also an amusement park beside the zoo | | | | cost of the building was $4 million and it took 6 |
| that you can visit as well, where you can find | | | | years for the building to be completed as well. It |
| rides for the kids, cotton candy, and other great | | | | is actually somewhat modeled after St. Peter's, |
| treats that everyone will enjoy. | | | | which is located in Rome and it has a huge dome |
| Minnesota History Center Museum | | | | and the interior is extravagant. It is located up on |
| Another excellent place to visit if you're interested | | | | a hill where you have a great view of St. Paul and |
| in St. Paul history is the Minnesota History Center | | | | there are free tours available each hour. Tours |
| Museum. There are better than 500,000 | | | | are offered each hour and the cost is $5 for |
| documents housed in the museum, not to | | | | adults, $3 for children, and $4 for senior citizens. |