Energy Park - Saint Paul, MN Area Guide

In 1982, St. Paul developers decided to revitalize 200 acres of unused railway land in the middle of the city. Reminiscent of development projects that happened around the country in the early 1980s, Energy Park was slated to be a walkable community full of condos, shops and restaurants.

Unfortunately, the area never experienced the success that city officials had dreamed of, but several apartments, single-family homes and shops popped up in the area. Its convenient location to both downtowns as well as several universities and colleges has attracted a range of residents to the area since its early days.

Located on Bandana Blvd, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum features fascinating displays of small trains and tiny towns. The Minnesota Children's Museum and the Science Museum of Minnesota serve area residents in downtown St. Paul.

Thirsty residents frequent the Original Gabe's by the Park, a sports bar in Energy Park. There, guests can watch sporting events on a big screen while munching on burgers or Minnesotan fare. For something uniquely Minnesotan, try the walleye fries, deep-fried strips of Minnesota Walleye with homemade tartar sauce with a side of Lotsa Tots, a bowl of crispy tater tots covered in Cajun seasoning.

Along Larpenteur Avenue, north of Energy Park, a range of old school restaurants including Mac's Fish and Chips and Snuffy's Malt shop serve fried food alongside of old-fashioned thick malts.

If you prefer ethnic food, head to Snelling Stetter between Como and University Avenues. Here, you find Cafe 99, a high-quality Chinese restaurant. Featuring dishes representing eight major Chinese cuisines, Cafe 99 serves everything from roast duck to sole fillet in tomato sauce to dongpo stewed pork. Further down the road, check out Fasika. This Ethiopian restaurant offers gorgeously seasoned curried stews and cuts of meat you may not have tried before such as lamb tripe with liver.

Aside from Gabe's, not many bars exist near Energy Park. However, residents live only two miles from Midway, making the bars along University Avenue extremely accessible. On University, check out a jazz trio in the seedy basement of the Turf Club, or grab a bottle of domestic beer at Big V's or Tracks Bar and Grill, two dive bars which often have DJs or live music. If you prefer big clubs, check out downtown Minneapolis, home to clubs such as First Avenue and Aqua Nightclub and Lounge.

Two major thoroughfares, Snelling and Lexington Avenues, run near the perimeters of Energy Park, and less than a mile from Energy Park, both of these roads intersect with I-94, giving residents convenient access to both downtown areas.

Walking in the area is safe but not convenient. However, bicycle trails line the streets around this area, making getting around by bicycle easy.

Metro Transit buses serve the area, bringing residents to downtown St Paul or Roseville, an inner-ring suburb. From those locations, residents can transfer to buses that take them to all parts of the metro area. Hailing a cab on the street is rarely possible, but cabs and Uber both serve the area if called there.

Energy Park sits just south of Como Park, the largest park in St. Paul. More than a park, Como Park and Conservatory provides area residents with a lake, a cross country skiing area, miles of bicycle trails, a free zoo and a steamy conservatory filled with exciting tropical plants. In addition to the many free recreational activities offered by the park, Como Park puts on classes for kids and has a Japanese lantern lighting festival every winter.

To give your four-legged friend an off-leash run, head to Arlington-Arkwright Dog Park in Payne-Phalen or the High Bridge Dog Park on Randolph Avenue.

Living in Energy Park costs, on average, the same as the average cost of living in St. Paul. In St. Paul, the average one-bedroom apartment rents for $839 per month, and rents in Energy Park are comparable.

A bus from Energy Park to either downtown area costs only $3 during rush hour, and students and seniors ride for less than a dollar. You can find a pint of beer during happy hour for less than $3, and even at full price, beer only costs between $4 and $7 in this area. A gallon of gas runs about 5 percent lower than the national average.

Although no shopping exists within easy walking distance of Energy Park, shops dot Larpenteur Avenue to the north and University Avenue to the south. On Larpenteur, residents shop at Mr Zero's, a shop full of old records and musical memorabilia.

On University, residents explore the odds and ends at Ax-Man Surplus store. If you need a gas mask, vegetable magnets, or random items for your next installation piece, check out this shop. Check out Second Debut for second hand clothing and items.

Energy Park residents who prefer an upscale shopping experience need to visit Grand Avenue. Lined with shops and boutiques sprinkled between cozy coffee houses, Grand Avenue houses fashionable boutiques such as Karma Boutique and Bombshell.

The nearby areas offer a range of grocery stores. The Mississippi Market Food Co-op in Summit Hill features bulk grains and spices in a member-owned environment. The large chain stores on the corner of Snelling and University in Midway offer conventional fare as well as surprisingly large foreign food sections.

During the summer, Energy Park residents visit the farmers' markets in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, residents who prefer an even more local experience head to the Northside Farmer's Market. Also called the Frogtown Farmers Market, this tiny market features about 40 vendors, most of them Hmong farmers.