Lowertown - Saint Paul, MN Area Guide

St. Paul became a township in 1849, originally called “The Town of St. Paul.” The area experienced population growth partially due to its close proximity to Fort Snelling, the first large military base in the area. The area eventually developed into an important center for trade and stopping point for early settlers that were on their way west.

The Minnesota History Center provides a bevy of information regarding St. Paul as well as history of the whole state of Minnesota.

With a variety of arts and cultural events occurring year round, Downtown offers entertainment for every interest. Check out the St. Paul Art Crawl, Concrete and Grass music festival, and Germanfest, to name just a few.

Dining in Downtown St. Paul offers a dynamic and unique culinary experience with a focus on excellent customer service.

Taste the rich flavors of France without leaving your neighborhood by making your way to Meritage. Savor the flavors of the New York Strip Au Poivre followed by the cream brulee, which melts in your mouth. The wide seafood selection also features an oyster bar, allowing you to pick your own oysters.

For a classy evening on the town, check out Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market. Choose from a wide selection of wine that includes white, red and champagne, featuring over 70 types of wine. The menu changes weekly but always features dishes made with fresh, organic, local ingredients. Warm up by the cozy hearth, and sip on a glass of chardonnay as you feast on gourmet food and enjoy top-notch service.

Head out for Sunday morning brunch at The Buttered Tin. Locals recommend that you book ahead on weekends or brunch hours, because the small venue fills up fast. The Buttered Tin serves up a vast range of delectable cupcake flavors, such as strawberry almond with buttercream, German chocolate and pound cake filled with creamy dulce de leche. Be sure to try the signature breakfast item, the Buttered Tin Hash, which features sausage, sweet potatoes, portabella mushrooms, and asparagus topped with a sunny side-up egg.

Downtown St. Paul is home to an exciting and lively nightlife scene. Dance the night away at Myth nightclub, grab a beer at the bar, or head over to the Minnesota Music Cafe to hear performances from local artists.

If you're in the mood for some beer, head to The Bulldog Lowertown. Sample some of the 40 varieties of beers, including craft and Belgium beers. Be sure to check out the weekly specials, such as Monday’s local beer night offering $1 off local brews. The Bulldog also serves up some hearty all-American cuisine, including dry-rubbed wings and pulled pork sliders.

Downtown St. Paul lies southwest of the greater Minneapolis area along the Mississippi. It is well-connected to the rest of Minneapolis and outlying regions by Highway 10 and I-35 E and I-94. It takes around 15 minutes to drive to the Minneapolis city center by car on I-94.

Public transportation is widely available in the Downtown St. Paul area. Numerous bus routes serve the area and provide quick access to the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area. On street parking and public parking ramps are widely available in the area.

Bike trails throughout the area and along the Mississippi make Downtown St. Paul easily accessible by bike as well as on foot.

You can easily catch a cab in the area with such services as Ihail.com, which provides regular drivers in the area. You can book online, call or text to have a ride waiting for you in minutes. The car rental service, Uber, also services a majority of the South St. Paul area.

Experience natural beauty without leaving the city when you visit Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Park. This 29-acre park was originally an important spiritual point for Native Americans and was built to help restore native plant and wildlife in the area. You can walk or bike your way through the park as you observe wildlife, such as bald eagles and redtail hawks.

Get some fresh air when you make your way to Arlington/Arkwright’s 20 acres of land, which features an off-leash dog park, baseball and soccer fields, and a picnic area. Take the kids to a game or pack a picnic for the whole family, and get out to enjoy the great outdoors.

A one-bedroom apartment in Downtown St. Paul generally costs about $750 to $850 in the areas of 4th Street East and Summit Avenue.

Gas prices settle around 9 percent less than the national average. A pint of beer in local pub, such as the Bulldog, costs you around $5 to $6. A ride on the local bus runs about $2.25 during non-rush hour times and $3 during rush hour. Overall, the cost of living in the Downtown St. Paul area is slightly above the Minneapolis average.

Shopping in Downtown St. Paul offers high-end shops and a range of prices to fit any budget. Find a new outfit or browse for the perfect gift at Primp, Flirt Boutique or Bombshell Boutique, which all offer the latest trends and are centrally located in Downtown St. Paul.

You can pick up some groceries from Lunds, Rainbow Foods, Whole Foods Market, or Cub Foods. Head to Mississippi Market Co-op for a wide selection of local organic products. Products, such as Peace Coffee, local grass-fed beef and Rustica bread, are available there. Pick up some roasted chicken from the deli, and enjoy some fresh food for the road.

Swing by the St. Paul Farmer’s Market. Sip on fresh orange juice while you enjoy corn on the cob and meander though the numerous vendor stalls.