Attractions and Places To See around West St. Paul - Top 20

The area offers a variety of natural features. You can visit Minnehaha Falls, a stunning 53-foot waterfall, or see the unique meeting point of two major rivers at the Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Other notable spots include Como Lake and Lake Phalen, both popular for water activities and scenic views. For extensive woodlands and wetlands, explore Battle Creek Regional Park.

Yes, West St. Paul and its surroundings offer several hiking options. You can find trails at Dodge Nature Center, Thompson County Park, and the River-to-River Greenway. For more detailed routes, check out the Hiking around West St. Paul guide, which includes routes like the easy Dodge Nature Center Trails and the moderate Big Rivers Regional Trail.

Many attractions are suitable for families. Minnehaha Falls has picnic tables and a trail for viewing. Thompson County Park features a colorful, gated playground, and Harmon Park offers a playground and splash pad. Dodge Nature Center provides extensive opportunities for children to connect with nature, and Como Lake is also considered family-friendly.

While West St. Paul has local historical quirks like the '40 Acres' area and WPA Sidewalks, its proximity to Saint Paul offers numerous cultural and historical sites. You can visit the historic Landmark Center, explore the opulent James J. Hill House, or tour the Alexander Ramsey House. The Wabasha Street Caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, and Historic Fort Snelling provides insights into the region's military history.

Absolutely. Marthaler Park, home to the highest point in West St. Paul, is undergoing improvements including a new fishing pier and trailhead. Garlough Park features the city's disc golf course and a section of the River-to-River Greenway. Mud Lake Park is a hidden gem known for bird watching with trails circling the lake, and Haskell Park offers various sports facilities.

Yes, the area is great for biking. The River-to-River Greenway stretches through West St. Paul, ideal for biking through wetlands and wooded areas. For gravel biking enthusiasts, the Gravel biking around West St. Paul guide lists routes such as the Minnehaha Falls – Fort Snelling loop and the Big Rivers Regional Trail – Minnehaha Trail loop.

West St. Paul is surrounded by water features. Thompson County Park offers paddle boating on its lake during warmer months. Como Lake and Lake Phalen are popular for various water sports, with Lake Phalen notably hosting an annual Dragon Boat Festival. The Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers provides a unique viewpoint to observe these powerful waterways.

Even in winter, there are activities to enjoy. Thompson County Park is popular for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The West St. Paul Ice Arena is open year-round, offering open skating sessions, figure skating, and hockey lessons. Additionally, the West St. Paul Regional Athletic Center (The Dome) provides free indoor walking most mornings.

Mud Lake Park is considered a hidden gem, offering quiet trails for bird watching around the entire lake. Marthaler Park, while known for being the highest point in West St. Paul, is undergoing improvements that will enhance its appeal as a natural escape.

The Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers is significant because it's where these two major rivers merge. From the tip of Pike Island, you can observe the distinct water colors of each river – the relatively clear Mississippi and the stained brown Minnesota – before they join forces on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. It's a unique natural phenomenon and a great viewpoint.

Yes, Garlough Park in West St. Paul features the city's disc golf course. It's a great spot for enthusiasts to enjoy the sport amidst a natural setting that also includes a section of the River-to-River Greenway and a picnic shelter.

Battle Creek Regional Park is a large park spanning over 1,800 acres of natural woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. It offers miles of trails perfect for hikers, cyclists, and runners looking to immerse themselves in nature without traveling far from the city. You'll find both mountain bike trails and paved trails within the park.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the thundering Minnehaha Falls to the serene lakes like Como Lake. The extensive trail systems, especially in places like Battle Creek Regional Park, are highly valued for offering an escape into nature close to urban areas. The unique sight of the Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers is also a community favorite.