Community Corner

St. Paul: Home To Unmissable Events & Peanuts Comics

Every town has its traditions. Check out these fun facts about what makes Saint Paul so special.

(Photo credit: Patch)

Saint Paul is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Saint Paul has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

  • Saint Paul has one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States, making it a hub for Hmong culture and traditions. The Hmong people migrated to the US after the Vietnam War, and have since made significant contributions to the city's cultural diversity. Visitors can explore the Hmongtown Marketplace and attend the annual Hmong New Year celebration.
  • The city is known for its extensive system of underground tunnels, which were originally built to connect buildings and facilitate the transportation of goods during the harsh Minnesota winters. Today, many of these tunnels have been converted into unique bars and restaurants, such as the Wabasha Street Caves.
  • Saint Paul has a thriving craft beer scene, with over 15 breweries and taprooms within city limits. Some notable breweries include Summit Brewing Company and Bad Weather Brewing Company. Many of these breweries offer tours and tastings.
  • The city is also home to the Minnesota State Capitol, a stunning Beaux-Arts building that has been the seat of state government since 1905. Visitors can take a free guided tour of the capitol building and see the impressive rotunda, murals and other historic features.
  • The city has a strong literary tradition, with many famous authors calling Saint Paul home. F. Scott Fitzgerald was born and raised in Saint Paul, and the city is also associated with writers such as Sinclair Lewis, Garrison Keillor and Louise Erdrich. Visitors can take a literary walking tour of the city to learn more about these authors and their works.
  • Saint Paul is home to one of the largest free art crawls in the country, the Saint Paul Art Crawl. Held twice a year, the crawl features over 400 artists showcasing their work in various locations throughout the city. Visitors can see a wide range of art, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles.
  • The city has a rich tradition of winter sports, including ice fishing, ice skating and hockey. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival, held annually in January, is one of the city's most popular events and features ice sculptures, ice skating and other winter activities.
  • Saint Paul is home to the Science Museum of Minnesota, a hands-on museum that features exhibits on science, technology and natural history. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits, including a giant human heart, a dinosaur exhibit and a space exhibit with a real Apollo capsule.
  • The city has a strong connection to the iconic comic strip, Peanuts. Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was born in Saint Paul and grew up in nearby Minneapolis. The city has several Peanuts-themed attractions, including a statue of Snoopy in downtown Saint Paul.
  • Saint Paul is home to the Minnesota Wild, a professional ice hockey team that plays at the Xcel Energy Center. The arena is known for its impressive design and has been called one of the best sports venues in the country.
  • The city has a vibrant food scene, with many diverse and unique restaurants. Some popular local dishes include the Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger and the hotdish, a casserole made with meat, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
  • Saint Paul has a rich tradition of street art and murals, with many talented local artists creating colorful and inspiring works throughout the city. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals, or book a guided tour with a local artist.
  • The city has a unique system of "skyways," or enclosed pedestrian walkways that connect buildings in downtown Saint Paul. The skyways are a great way to explore the city without having to go outside in the cold Minnesota winter weather.

What's your favorite thing about Saint Paul? Let us know below in the comments!

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