St. Paul · Minnesota, MN
Outdoors in St. Paul
Scout analyzed 85 St. Paul places and surfaced the ones that actually fit outdoors.
Places analyzed
85
Matches
25
Typical spend
$0
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Complete outings
Harriet Island & West 7th Morning
Start your day with a refreshing, free walk along the river at Harriet Island, taking in the serene morning atmosphere. Follow it up with an affordable and satisfying breakfast at a local coffee shop in the nearby West Seventh neighborhood, perfect for fueling up before a final, relaxed riverside stroll.
Como Park & River Bluffs Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring the vast Como Park, home to a popular zoo and conservatory. Take a leisurely walk through its beautiful trails and gardens, soaking in the natural beauty. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Cafe Astoria, known for its crepes and cozy ambiance. Conclude your outing with a brief, scenic stop at Summit Lookout Park for panoramic views of the city, completing a perfect St. Paul afternoon.
Best neighborhoods for outdoors
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Northwestern Precinct
Rice Park
Rice Park is a free downtown park suitable for a relaxed stroll or a short break. It's an ideal stop before or after a meal in the city, especially during the winter festival when an ice rink is present.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Upper Landing Park
Upper Landing Park is suitable for a free hour or two outdoors, offering river views and a space for relaxation or a walk. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby meal.
Outdoors
Jensen Lake Trailhead
Jensen Lake Trailhead is good for a free, leisurely hike that takes about 1.5 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or visiting a nearby park, making it suitable for a half-day outdoor activity.
Outdoors
Tamarack Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center is good for a few hours of outdoor family or solo time, exploring trails and the play area. It's a free activity suitable for pairing with a picnic or local lunch spot.
Riverview
Harriet Island Regional Park
Harriet Island is a good spot for a relaxed riverside stroll or picnic, offering paddle boats for an added activity. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, with costs ranging from free entry to around $25 if renting a paddle boat.
Outdoors
Schaar's Bluff Trail
Schaar's Bluff Trail is ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor excursion, offering scenic views and a chance to observe nature. It's a free activity that pairs well with a picnic or a drive to nearby towns.
Outdoors
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
This regional park is good for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring hiking, a beach, and river views. Expect to spend $7-15 per person for park entry, suitable for families or solo adventurers.
Outdoors
Thompson County Park
Thompson County Park is a free outdoor spot for a few hours of walking, playing, or wildlife viewing. It pairs well with a picnic and is suitable for all ages.
Lowertown
Mears Park
Mears Park is a free city park suitable for a relaxing hour-long stroll, a picnic, or enjoying a casual outdoor event. It pairs well with exploring the surrounding downtown area.
Payne - Phalen
Phalen Regional Park
Phalen Regional Park is suitable for a few hours of outdoor recreation, offering trails, a beach, and sports facilities for a low cost. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.
Macalester - Groveland
Mattocks Park
Mattocks Park is a free local park best for a casual family outing or a solo walk, typically lasting an hour. It can be paired with a picnic or a nearby coffee shop.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Irvine Park
Irvine Park is a quaint neighborhood park good for a relaxed walk or a quiet break outdoors. It can be visited for free for about an hour as a standalone outing or paired with nearby attractions.
Outdoors
Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park is an excellent choice for a half-day or full-day outdoor activity, offering trails and water access. It's a low-cost option, requiring a state park vehicle permit, and pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby historical sites.
Outdoors
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Big Rivers Regional Trail is a free outdoor activity for walking, biking, or rollerblading, offering scenic river views. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, making it a good option for a casual morning or afternoon outing.
Highland Park
Crosby Farm Regional Park North Trailhead
Woodlands featuring 6.7 acres of paved trails, plus picnic areas & access to fishing on the river.
Merriam Park West
Shadow Falls Park
This park is suitable for a quiet hour-long solo walk or a family picnic, offering scenic views of a waterfall. It pairs well with a coffee stop beforehand or a nearby lunch spot. Expect minimal cost for entry.
Outdoors
Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor
This regional trail is good for an active outdoor excursion like hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing, taking 1-2 hours. It's a free activity suitable for families or solo adventures, best paired with good weather.
Hamline - Midway
Newell Park
Newell Park is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor activity with kids or for a solo stroll. Plan for an hour or so during daylight hours, best paired with other local errands or nearby food.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Summit Lookout Park
This park is good for a free, relaxed outdoor break, perhaps combined with a walk or jog along Summit Avenue. Expect to spend about 30 minutes, with no cost unless you pay for parking.
Baker - Annapolis
Cherokee Regional Park
Cherokee Regional Park is a good free option for a family outing or solo walk, especially when looking for scenic views and a playground. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit, pairing it with a packed picnic or nearby takeout.
Dayton's Bluff
Wicaḣapi Regional Park
Visit Wicahpi Regional Park for a budget-friendly outdoor activity like a walk through historical mounds or a casual game of baseball or tennis. Plan for about 1.5 hours and expect to pay nothing, making it a good pairing with a picnic or other local park activities.
South of Maryland
Marydale Park
Marydale Park is good for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, such as a family picnic, a stroll around the fishing pond, or letting kids play on the playground. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Como Park
Como Regional Park
Como Regional Park is good for a half to full-day outing with family or friends, offering varied activities from zoo visits to golf or garden strolls. Basic entry is free, though some activities or food will incur costs. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination in itself.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 23 of the 85 analyzed St. Paul places fit outdoors.
- 100% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 86% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Quiet, Playful, Adventurous, Educational.
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