The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the country’s oldest winter festival. Founded in 1886 by a group of local business owners to showcase Minnesota’s scenic locales, it officially kicks off this year with the Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade (Jan. 24) at the Landmark Center.
The roughly weeklong festival also features an array of free and low-cost activities for the whole family, like the Kids’ Day Puzzle Contest (Jan. 26) and Frozen Family Fun Night at the Landmark Center (Jan. 29), with live performances, food trucks and ice carvings. There’s also Disco Night with the 70s Magic Sunshine Band (Feb. 1) and Ice Bars situated throughout Kellogg Mall Park overlooking the frozen Mississippi River.
Bundle up and head over to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for the Vulcan Snow Park, with 3,000 tons of snow to play in, a giant snow slide and a polar plunge if you dare. And don’t forget to check out Winter Carnival Royalty, King Boreas and the Queen of the Snows, and two more parades: The Grand Day (Jan. 26) and the Torchlight parade (Feb. 2).
Whether you’re ready to book your trip now or just curious about the options, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Sacramento and Saint Paul , which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.
We've also included top-rated hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Saint Paul , to showcase the range of local amenities that travelers will find there.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Cheapest Saint Paul flights
The cheapest flights between Sacramento and Saint Paul are if you leave on January 31 and return from Minnesota on February 2. Alaska Airlines currently has tickets for $556, roundtrip.
Top Saint Paul hotels
To plan your stay, here are some of Saint Paul ’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.
The Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis (901 Hennepin Ave.)
If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, consider The Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $89.
Set in the heart of Minneapolis, this hotel is close to both Target Center and Target Field, as well as the Basilica of Saint Mary. Additional attractions include the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
The Westin Minneapolis (88 S. Sixth St.)
Another 4.6-star option is The Westin Minneapolis. Rooms are currently set at $129/night.
This hotel is located in Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Public Library, Minneapolis City Hall, and the Target Center are area attractions.
The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot (225 S. Third Ave.)
A third option is The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. The 4.3-star hotel has rooms for $99/night. Set in the heart of Minneapolis, this hotel is close to Minneapolis City Hall, Mill Ruins Park and the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
Featured Saint Paul restaurants
Saint Paul has plenty of topnotch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
Mickey's Dining Car (36 Seventh St. West)
One of Saint Paul 's most popular restaurants is Mickey's Dining Car, which has an average of five stars out of nine reviews on Skyscanner.
"Expect a little bit of a wait, as Mickey's is teenie tiny compared to most places, but it's well worth it," wrote visitor Hannah. "It's a St. Paul classic and you can feel it when you walk in the door."
Restaurant Alma (528 University Ave. SE)
Another popular dining destination is Restaurant Alma, with five stars from eight reviews.
Opened in 1999, Restaurant Alma is a casual fine dining restaurant, offering eclectic American cuisine and warm hospitality in a rustic historically preserved building.
The Grand Ole Creamery and Grand Pizza (750 Grand Ave.)
Finally, there's The Grand Ole Creamery & Grand Pizza.
"Super good ice cream," wrote Andi. "I especially love the Cookie Monster flavor! The pizza place that is adjoined is also a great spot to grab a slice!"
Featured local attractions
Not sure what to do in Saint Paul , besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Wild Rumpus (2718 W. 43rd St.)
The top-rated visitor attraction in Saint Paul , according to Skyscanner, is Wild Rumpus.
"Our family loves Wild Rumpus," wrote visitor Laura. "So many new titles to explore for my book loving daughter. Animals tucked into various nooks and crannies. Also a great neighborhood to walk around on a nice day."
St Paul Farmers Market (290 Fifth St. East)
St Paul Farmers Market is another popular destination.
"This is a great Farmer's Market in a space that is dedicated to the event," wrote visitor Aaron. "Vendors from all over Minnesota come here to peddle their fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, coffee and flowers."
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (2400 Third Ave. South)
Lastly, spend some time at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Explore exhibits that celebrate everything from Babe Ruth to mushrooms. Get inspired by the Asian Art collection, or the Paintings collection that includes work by Georgia O'Keeffe. You can even interact with exhibits through the Institute's Interactive Learning Stations.
"The best part about the Art Institute," wrote visitor Austin. "The admission is free. The museum is large, and the art inside is beautiful. Exhibits switch around frequently. This is a perfect place to take your family for an afternoon without spending a dollar."
