St. Paul, MN - Burgers, Mobsters, and Bikes. Oh My! - Episode 111

 For more information visit www.travelthruhistory.tv

Minnesota’s capital city has an exciting collection of museums, parks and historic sites, but you’ll also want to mix in a local craft brew, the classic “Juicy Lucy” burger and the Nice Ride bike-sharing program during your visit.

Museums, Parks and Historic Sites
Downtown Saint Paul is centered around historic Rice Park which is older than Central Park in New York City. Nearby, the iconic Landmark Center takes visitors back to the early 1930s when it served as the United States Courthouse, where John Dillinger’s girlfriend was put on trial. It now offers a number of guided and self-guided tours of the building and the downtown area.

Wabasha Street Caves

Visit the Wabashaw Street Caves. The caves have been home to mobsters, speakeasies, and in more recent years have begun hosting a "Swing Night" on Thursday nights with live big-band music. The Wabasha Street Caves also provide historical tours of the sandstone caves in Saint Paul and Stillwater, Minnesota.

Six blocks away is the historic Lowertown District, filled with restaurants, art studios, coffee shops and nightlife all centered around Mears Park. Just outside of downtown is Summit Avenue, which is the longest stretch of preserved Victorian architecture in the United States and ends at the feet of the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Minnesota State Capitol. Free tours are available at these beautiful stone structures. In between tours of our historic masterpieces, take time to enjoy a local craft brew and the renowned “Juicy Lucy” burger, then pedal your way to another tour with the Nice Ride bike-sharing program.

The “Juicy Lucy”
A “Juicy Lucy” should be on your bucket list. Created in Minneapolis but perfected in Saint Paul, this hand-pattied burger has molten cheese (and other ingredients) inside. Several Saint Paul burger joints serve them, including The Nook, Shamrock’s, Bennett’s and Groveland Tap, but no one makes them quite as crazy as the Blue Door Pub, where 10 “Juicy Blucy’s” are available, including the “Bangkok Blucy” and the “Breakfast Blucy.” Enjoy this tasty creation on your next visit, but we suggest you eat the fries first.

Juicy Lucy

Grab a Bright Green Bike
For visitors looking to explore the city on two wheels, the Nice Ride bike sharing program will connect you to everything in Saint Paul for only $6 a day. Look for the bright green bikes at docking stations in high traffic locations around the city, check out a bike and let your two-wheeled
adventure begin. Pedal along the Mississippi River, through the heart of downtown or both. You’ll see why we are one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States.

For more information visit www.visitsaintpaul.com