Explore the Twin Cities
Near Lake Phalen Place, Woodbury Place, Colby Lake Place, and Lake Elmo Place
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Our four Twin Cities homes sit just east of St. Paul and Minneapolis, close to lakes, trails, and downtown. Use this page to plan a few days nearby. We will add more “What’s Happening” write-ups as the seasons change.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo share one campus in St. Paul and are open year-round. Admission is free — a voluntary donation of $8 for an adult and $5 for a child is appreciated — and parking is free. Hours change by season, so check the official site before you go.
Cathedral of Saint Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul, at 239 Selby Avenue, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. except holidays. Self-guided visits are welcome when the church is available; it is an active place of worship, so visits may pause for services. From Lake Phalen Place, the drive is about 6 miles and takes about 15 minutes.
When you book direct, stay 3 nights and get the 4th free, November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.
Some blackout dates apply, and promo codes cannot be combined.
In town for treatment or a loved one's care? Rest easy here, and save 5% when you book direct.
Things to do nearby
- Phalen Regional Park Walk or bike the trail around the lake, a short way from Lake Phalen Place.Official park page
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory A year-round zoo and conservatory in St. Paul, with free admission to the grounds.comozooconservatory.org
- Historic Stillwater Shops, river views, and a walkable downtown, close to Lake Elmo Place and Colby Lake Place.discoverstillwater.com
- Mall of America Shopping, dining, and indoor attractions in Bloomington.mallofamerica.com
- Grand Casino Arena Concerts and Minnesota Wild hockey in downtown St. Paul.grandcasinoarena.com
- Minnehaha Regional Park Minnehaha Falls and trails along the Mississippi in Minneapolis.minneapolisparks.org
- Downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis Restaurants, museums, and sports. Start with the official visitor sites.Visit Saint Paul · Meet Minneapolis
What’s Happening
Dates below were checked on the official event websites on November 13, 2026. Always confirm times and tickets on the organizer’s site before you go.
- Mears Park Winter Lighting Celebration Thursday, November 19, 2026 · Mears Park, downtown St. PaulA free kickoff for the holiday lights in Lowertown.Official event page
- GLOW Holiday Festival November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, on select dates · CHS Field, St. PaulA lights festival at the ballpark. Tickets are required, and entry is timed.glowholiday.com
- Saint Paul Winter Carnival January 28 through February 7, 2027 · St. PaulIce and snow sculpture, parades, and other winter events around Rice Park and the city.wintercarnival.com
- International Festival of Minnesota April 9–10, 2027 · St. Paul RiverCentreFood, music, and exhibits from communities across Minnesota. This event was formerly called the Festival of Nations.ifestmn.org
Medical stays
If you are coming for care, these hospitals are in the area: M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, Regions Hospital in St. Paul, United Hospital at 333 Smith Ave N in St. Paul, Children’s Minnesota St. Paul Hospital at 345 N Smith Ave in St. Paul, Gillette Children’s St. Paul Campus at 200 University Ave E in St. Paul, and Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater. Check each hospital’s website for addresses, parking, and visiting hours.
Stay near the Twin Cities
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