This Stunning Building in St. Paul Is Packed with Free Family Fun!
Address: 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
About the Landmark Center
If you’re looking for a fun and free way to spend a day with your kids in downtown Saint Paul, head to the Landmark Center! This grand, castle-like building has been wowing visitors since 1902! And, your kids will love it just as much as the judges and postmasters who once worked here.
With towering ceilings, marble staircases, and hidden nooks to explore, the building alone is a treat. Its eight galleries, rotating exhibits, and year-round cultural programs mean there’s always something new to discover with your family. The Landmark Center makes it easy for families with kids to explore art, music, and history together—no admission required.
Pro Tip: Check hours for individual exhibits before you go, and pack some snacks or grab lunch nearby—Rice Park and a few cozy cafes are just steps away. The Landmark Center is perfect for rainy days, winter exploring, or a cultural adventure with your crew!
Kid-Friendly Museums & Exhibits at the Landmark Center
On the lower level, peek into the Landmark Gallery and the “Uncle Sam Worked Here” exhibit to glimpse Saint Paul’s past. Got a train lover or a curious history buff? They’ll love seeing how this building once served as a post office and courthouse.
Then, don’t miss the Schubert Club Music Museum on the second floor—one of the most kid-friendly spots in town! Kids can make music, bang on drums, and “meet” instruments from all over the world. Plus, it’s interactive, colorful, and great for wiggly littles who love music.
Families enjoy exploring the Gallery of Wood Art with its funky wooden sculptures. Or, checking out the Urban Observations exhibit for a peek at artists’ real-life sketches of everyday city life. No matter what captures your or your children’s interests, a fun museum or exhibit at the Landmark Center is waiting to be explored!
Related Article: St Paul with Kids: 15+ Best Things to Do in St Paul, Minnesota
Let’s Tour the Landmark Center!
Self-guided tour brochures are available at the Visitor Information Center. Additionally, on Sundays at 12:30 pm, you can join a free 45-minute tour (great for older kids or parents while littles nap in a stroller). On the weekend, you may even catch a free art workshop or family-friendly event after the tour!
Of course, group and private tours are also available for those who want to dig deeper into the building’s architecture and history. Some tours even offer a special theme or interest, like a gangster tour (best for ages 12+), interactive history tours, and more! They can be booked directly with the Landmark Center online.
Landmark Center Highlights
- Located in downtown Saint Paul, across from Rice Park
- The Landmark Center was completed in 1902. When it opened, it served as the Federal Court House, Custom House, and U.S. Post Office for the Upper Midwest
- It’s an official National Historic Monument building.
- 8 museums & exhibits are housed within the Landmark Center
- Public and private tours, including some with themes or special interests, are offered.
- Community events and programs are held regularly.
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Staffed Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, and Sunday 12-3 pm. Each museum has its own hours; check individual websites for up-to-date information.
- Parking information can be found here.
- Tours
- Museums & Exhibits
- Upcoming Events
- Accessibility Resources
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
