This Stunning European-Inspired Neighborhood In Minnesota Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip

There's a neighborhood in St. Paul that was planned in the 19th century as a railway community with easy access to downtown Minneapolis: Saint Anthony Park. Located just east of Minneapolis and adjacent to the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus, the neighborhood is characterized by hilly terrain, curvy streets, and, in some cases, whimsical architecture. In fact, I've always thought that a visit to Saint Anthony Park feels a bit like visiting a European village in Minnesota, and it's a fabulous place to spend a day exploring.

The heart of St. Anthony Park is located along Como Avenue.

There, you'll find Milton Square, a shopping area that's reminiscent of small town centers in the UK or Germany.

The Finnish Bistro Coffee and Cafe offers a wide range of Scandinavian-inspired dishes and baked goods.

Learn more about its offerings on the bistro's website.

The neighborhood's early-20th century Carnegie Library has been beautifully maintained and definitely harks back to an early time.

The architecture of the buildings at Luther Theological Seminary hint at their Scandinavian and German inspirations.

In fact, the oldest Norwegian Lutheran church in the country can be found on the grounds of the seminary.

The Old Muskego Church was built in Wisconsin in the mid-19th century. It was disassembled and transported to its present site on the seminary's campus more than 100 years ago.

While it doesn't exactly have a European feel, any discussion of the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood must include mention of Keys Cafe.

Although there are a few locations scattered across the Metro now, the first opened up in the southern part of the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood more than 40 years ago.

It's been serving up huge portions of delicious comfort food to generations of loyal customers ever since.

Even if it's not part of your European-inspired day trip, be sure to put a stop at the original Keys Cafe on your Saint Anthony Park must-do list.

While it's certainly not Europe, Saint Anthony Park has a feel that's just enough different from the rest of the Twin Cities that it gives off an Old World vibe. And I think you'd enjoy spending a day there! If exploring Minnesota towns is something you like to do, be sure to check out all the local walking tours offered by Viator.

Have you visited Saint Anthony Park? Let us know what you thought in the comments!