November 29, 2021

Budget Friendly Fun: Seven Free Things to Do in Roseville

In Roseville, fun and free go hand-in-hand.

In addition to dining and entertainment, the Twin Cities area offers dozens of free parks, attractions and events to hit up in the Roseville area. Start with these seven freebies, then get to planning your Roseville getaway.

1. Roseville in Bloom

Roseville in Bloom celebrates the city’s namesake with a collection of 20 painted roses featuring the work of 20 different Minnesota artists. Take a tour around town seeing each rose in full bloom with colorful, custom artwork.

2. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Como Zoo is one of the last free zoos in the U.S. and hosts guests 365 days a year. You can get a bird’s eye view of giraffes, polar bears, penguins, tigers, zebras and more. The zoo also features phenomenal gardens for plant lovers, including a fern room and picturesque sunken garden with seasonal floral shows.

3. Cathedral of St. Paul

You can take in more than a mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Amazing architecture is on display all the time – walls finished in Italian marble, a stunning gold-leaf dome, 24 stained glass windows and an organ dating back to 1927.

4. Gamezenter

Spend time together without spending a lot of money. At Gamezenter, you can meet up to play more than 150 board games. Table time is free, and there are food options, coffee and cocktails available for purchase. If you like the games you try, feel free to buy one and take it home for more fun.

5. Central Park

As Roseville’s largest park, Central Park is divided into six unique zones connected by walking and biking trails. See undeveloped nature areas, take in a quiet picnic, visit the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum or keep reading to explore yet another part of the park.

6. Harriet Alexander Nature Center

Located on the east side of Central Park, the Harriet Alexander Nature Center is a scenic oasis in the middle of the city. Boardwalks wind through 52 acres of prairie habitats and wetlands where you can spot songbirds, turtles, rabbits and more. Bring your binoculars.

7. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Take your vacation selfies to the next level at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The iconic Minneapolis staple welcomes millions of visitors each year. Beyond the garden’s most famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, you can view dozens of other works, including two new displays added just this year.

Roseville is perfectly positioned for your next Minneapolis-St. Paul stay. And with 12 hotel options to choose from, there’s plenty of places to lay your head and gear up for the next day’s adventures. Browse more things to do and places to stay in the city that’s always in bloom.