Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Maplewood, MN

  • Published 2022/12/23

Maplewood is a bustling city in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Located just 12 minutes away from St. Paul and 23 minutes away from Minneapolis, Maplewood offers a diverse range of activities and attractions to explore.

Whether you’re looking for indoor activities or outdoor adventures, Maplewood has exciting attractions for all ages.

From strolling around downtown Maplewood and its surrounding attractions to exploring the city’s outskirts, many things will keep you occupied during your stay.

If you’re already planning your itinerary, check out the best things to do in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Catch a Concert at Myth Live

A performer at Myth Live

Roberthenryfilm, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maplewood isn’t big on concerts, but you can count that any show will be at Myth Live.

Located at 3090 Southlawn Drive, just 7.4 miles north of downtown Maplewood, Myth Live is the city’s premier live music venue.

Myth Live features performances from local and foreign talents, performing various genres ranging from hip-hop, country, electronica, alternative, and indie.

This venue also offers spectacular lighting and sound systems that take every performance to the next level.

It also offers plenty of seating options, including multiple luxury lounges, VIP sections, and private suites.

People in Myth Live

Runner1928, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With seven bars, Myth Live offers the ultimate experience before, during, and after every show.

In addition to the concerts, Myth Live also hosts fashion shows, parties, conferences, and other events.

You can rent the place for weddings, private parties, and corporate events.

If you want an evening of good music and entertainment, check out Myth Live while in Maplewood.

You might catch a concert or an exciting event while you’re there.

Explore Battle Creek Regional Park

Battle Creek Regional Park is a popular outdoor destination in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Located at 2300 Upper Afton Road, this park spans over 1,927 acres filled with various recreational activities such as biking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more.

Battle Creek Regional Park offers countless fun possibilities for people of all ages.

Kids will love playing at the playground, running around, and exhausting their energy in the park’s open areas.

Several paved trails are perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

You can explore this massive park while also seeing different wildlife, such as various species of birds, warblers, deer, foxes, and more.

Battle Creek Regional Park is also a great destination to visit during winter, as it features a small hill for sledding and several cross-country ski trails.

If you want to explore the great outdoors in Maplewood, add Battle Creek Regional Park to your itinerary.

Bring Your Pooch to Battle Creek Dog Park

Located within the Battle Creek Regional Park, the Battle Creek Dog Park is the premier destination for dog owners to bring their furry friends.

This off-leash dog park is a spacious 35-acre open for dogs to play and explore.

See plenty of trees providing shade and open spaces perfect for running around with your pup.

The Battle Creek Dog Park also features a playground specifically designed for dogs, which includes a variety of obstacles, tunnels, and more.

You can also bring your toys and fetch sticks, as the off-leash area is perfect for playing with your dog.

Water bowls are available throughout the park, so you don’t have to worry about bringing extra supplies.

If you want off-leash fun with your canine companion, check out Battle Creek Dog Park.

Spot the Wildlife at Sustainable Safari

Located inside the Maplewood Mall, Sustainable Safari is an interactive zoo that educates visitors on different wildlife species.

This zoo offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Visitors can get up close and personal with animals, such as lemurs, sloths, meerkats, pythons, armadillos, and more.

Sustainable Safari also provides educational programs for visitors to learn about the different wildlife species and their habitats and teach visitors how to protect them.

The zoo also includes a petting area where you can interact with animals up close.

Whether learning about different wildlife species or getting up close and personal with them, Sustainable Safari is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

If you want an educational and interactive experience, head to Sustainable Safari and witness the planet’s beauty.

Meet the Locals at Maplewood YMCA Community Center

Community centers are great places to meet the locals and learn about their culture.

The Maplewood YMCA Community Center offers a wide range of activities and programs visitors can enjoy.

The center features a modern fitness facility, basketball court, swimming pool, and a fitness center.

You can take swimming lessons at the aquatic center, join a group exercise class, or even join a sports team and play with the locals.

The Maplewood YMCA Community Center also hosts various educational seminars and community-building programs that visitors can join.

If you want an interactive way to meet the locals while getting active, check out the Maplewood YMCA Community Center.

Find a Way Out of Tactical Escape 101

Located inside the Maplewood Mall, Tactical Escape 101 is Maplewood’s premier escape room experience.

You and your team will be locked in a room for an hour as you attempt to find clues and solve puzzles to find a way out.

This is perfect for team-building or just having fun with your family and friends.

During your escape room experience, you will explore different scenarios depending on your chosen room.

You can play four rooms, including Game of Games, The Magical Room of Requirement, Rattlesnake Saloon, and Gulliver’s Travel.

Each room offers a unique theme and challenging puzzles that will test your team’s problem-solving skills.

If you want a fun, interactive activity at Maplewood, check out Tactical Escape 101 and see if you can beat the game.

Challenge Yourself at Keller Golf Course

Keller Golf Course is a classic parkland golf course and the premier destination to tee off while in Maplewood.

This 18-hole course sits among towering trees and winding streams, providing a picturesque view while playing.

The course also features rolling terrain, elevated tees, and tree-lined fairways, providing a challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Opened in 1929, this championship course has a long history of iconic PGA tournaments and events, making it a popular destination for professional golfers.

It underwent a renovation in 2014, earning it several recognitions, such as the Best Municipal Renovation of 2014 and Renovation of the Year by Golf Inc.

This golf course is also home to a full-service restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy a meal after your round of golf.

Keller Golf Course is one of the best places to improve your golf game in Maplewood, Minnesota.

If you’re looking to sharpen your golf game, visit the Keller Golf Course!

Learn Local History at Maplewood Area Historical Society

Maplewood has a rich and exciting history.

If you want to learn more about its past, head to the Maplewood Area Historical Society.

Located at 2170 County Road, the Maplewood Area Historical Society was founded in 1997.

It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s past.

The staff will give you a fantastic tour and tell you about the city’s history, from its settlers and industries to its architecture.

The Maplewood Area Historical Society aims to educate locals and visitors about the city’s fascinating past.

It houses several artifacts, photographs, documents, and other historical materials that tell the city’s humble beginnings.

The society also hosts events such as story time, lectures by guest speakers, and educational programs for children and adults.

Improve your knowledge about Maplewood and the surrounding areas by visiting the Maplewood Area Historical Society.

Explore the Great Outdoors at Maplewood Nature Center

If you want to explore the beautiful outdoors, head to Maplewood Nature Center.

Located at 2659 East 7th Street, this nature preserve in Maplewood, Minnesota, is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities.

At Maplewood Nature Center, you can take a peaceful and leisurely stroll along its nature trails and boardwalks.

Then, wander the butterfly gardens and admire the impressive sculptures in its rainwater gardens.

The nature center also has a children’s outdoor play area where kids can explore and learn about nature.

The preserve also provides a range of educational programs for all ages, as well as several events such as nature scavenger hunts, family campouts, and winter solstice walks.

If you want to spend time outdoors, check out Maplewood Nature Center.

Unwind at Bleechers Bar & Grill

After a long day exploring the ins and outs of Maplewood, why not take some time to relax with a cold one?

At Bleechers Bar & Grill, you’ll find everything you need for a chill night out.

Located at 2220 White Bear Avenue, Bleechers Bar & Grill offers an extensive selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

It also serves tasty pub-style food, from burgers to wings and fries.

Besides pub fare, Bleechers Bar & Grill has some arcade games, darts, and pool tables to enjoy.

Moreover, Bleechers Bar & Grill hosts live music every weekend, so you can kick back and enjoy a good show with an ice-cold drink in your hand.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Maplewood’s surrounding areas are also worth exploring.

Discover the exciting attractions outside of Maplewood by considering these other things to do nearby.

See Different Animals at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Exterior of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, 16 minutes from Maplewood.

It is home to many animals, including monkeys, birds, reptiles, and more.

The park also features several gardens with colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs.

Flora in Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

TammiMild / Shutterstock.com

The zoo’s main attractions are its numerous shows and programs that educate visitors about the diverse animal life.

They also host kids’ workshops where they can learn more about the environment and its inhabitants.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the perfect destination for a fun and educational activity involving animals and nature.

Gorilla at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Linda McKusick / Shutterstock.com

Celebrate Art at the Minnesota Museum of American Art

Located in downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Museum of American Art promotes different art mediums, from painting to photography and sculpture.

Holding over 5,000 artworks from renowned American artists, this art museum promotes appreciation and understanding of art in the local community.

The museum features several rotating exhibits, which means you can see something unique every time.

They also host various events, such as art talks, film screenings, and art classes.

If you want to explore the beauty and diversity of American art, visit the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

This museum is eight minutes from Maplewood.

Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota

Exterior of the Science Museum of Minnesota

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

The Science Museum of Minnesota is an American museum focusing on technology, physical science, natural history, and math.

Located in downtown St. Paul, the museum features fascinating exhibits that explore different scientific topics, from space exploration to brain science.

It also has an impressive Omnitheater that projects show on a 180-degree dome and an IMAX theater where visitors can enjoy short films and documentaries.

Dinosaur skeleton in the Science Museum of Minnesota

Steve Skjold / Shutterstock.com

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs both for adults and children.

If you want to bring the kids to a place where they can learn and have fun, visit the Science Museum of Minnesota.

This museum is nine minutes from Maplewood.

Children in the Science Museum of Minnesota's laboratory

Steve Skjold / Shutterstock.com

Bowl with Friends at Sun Ray Lanes

Sometimes, a fun activity with friends is all you need to have a great time.

That’s where Sun Ray Lanes comes in.

Located two minutes from Maplewood, this family-friendly bowling alley has been a part of St. Paul for decades.

Sun Ray Lanes feature 24 bowling lanes with full lane-side service, the latest automated scoring technology, and other state-of-the-art facilities.

The bowling alley also provides exciting weekly specials and hosts various fun evening events.

You can also compete in various leagues, such as youth leagues, men’s and women’s leagues, or parents and kids leagues.

A pro shop also offers bowling supplies and apparel for those looking to take their game up a notch.

If you feel hungry, you can head to the Guild, the on-site tavern and social house.

Sun Ray Lanes is more than just a bowling alley.

It’s the perfect place to spend quality time with family and friends.

Spend the Day at Wabasha Street Caves

Exterior of Wabasha Street Caves

Jonathunder, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wabasha Street Caves is St. Paul’s best-kept secret, nine minutes from Maplewood.

This traditional speakeasy was built into the sandstone caves on the south shores of the Mississippi River and is one of the unique venues in the area.

The cave hosts live music from local artists every weekend.

They also serve delicious food and drinks, from mac-and-cheese to burgers and cocktails.

The best part is that guests can also go on a guided tour of the caves and explore its vibrant history.

The Wabasha Street Caves also hosts numerous events and shows throughout the year.

The most notable events include drag shows, live music performances, and comedy nights.

If you want an unforgettable experience, then check out Wabasha Street Caves.

Final Thoughts

Maplewood has many interesting and exciting places for visitors.

There is something for everyone, from indoor activities like a museum or bowling alley to outdoor excursions like a park or recreation center.

If you want to visit this beautiful city, make the best things to do in Maplewood, Minnesota, your handy itinerary.

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