Top 3 Team Building Activities in St. Paul (+ Insider Tips)
After almost 20 years facilitating team building activities in St. Paul, I can tell you that this region has something special.
My name’s Dustin—I’ve facilitated over 750 events with TeamBonding in the Twin Cities area, and St. Paul is one of my favorite places in the country.
It’s home to great businesses, great employees, and wonderful energy, especially when you’re participating in an event here.
Whether your team is native to the Twin Cities area or visiting for a corporate event, St. Paul offers the perfect backdrop for creating meaningful team building experiences that your employees will be talking about for years to come.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite team building activities in St. Paul, complete with insider tips from my years of experience facilitating events across the Twin Cities.
Why Do Team Building Activities in St. Paul Stand Out?
When it comes to hosting fun activities in St. Paul, MN—and anywhere else, for that matter—it’s all about finding the right event for your team members. Plus, of course, a great team and a skilled facilitator who knows how to keep things fun, energetic, and impactful.
But what makes St. Paul stand out? I’d say that it’s the way this city brings its own unique personality to every activity.
While Minneapolis is more on the modern, almost edgy side of things with its focus on business and industry, St. Paul offers historic charm, rich culture, and more of that quiet, small-town feel.
It creates incredible opportunities for diverse team activities and bonding experiences that’ll benefit your team back at the office.
Seasonal Considerations for St. Paul
St. Paul also offers year-round possibilities, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to consider the seasons. I see most events in the spring and fall, which is probably because winter is, well, winter (cold and snowy). That said, winter is also perfect for cozy indoor events and holiday parties!
The summer is hot and often muggy, but there are still plenty of recreational and outdoor activities in St. Paul, MN, this time of year, especially if you head down to the waterfront along the Mississippi River.
Regardless of what time of year you’re planning for, always have an indoor backup plan ready in case the weather changes!
Top 3 Team Building Activities in St. Paul
I haven’t found many team building activities in St. Paul that I don’t love, to be honest, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top three so we can shine a light on the cream of the crop. After all, that’s what you’re here for, isn’t it?
1. Ice Sculpting Class
Okay, we admit it—when a few of our facilitators first suggested the Ice Sculpting Class, some of us wondered if we’d finally lost it. But it’s been an absolute hit every single time!
Seriously, the positive feedback is always off the charts with this one, especially in St. Paul.
Outdoor activities aren’t always the top choice in the winter, but Ice Sculpting ties perfectly into St. Paul’s winter culture, especially if you’re lucky enough to line it up with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival!
The Winter Carnival is one of the oldest, biggest winter festivals in the US—you can take your team there before or after the event to check out professional ice sculptures, parades, delicious foods, and the snow queen!
Regardless of exactly when you schedule the Ice Sculpting class, your team will work together to create impressive ice sculptures using actual chainsaws! Some teams even go for broke and sculpt company logos and other branding elements.
The final results are always impressive, especially considering how well this event (ironically) spreads warmth among team members. You can count on lots of smiles, laughter, and camaraderie along the way!
Where to go after the event
Head to Buca di Beppo after the event for amazing Italian cuisine and the perfect atmosphere for larger groups—the family-style vibes here are perfect for capturing the bonds formed during team building events.
2. Museum Scavenger Hunt
There’s something about scavenger hunts that brings out the little kid in all of us—it tends to take you right back to field trips in school, which is perfect for improving bonds between coworkers. Our Museum Scavenger Hunt does a great job at this, too.
This event can take place at any museum, art gallery, aquarium, or zoo. I’d recommend the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory to really enjoy everything St. Paul has to offer. It’s the perfect setting for this one, but feel free to pick your own!
Once you pick a venue, we’ll write and run a unique, interactive scavenger hunt for your team. They’ll work together to solve a series of brain teasers and challenges, complete with exciting twists and turns along the way!
With an emphasis on intrigue and friendly competition, this one tends to turn ordinary places into adult playgrounds.
If you’re here in the winter, just pick an indoor venue like the Science Museum to make it a cozy, comforting activity without the cold.
Where to go after the event
Check out Sweeney’s Saloon after the event for old-school pub charm and a welcoming atmosphere. It offers amazing cocktails and food, plus great seating for larger groups, ensuring everyone has enough room to chat about their experience.
3. Little Team Library
St. Paul has a rich literary culture rooted in history and storytelling. It was also the childhood home of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and you can visit landmarks like his former residences on Summit Avenue and a statue in Rice Park to honor his legacy.
So, if your team loves reading, books, and education, I highly recommend Little Team Library! It’s one of the most heart-warming team building activities in St. Paul, and you’ll be putting books into children’s hands to help spark a love for reading and learning.
It’s a fun, collaborative event that’ll bring your team together as they assemble and decorate a Little Free Library®. They’ll also write a children’s book using the power of AI, which is always a magical experience.
As your team members bond over shared stories and creative ideas, they’ll build a library box that’s as unique as their team.
Where to go after the event
I recommend wrapping up your day at The St. Paul Grill for fantastic food and drinks, plus a casual atmosphere that’ll encourage your team to bond as they reflect on their experience. It’s a great spot for group dinners, and the service is always on point.
Great Spots for Team Building Activities in St. Paul
St. Paul is packed with amazing venues and surrounded by even more options if you include Twin Cities area gems! After nearly two decades in St. Paul, though, I’ve definitely found some favorites:
- The Union Depot: Historic train station with indoor event areas
- Historic Fort Snelling: Iconic military site perfect for group challenges
- Como Zoo: Fun, educational zoo with great animal encounters
- Como Arboretum: Peaceful, scenic nature setting ideal for outdoor events
- CHS Field: Modern ballpark that offers tours
- Phalen Regional Park: Stunning outdoor area ideal for summer team building
- Harriet Island Regional Park: Riverside gem and a perfect backdrop for team events
- St. Paul Brewing: Nice restaurant with craft beer
- US Bank Stadium: Home to the Minnesota Vikings and a great place to host a wide range of team building activities
I’ll stop there, but St. Paul has so many more gems to offer. There’s something in this wonderful city for every team and any event.
Planning Team Building Activities in St. Paul: Insider Tips
Good planning is essential if you want your event to go smoothly and ensure everyone has fun. Here are a few more insider tips to keep in mind:
- Consider your timing: Spring and fall tend to be the best seasons for corporate events, offering comfortable weather and great energy. If you’re here during the summer or winter, plan according to the weather and nail down those backup plans.
- Embrace local flavor: I always recommend paying attention to the dates, locations, and themes so you can truly incorporate local flavor in your team building activities. St. Paul’s rich history and culture provide endless opportunities to make your event uniquely meaningful.
- Post-event dining: I saved the best post-event dining spot for last—Matt’s Bar is the #1 spot I tell people about! It’s a hole-in-the-wall bar with the original Jucy Lucy burger (yes, that’s how it’s spelled). For larger events, the nearby Mall of America offers great restaurant options like Rainforest Cafe or Margaritaville.
These are St. Paul-specific tips, but don’t forget standard team building planning tips like considering transportation and taking breaks between activities. It’s important to check all the boxes so you can avoid issues and make sure your activity has the impact you’re aiming for.
Ready to Build Your Team in St. Paul?
All cities and events offer their own special experiences, and team building activities in St. Paul are no different. It’s what makes team building here so special—every experience is as unique as your team is!
With thousands of events under my belt, I’ve seen how the right team building activity can transform a team and get results.
The combination of St. Paul’s historic charm, the Twin Cities’ diversity, and expertly facilitated experiences creates the perfect recipe for building stronger, happier, more connected teams.
So, whether you’re looking for ice sculpting, literary-inspired activities, or something completely different, St. Paul offers something special for every group.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you plan and customize an unforgettable experience for your team.
