St. Louis Park MN

St. Louis Park – Just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, this charming city blends small-town comfort with big-city access. Known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, friendly community spirit, and vibrant parks, St. Louis Park offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and suburban peace. Whether you're exploring local boutiques, enjoying family-friendly trails, or discovering the city's impressive food scene, you'll find something to love in every corner of this welcoming Minnesota gem.

• Population: ~50,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers (20-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Westwood Hills Nature Center, The Shops at West End, Cedar Lake Regional Trail, Wolfe Park, Excelsior & Grand.
• Top Activities: Biking and hiking, shopping at local boutiques, enjoying concerts and events at the ROC, visiting farmer’s markets, and catching a performance at local theaters.
• Famous Food: Juicy Lucy burgers, craft beer at local breweries, comfort food from Park Tavern, and innovative dishes at Mill Valley Kitchen.

Located just west of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, MN is a vibrant suburb with a strong local economy. Known for its welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and access to city amenities, this community also boasts a healthy job market. From healthcare to retail and education, here are the top five jobs and careers in St. Louis Park.

St. Louis Park offers a solid mix of professional opportunities in both public and private sectors. The city’s proximity to Minneapolis, combined with a commitment to community wellness and innovation, continues to attract skilled workers across industries. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to grow, this Minnesota city has something to offer.

St. Louis Park, MN might not get the glitz and glam of bigger cities, but don’t let that fool you—this suburb of Minneapolis is packed with fun, low-key places where students can relax, recharge, and hang out with friends. Whether you're looking for a cozy coffee shop vibe, an outdoor adventure, or a bite to eat, St. Louis Park has something for everyone.

Westwood Hills Nature Center – Need a break from your screen? This hidden gem has scenic trails, woods, and a peaceful lake—perfect for long walks, mental resets, or just soaking in some nature with friends.

Punch Bowl Social – This place brings everything together: bowling lanes, arcade games, karaoke, and even great food. It’s perfect for Friday nights or fun group hangouts without heading downtown.

The West End – Shopping, indie cafés, and the ShowPlace ICON movie theater all make the West End a go-to spot. Grab a smoothie, catch a film, or just window-shop and people-watch for a laid-back afternoon.

Steel Toe Brewing – For students 21 and over, this local brewery has a chill vibe and a cozy taproom that’s ideal for unwinding after a stressful week. They often have food trucks and board games, too.

Yum! Kitchen and Bakery – This bright, welcoming bakery is a favorite among local students. Try their signature cupcakes or grab a casual brunch with your study group. The patio is especially inviting during warmer months.

Cedar Lake Regional Trail – For students who love to bike or rollerblade, this well-maintained trail offers a peaceful ride with awesome views. It connects to other Minneapolis trails if you're up for an adventure.

Park Tavern – Bowling, live music, and cozy booths—this is a true local hangout spot. Whether you're in the mood to dance or just chat over fries, Park Tavern has a welcoming vibe that works for almost any night out.

The Rec Center at St. Louis Park – Affordable and open to the public, the Rec Center has an ice rink, fitness areas, and special community events. It’s a great place to get active or try something new with friends without spending a ton.

Caribou Coffee Cabin – Yes, it’s a chain, but this location feels warm and personal. With its cabin-style décor and quiet corners, it’s great for casual study sessions or catching up over a mocha with friends.

St. Louis Park might be small, but it delivers big when it comes to places to hang out. Whether you’re recharging outdoors, laughing at game night, or grabbing a bite with friends, there’s no shortage of student-friendly spots to explore, relax, and have fun.

St. Louis Park, MN is a vibrant city located just outside Minneapolis, known for its excellent school system and close proximity to many of Minnesota’s top colleges and universities. Whether you’re looking for public or private institutions, St. Louis Park offers easy access to outstanding options for higher education.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near St. Louis Park, MN

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities – Just a short drive from St. Louis Park, this flagship research university is renowned for its diverse academic programs, amenities, and Big Ten sports. It excels in engineering, science, business, and education, attracting students from across the globe.

Normandale Community College – Located in nearby Bloomington, Normandale is one of Minnesota’s largest and most respected community colleges. It offers associate degrees and transfer programs in liberal arts, healthcare, and STEM fields, making it a popular starting point for many students.

Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) – This downtown Minneapolis college is easily accessible from St. Louis Park and offers a wide array of associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in arts, business, healthcare, and technical trades.

Metropolitan State University – With campuses in the metro area, Metropolitan State provides flexible, adult-friendly undergraduate and graduate degree options in business, criminal justice, nursing, and the liberal arts.

Dakota County Technical College – While a bit further south, it’s a top pick for students seeking hands-on, career-ready training in areas like automotive technology, design, business, and health sciences.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near St. Louis Park, MN

University of St. Thomas – Minnesota’s largest private university, located in St. Paul and Minneapolis, is well known for its strong business, engineering, law, and liberal arts programs in a welcoming, values-driven environment.

Hamline University – As Minnesota’s first university, Hamline is home to dynamic programs in law, education, business, and the arts. Its commitment to social justice and experiential learning stands out.

Augsburg University – Located in Minneapolis, Augsburg is celebrated for its inclusive community, leadership development, and strong programs in the sciences, social work, and business.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) – For creative students, MCAD is a top choice, offering specialized programs in graphic design, fine arts, animation, and other creative fields.

Concordia University, St. Paul – This private liberal arts institution is known for its supportive campus and robust programs in business, education, and health care. Its convenient Twin Cities location makes it popular with local students.

Each of these institutions provides distinct educational experiences. St. Louis Park’s proximity to so many outstanding colleges and universities gives students a wealth of options to explore, learn, and prepare for rewarding careers.

St. Louis Park, MN, is a thriving suburb of Minneapolis with excellent educational opportunities for students. Whether you're looking for a strong public school or a prestigious private institution, this community offers some of the best high schools in the state. Here are the top public and private high schools in St. Louis Park, known for their achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, and college preparation.

Top Public High Schools In St. Louis Park, MN

• St. Louis Park Senior High School – The city’s namesake public high school, SLP Senior High offers a rich academic program with a strong emphasis on International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The school is known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and student growth in and out of the classroom.
• Southwest High School (Minneapolis) – While technically located in neighboring Minneapolis, Southwest is a popular choice for St. Louis Park families due to its impressive IB program, high graduation rate, and strong arts and athletics departments.
• Hopkins High School – Serving parts of St. Louis Park, Hopkins High is well-regarded for its academics, advanced placement (AP) offerings, and first-rate performing arts center. The school fosters a positive, inclusive environment that supports both college readiness and personal development.
• Edina High School – Though located just a short drive from St. Louis Park, Edina High is a destination for families seeking academic excellence through open enrollment. It ranks among the top public high schools in Minnesota, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities and advanced coursework.
• Washburn High School – This Minneapolis public school has been gaining attention for its rigorous academic programs, including AP classes and college prep resources. Washburn supports a strong sense of community and school pride, drawing students from across nearby neighborhoods.

Top Private High Schools In St. Louis Park, MN

• The Blake School – Located in nearby Hopkins with students from St. Louis Park, Blake is one of Minnesota’s top-rated private institutions. It offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, top-tier college counseling, and a strong emphasis on leadership and ethics.
• Benilde-St. Margaret’s School – A respected Catholic school located right in St. Louis Park, BSM balances spiritual development with academic achievement. Known for its sports programs and media department, this school provides a comprehensive and nurturing environment.
• Minnehaha Academy – With a strong academic reputation, Minnehaha Academy integrates faith-based values with college-ready programs. The school attracts students from St. Louis Park and surrounding areas thanks to its personalized learning approach and vibrant student life.
• Breck School – Located in nearby Golden Valley, Breck is a private Episcopal-affiliated school that ranks among Minnesota’s best. With modern facilities and a strong co-curricular program, Breck focuses on developing well-rounded individuals through quality education and innovative thinking.
• Chesterton Academy – For families seeking a classical education rooted in Catholic tradition, Chesterton Academy offers a unique liberal arts curriculum. Located in the Twin Cities area, it draws students from St. Louis Park who value critical thinking, faith formation, and a close-knit school culture.

Whether you choose a public or private high school, St. Louis Park and its surrounding communities offer excellent opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and personally. Each of these schools brings something special to the table, helping students prepare for success in college and beyond.

While St. Louis Park, Minnesota, may not be the home base for any major league professional sports teams, its location just minutes from Minneapolis gives residents quick and easy access to an exciting lineup of pro sports action. As a vibrant suburban city with a true passion for athletics and community engagement, St. Louis Park beautifully blends small-town charm with big-league entertainment right next door.

Let’s take a closer look at the professional sports teams that fans in St. Louis Park cheer for—most of which are based in nearby Minneapolis and Saint Paul. These teams represent Minnesota on the national stage and bring energy, pride, and excitement to the Twin Cities region throughout the year.

Football – Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

• Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings are one of the most beloved NFL teams in the country, with a loyal fan base that stretches deep into suburban communities like St. Louis Park. Although the team has yet to win a Super Bowl, they’ve made it to the big game four times and regularly contend in the playoffs. Their home, U.S. Bank Stadium, is a state-of-the-art venue in downtown Minneapolis, making game day just a short drive away.

Baseball – Minnesota Twins (MLB)

• Minnesota Twins – A proud Major League Baseball franchise, the Twins have won two World Series titles (1987 and 1991), creating unforgettable moments in Minnesota sports history. They play at Target Field, widely regarded as one of the most fan-friendly and scenic stadiums in baseball. The team is a huge hit with families and continues to draw strong support from communities like St. Louis Park.

Basketball – Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)

• Minnesota Timberwolves – The Timberwolves represent Minnesota in the NBA and bring thrilling basketball to the court each season. While the team has yet to secure a championship, it has showcased great talents like Kevin Garnett and rising stars such as Anthony Edwards. Games at Target Center in Minneapolis offer an electric atmosphere that keeps fans coming back for more.

Hockey – Minnesota Wild (NHL)

• Minnesota Wild – As a state known for its love of hockey, Minnesota is proud to have the Wild as its NHL team. Based in neighboring Saint Paul, the Wild have built a solid legacy since their debut in 2000, regularly making playoff appearances and energizing fans with passionate play. Xcel Energy Center, their home arena, is a must-visit for any hockey fan living in or near St. Louis Park.

Soccer – Minnesota United FC (MLS)

• Minnesota United FC – Known as the “Loons,” this up-and-coming MLS team has quickly gained a devoted fanbase thanks to its exciting style of play and a unique, soccer-specific venue—Allianz Field. Since joining Major League Soccer in 2017, Minnesota United has brought a fresh sense of pride to fans across the state, including a growing soccer community in St. Louis Park.

Whether you're cheering from your living room or taking a quick trip to downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul, living in St. Louis Park means you're never far from big-league sports action. From thrilling touchdowns to buzzer-beater plays and hometown heroes, the Twin Cities' teams bring everyone together all year long. And if you're a fan from St. Louis Park, you've got every reason to join the excitement!

St. Louis Park, MN is a vibrant suburban city just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, filled with charm, character, and some surprising fun facts. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just curious, here are ten delightful things to know about this Minnesota gem:

1. Birthplace of Famous Filmmakers – Joel and Ethan Coen, the award-winning Coen Brothers behind films like Fargo and No Country for Old Men, grew up in St. Louis Park.
2. Home of "A Serious Man" – The Coen Brothers’ 2009 film A Serious Man was set in 1960s St. Louis Park, offering a glimpse into their suburban upbringing.
3. A City of Firsts – St. Louis Park was among the first cities in the Twin Cities metro to adopt a city manager form of government, which helped shape its strong community services.
4. Park Nicollet’s Big Role – One of Minnesota’s most well-known healthcare clinics, Park Nicollet, is headquartered in St. Louis Park, serving thousands of families every year.
5. Barry’s Beans to Big Deals – The city was once home to Barry’s Coffee, a beloved local hangout that brewed up more than just java—it brewed community and culture too!
6. 20+ Parks to Explore – True to its name, St. Louis Park has over 50 miles of trails and 35 parks, perfect for biking, hiking, or just soaking in some fresh Minnesota air.
7. Miracle Mile Legacy – Established in the 1950s, the Miracle Mile Shopping Center was one of the first strip malls in the area and still serves residents today.
8. A Foodie’s Hidden Gem – From fast favorites like Punch Pizza to local joints like Revival, St. Louis Park's dining scene is surprisingly diverse and delicious.
9. Eco-Friendly Focus – St. Louis Park has set ambitious goals to be carbon-neutral by 2040 and leads the way with solar initiatives and clean energy planning.
10. Score at The Rec Center – The St. Louis Park Rec Center boasts two indoor ice rinks, making it a hot (or cold!) spot for hockey, figure skating, and family fun.