Savage, Minnesota
Savage came into our spring 2024 Twin Cities stay in a practical way — it's where we picked up a rental car for our long Minnesota visit.
Our experience
A southern suburb along the Minnesota River, Savage isn't a major tourist destination, and we won't pretend otherwise. But it's a pleasant, growing community with parks, trails, and plenty of green space, well positioned for exploring the southern Twin Cities metro.
We've come to value these logistical stops for what they are — part of the practical side of treating Minnesota as a second home. Picking up a rental car in a quiet suburb was simply the starting point for weeks of exploring Minneapolis, St. Paul, and destinations farther across Minnesota.
Savage was originally known as Hamilton before being renamed in 1904 after Marion Willis Savage, owner of the legendary harness-racing horse Dan Patch. Dan Patch became one of the most famous racehorses in America, and his legacy remains visible around the community today.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Minnesota River — explore the river valley and natural landscapes that define this part of the southern Twin Cities metro.
- Hidden Valley Park — enjoy one of Savage's major community parks, with trails, recreation areas, and plenty of green space.
- Dan Patch heritage — learn about the legendary racehorse whose owner gave Savage its modern name and whose story remains part of the city's identity.
- Regional trails — walk or bike the trail network connecting Savage with neighboring communities and natural areas throughout the south metro.
- Minneapolis & St. Paul — use Savage as a quieter suburban starting point for exploring the museums, restaurants, sporting events, and attractions of the wider Twin Cities.
- Minnesota River Valley & wildlife — head toward the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for hiking, birdwatching, and protected river-bottom habitat.
Our pro tip
We'd think of Savage as a convenient, quieter base in the south metro — especially useful if, like us, you're picking up a rental car and planning to explore well beyond the immediate area. You'll definitely want a car out here. Once you have one, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and many of the Twin Cities' parks and lakes become easy day trips.
For Savage itself, we wouldn't force a tourist attraction — the appeal here is really the convenient location, Minnesota River scenery, and easy access to the rest of the metro.
For visitors flying into the Twin Cities, Klook has Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport private transfers. You can also add Minneapolis activities and experiences on Klook to a longer stay in Savage or elsewhere in the Twin Cities.