Top Minnesota Historical Tours

Minneapolis gets a lot of attention, but this tour gets you a proper introduction to the other half of the Twin Cities: Saint Paul. The capital city of Minnesota has a history full of intriguing stories like tales of the illegal alcohol production during Prohibition. You’ll join a guide for a walk around Saint Paul, through both quiet neighborhoods and bustling downtown as you learn about the city’s secrets; including the secret caves that are closer than you’d believe.

Take a chilling ghost tour along Summit Avenue, Minneapolis, when you book this nighttime tour. Uncover the haunted history of mansions and historic locations, including Forepaugh's 2nd Mansion and Cochran Park, in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. This walking tour offers spine-tingling tales, snacks, and a lantern-lit journey through the supernatural side of Summit Avenue.

Explore the only remaining restored Gangster Era site in Saint Paul on this guided historic caves tour of the Wabasha Street Caves. Carved into the hillside near downtown Saint Paul, the caves have been numerous things throughout their history, including as a gangster hot spot during Prohibition. Tour the caves and hear fascinating stories of their history from your guide.

Explore Minneapolis through Prince’s life—without dealing with any of the crowds. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hit the streets of Prince’s favorite 'hood, starting at Nicollet Avenue and ending on First Avenue, where 10,000 gathered to mourn the artist’s death. Though designed for a 75-minute tour, explore at your pace, sinking into all things purple.

Discover marine life wonders at SEA LIFE Minnesota, an aquarium boasting more than 10,000 sea creatures. Located in the Mall of America, SEA LIFE provides the perfect break from shopping and change of scenery. Explore four themed tanks including Amazon River, Atlantis, Sturgeon Lake and Rainbow Reef. Check out the Octopus Garden, gaze eyes on the world’s largest crab species, and walk through an underwater tunnel and see the underbellies of stingrays and turtles.

Get oriented with Minneapolis and St. Paul, aka the Twin Cities of Minnesota, on a highlights tour that introduces you to the area's major sights. You'll see modern and historical architecture and explore the neighborhoods between the two cities on this half-day tour. Enjoy the chance to sit back and relax instead of finding your own way around town.

This isn’t your grandma’s walking tour. With this self-paced audio guide, you’ll learn all about Minneapolis’s standard history (like Prince) *and* discover its secret nooks and crannies, like the history of “Funkytown,” a mansion with 86 TVs, and the invention of Zubaz pants. No matter what, after you’ve explored with this River Walk guide, you’ll never look at this stretch of the Mississippi with glazed-over eyes again.

Most people don’t know anything about St. Paul’s gangster history—and most definitely don’t go underground to explore it. But you will on this totally immersive tour, heading back to the era of John Dillinger and 1930s-era corruption. Your guides set the scene, taking you around the city, and beneath it, for a day of subterranean suspense.

Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Lake Superior North Shore road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along Highway 61, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including one of Minnesota's most photographed lighthouses, a historic mansion that's also the site of a famous murder mystery, and an iconic 932-foot-high scenic lookout over Lake Superior. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t. - Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location - Travel at your own pace - Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed - Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use - No time limits or expiry, free updates - Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Skip the generic walking tours and explore Stillwater in the spookiest way possible—through its best ghost stories. Following a guide, learn how this 180-year-old town is full of spirits, legends, and secrets—it’s even home to the haunted Minnesota State Prison. Leave your tour with a creepy sense of the city (and the urge to look over your shoulder).

Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota is home to some of the state’s most beautiful Victorian architecture. Embark on a private tour and learn about these preserved structures from your guide. Listen to stories of wealthy families and tycoons who lives more than 120 years ago and built these charming estates. Architecture lovers can spot several styles including Queen Anne, neo-classical, Romanesque, and Georgian Revival during the tour.

Discover the connection between Minneapolis and the Mississippi River alongside a private guide during this immersive walking tour. Stroll along the mighty river and the dramatic St. Anthony Falls, learning about the impact the river has had on the city. You also visit Mill Ruins Park, Stone Arch Bridge, and the Mill District, uncovering the history of the area from its early settlement to the present day.

On this interactive tour you will explore Minneapolis and St. St. Paul on a motorcoach with a cruise down the Mississippi River. You will begin your adventure aboard a deluxe motorcoach traveling around the City’s famous landmarks with live commentary from a tour guide. During this tour you will come aboard a local riverboat to take a 1.5 hour scenic cruise down the Mississippi. Snacks are avilable for purchase on the riverboat. After the tour we will take you to a local place for some great food. You will have an hour of free time to explore. After lunch, you will board the motorcoach for a scenic tour of the downtown landmarks.

See the best of the Twin Cities on foot and from a private car on this guided tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This sixteen-stop tour covers the best of both cities. See where the professional sports teams play at Xcel Energy Center and Target Field. Pass by some of the area’s serene spaces like Lake of the Isles and Minnehaha Falls. Visit the Minnesota State Capitol and Mill District while listening to local stories.

Take a self-guided tour along the iconic Mississippi River with award-winning storyteller Frank Bures. From Nicollet Island to Gold Medal Park, delve into 12,000 years of vibrant river history. Cross the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, pass Stone Arch Bridge, and explore the Guthrie Theater. Along the way, discover tales of St. Anthony Falls, Guinness World Record paddling attempts, the Minneapolis Post Office, Spirit Island, and Nicollet Island's peculiar inhabitants. Uncover the mystery of the Grain Belt Sign's revival, marvel at bull sharks' Mississippi swim, and learn about the 450-mile canoe race. Frank's near-death experience in the river adds a personal touch. This tour will leave you with an appreciation for the Mississippi's profound impact on those living along its shores. Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too. Once you have booked, you will receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour.

Learn all about the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald on this private, historic walking tour in St. Paul. Your guide will be a wealth of knowledge regarding the popular author, and will share stories about life in the Roaring ‘20s, learn about the Victorian lifestyle, and much more. Walk at your own pace on this tour that will last approximately two hours.

Gain a different perspective on downtown Minneapolis and learn about its haunted heritage with this ghost-themed walking tour. Walk around to sites such as City Hall, the Stone Arch Bridge, the Foshay Tower, and more, while your guide fills you in on the colorful characters and spooky stories that have shaped the city.

One of the greatest urban waterfalls in the nation, this self-guided audio tour turns Minnehaha Falls into a world of fascination and wonder. Using just your smartphone, you’ll follow along as you learn stories of hermits and Presidents, nature and geology, and much more. Speed through your experience or linger as you like, turning it into a discovery of your own making.

Explore the so-called most haunted place in Minnesota on a fun one-hour walking tour of the sandstone Wabasha Street Caves. Learn more about local history–including the grim and spooky parts–at the caves, which were once a notorious gangster hideout. Around 60 ghosts are said to haunt the caves. Go in search of them yourself.

Embark on “Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis: A Senior’s Guide,” a walking tour designed with seniors in mind, blending comfort with discovery. As you traverse the heart of Minneapolis, you become the protagonist of a story that weaves through the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Starting at the literary haven of Open Book, immerse yourself in the world of stories and arts. The modern marvel of the Guthrie Theater stands next, offering theatrical wonders and stunning river views. Step into the past at the Mill City Museum, where the city’s flour milling heritage comes alive. Wander through Mill Ruins Park, a tranquil spot that tells tales of the industrial age. The iconic Stone Arch Bridge awaits next, offering majestic views and a touch of nature. Conclude your journey at Gateway Park, a perfect spot to reflect and relax. This tour connects you with Minneapolis’s spirit at a leisurely, senior-friendly pace.

There’s much more to Minneapolis than meets the eye and you’ll have a chance to learn as much as possible about the city during this walking tour. Stroll the streets with a local guide who will tell you what makes the city unique. Hear stories as you walk near the Mississippi River. Find out why this city is such a bike-friendly place and learn about the natural areas like the St. Anthony Falls.

Our private riding tour begins on the outskirts of historic Stillwater, MN and winds among the steep river bluffs of an 1800s village filled with the grand Victorian homes built by past lumber barons and luminaries. You'll see exquisitely restored Queen Anne mansions as well as other styles of architecture, and hear about the colorful owners of these homes. Our history-filled adventure will explain why Stillwater is known as the "Birthplace of Minnesota, " and also brings-to-life the rollicking world of lumberjacks who flocked to the pristine St. Croix River area in the 1800s. Our tour concludes with a walk down Stillwater's quaint Main Street of shops and restaurants, plus a visit to a famous candy store for treats (purchased on own). NOTE: - Private transportation to and from the Twin Cities metro area is available. Please inquire. - Tour does not include home or building interiors. “Absolutely wonderful. A++ and 5 stars. Douglas is exceptional! " Genevieve R., Maryland USA

For a thorough tour of Minneapolis, book this private walking tour where your guide tells you stories dating back over 300 years, and how the city’s history shaped what it is today. You can walk at your own pace on this private tour, since you won’t be sharing your guide with a large group. On your walk, pass by the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Park, along the Mississippi River, and much more.