Top Minneapolis-Saint Paul Walking Tours

Walk with local guides through Minneapolis! Learn the surprising and often untold history of Minneapolis and Minnesota, from before statehood and through to the present.

A great tour year-round, especially if you're visiting in the winter months! Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world! Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. This is a great way to see the city - inside and out - during cool weather, hot weather, rainy days and the brutally long Minnesota winter, so pretty much year-round! There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them. AFTERNOON TOUR ends at the historic Minneapolis Club, not typically open to the public. Choosing Mpls City & Skyway Tours, you are supporting a local, woman-owned small business with a big heart. (Please note, this is a walking tour. We will walk up to two miles, with breaks. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)

A study in Gilded Age opulence and Victorian era ghost stories, by 1890, 40 millionaires were living on Summit Avenue in St. Paul and some of them never left. Join us for this exclusive haunted history tour on Summit Avenue. Dare to uncover the secrets and mysteries that lurk in the shadows of this historically haunted street. This is not your average walking tour - this encounter with the paranormal might just leave you questioning what lies beyond the mortal realm. We are St. Paul's original ghost tour with original research and haunted history ghost stories you won't get anywhere else!

Take a chilling ghost tour along Summit Avenue, Minneapolis, when you book this nighttime walking 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, and a spooky journey through the supernatural side of Summit Avenue.

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.

Minneapolis is one of America’s greatest arts centers, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is like stepping into a shrine that proves it. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll venture into this artistic labyrinth and admire some of the city’s most iconic works. The tour starts at the Walker Art Museum, located at the site of Thomas Lowry’s former mansion on the “Devil’s Backbone,“ a steep, twin-ridged terrain with a striking silhouette. From there, you’ll stroll through the sculpture garden, pausing at key works including Katharina Fritsch’s electric blue Hahn/Cock, and other lesser-known but equally fascinating pieces. This tour combines art appreciation, historical context and dramatic stories. You’ll find out how Sam Durant’s Scaffold was met with global outrage in 2017, and enjoy moments of quiet reflection at Jim Hodges’ mirrored boulders. I’ll also tell you about the controversies and characters that shaped this cultural landscape.

Walk along the historic Mississippi River where dramatic mill ruins meet the modern Minneapolis skyline on this self-guided audio tour. Using a GPS app, you will follow a walkable riverfront route as history comes alive. Experience Saint Anthony Falls and see how this working landscape built the city. You’ll pass iconic landmarks including the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theater, Mill Ruins Park, and the Mill City Museum. Along the way, explore how Minneapolis became the flour-milling capital of the world and uncover the dramatic story of the 1878 Washburn A Mill explosion. Explore at your own pace—pause for photos, grab a drink, or linger at viewpoints. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience with no in-person guide. Download the tour in advance to use it anytime. It works offline and follows your location along the route.

Starting in the trendy North Loop neighborhood, we visit some of the best restaurants in Minneapolis! Learn about the city over a bite to eat (or four)! From a building with four James Beard nominated chefs under one roof, to classic upper midwest cuisine, and a little bit from northeast Minneapolis' eastern European heritage, this tour will leave both your brain and belly full! And don't forget to leave room for dessert!

Discover the bold flavors and hidden gems of Minneapolis on this unforgettable food tour through the North Loop and St. Anthony Main neighborhoods. Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll enjoy 6 delicious tastings that showcase the city’s unique blend of Scandinavian heritage, immigrant flavors, and modern Midwest innovation. Stroll past red-brick warehouses turned award-winning eateries, cross the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, and taste how European and Indigenous traditions shaped the Twin Cities’ culinary identity. Along the way, you’ll uncover fascinating local stories, meet passionate food makers, and experience why Minneapolis is fast becoming one of America’s top food destinations. Come hungry and leave inspired and full!

Explore the trendy and historical parts of Minneapolis on this small-group food tour through Riverwalk. Get off the beaten path and visit the Minneapolis Mill District and Northeast Minneapolis neighborhoods. Try nearly a dozen delicious tastings from local restaurants and specialty food shops. Taste local favorites including cheese curds, European-style baked bread, gelato, and locally brewed craft beer. Also, visit the historic Mill City Museum, see the only natural major waterfall on the Upper Mississippi Riverwalk, and stroll along the oldest street in Minneapolis.

Learn about the unique character and history of Minneapolis and its neighborhoods with local expert guides while enjoying hand selected drinks that define our city and its people. Share stories with your guide and fellow tour members as we walk the streets of Minneapolis between our bars. Chat with the knowledgeable bartenders and staff that help us get through those long winter months, and heartbreaking sports teams

Learn all about the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald on this private, historic walking tour in St. Paul, Minnesota. Your guide is a wealth of knowledge regarding the popular author who penned "The Great Gatsby" and shares stories about his life in the Roaring ‘20s, the Gilded Age architecture, and much more. Highlights include Fitzgerald's birthplace, homes, and haunts.

Join us on our unique Kid-Friendly Cave Tour during holiday breaks, and every second Sunday of the month, except Oct. Nov. Dec. We've tailored our most popular Historic Cave Tour to be shared with the young and the young-at-heart. We’ll talk about mines and mushrooms and share old photographs from the early days of the Caves. Kids can talk about what interests them, and ask questions about trolls and times of long ago. Included in this special tour: A walkthrough and hands-on tour of the caves guided by one of the lovable and kind trolls that reside here. A unique craft to take home and share with family Photo and meet and greet opportunities  $10 per person. Kids under 2 are free.

Explore the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral with a daily guided tour that uncovers its rich history and architectural splendor. This one-hour experience includes visits to the majestic sanctuary, where the grandeur of Beaux-Arts design captivates. Delve into the significance of the Shrines of Nations, which honor the diverse immigrant communities. Your knowledgeable guide provides engaging storytelling about the cathedral's sacred art and history, making every moment enlightening. Ideal for adults and history enthusiasts, this tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can appreciate the beauty of this sacred space. - One-hour guided tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral - Learn about the architecture and sacred art - Visit the Shrines of Nations honoring immigrant contributions - Wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults over 10 years old

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.

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.

Stroll through historic downtown St. Paul and taste some of its most famous food on this half-day walking tour. With a guide in the lead, you'll find some off-the-beaten-path food stops, such as an old gangster hangout, and taste craft beer made with water that is straight from Mississippi river. Other historic highlights include the Landmark Center, Rice Park, and the Saint Paul Hotel.

See the other side of the Twin Cities, without hours of itinerary planning, during this scavenger hunt in Saint Paul. Grab a few family members and your friends for this interactive group game through the city. Play together to solve clues or go head-to-head when completing challenges unique to the player. Earn points while viewing sites such as Rice Park, the State Capitol, and the mighty Mississippi River.

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.

Experience downtown Minneapolis like a local when you take this walking tour through the vibrant streets of the city. Join your guide, an avid traveler and proud resident of Minneapolis, as they take you on a journey to discover hidden gems. Visit a variety of spots, curated to showcase the personality of the city, including its sights, sounds, and flavors.

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 lived 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.

Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of the Cathedral of Saint Paul at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour allows you to uncover 24 intriguing stops, showcasing the cathedral's stunning dome, intricate mosaics, and significant immigrant history. Walk in the footsteps of Archbishop John Ireland and architect Emmanuel Masqueray while appreciating the spiritual significance of this Gothic masterpiece. With wheelchair access and mobile or tablet options available, this tour provides a flexible, engaging experience for all visitors. - Self-guided tour with audio narration available on mobile or tablet - Discover 24 stops highlighting architecture, history, and spirituality - Wheelchair accessible for all guests - Flexible timing to explore at your own pace

Explore the unique culinary landscape of Minneapolis on this guided walking food tour through the interconnected Skyway system. Over two hours, sample four distinct local dishes that showcase the flavors of Minneapolis and the Midwest. While navigating through the climate-controlled passages, discover the historical significance of the Skyway that has linked generations for over sixty years. Follow your local guide though the maze of passages to the best hidden gems above, and below the streets of Minneapolis. - Guided walking food tour through the Minneapolis Skyway system - Taste four local dishes representative of Minneapolis and the Midwest - Learn about the history and significance of the Skyway - Easy 2-hour tour, perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike