Top Minnesota Historical Tours

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.

Save your feet while discovering Minneapolis from a unique perspective on board a historic street trolley. Listen to live commentary as you roll through the city’s five original districts where the behind the makings of today's Minneapolis can be found. This one-of-a-kind city tour is fun for all ages.

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. - 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 - Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates - Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

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.

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.

Discover Minneapolis your way on the city’s only Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing tour aboard a one-of-a-kind open-air bus. This guided experience lets you explore the city’s must-see attractions while enjoying fresh air, great views, and the lively energy of Minneapolis all around you. Designed for those short on time but big on seeing. Maximize your time with 4 targeted stops where you’ll have time to hop off the bus, walk around, take photos, and dive into the history and culture of each location before hopping back on with your friendly driver-guide. This unique hop-on hop-off tour is the only local experience that includes hop-off opportunities at the city’s top attractions. Perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike, this small group tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to experience the city in motion. In Jun, Jul, Aug use your open-air bus; in May and Sep use your enclosed coach bus. (The enclosed bus may be used in the event of unfavorable weather during summer months.)

Discover the vibrant history and scenic beauty of Saint Paul on this two-hour sightseeing tour. Travel in luxurious comfort while an expert guide shares captivating stories and highlights the city’s iconic landmarks, including a stop at the Smith Avenue Bridge Overlook for stunning views of the Mississippi River. Marvel at the Minnesota State Capitol and the charming Victorian homes along Summit Avenue. This tour is perfect for both visitors and locals looking to explore the best of Saint Paul in an enjoyable and informative way. - 2-hour guided city tour with a knowledgeable local expert - Comfortable deluxe transportation from Mall of America - Visit iconic sites like the Minnesota State Capitol and Smith Avenue Bridge Overlook - Suitable for all ages with family-friendly pricing options

Explore the vibrant cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul with a personalized tour designed for groups of any size. This tour showcases stunning lakes and rich history, ensuring you enjoy a memorable experience whether you're a family or a visitor. Discover the unique charm of each city at your own pace while soaking in the sights and sounds. Tailored to your interests, this tour offers flexibility and personal touch, making it an ideal choice for those looking to truly connect with the Twin Cities. - Personalized tours available for groups of all sizes - Visit beautiful lakes and historical landmarks - Perfect for families and visitors seeking a local experience - Enjoy a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests Call 612 338 1128 or visit twintownpedicabs.com if you need more!

Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Duluth's Canal Park. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll dive into the city's past, like when Canal Park stood under 450 feet of water. Duluth is a one-of-a-kind, inland port city, which serves as a gateway to the north shore of Lake Superior. Its long history is reflected in Canal Park, a formerly run-down industrial zone and one of the city’s thriving centers for recreation today. You’ll find out how, when a local businessman rattled Duluth by moving his Pizza Roll factory to Ohio, his son would go on to play a role in Canal Park’s economic revival. I’ll tell you about the famous Glensheen murders that were made into a musical, and about fish that are almost as old as Duluth Itself. You’ll hear about Duluth’s shipping heritage, the founding and naming of the city, and the building of the Duluth Ship Canal. You’ll then head down South Lake Avenue to finish our tour at the Minnesota Slip Bridge.

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).

Hear shocking untold stories of Minneapolis’ most sensational crimes. This Tour is highly interactive as riders play the Jury and work together to solve some of the most chilling crimes that have happened in Minneapolis’ past. You’ll be briefed on crime scene locations, affidavits from witnesses, and shared some of the most secret information that hasn’t been released to the public- yet!

Our tour will take you from Peavey Plaza, the city’s “living room”, through the bustling downtown to the riverfront, ending at the Mill City Museum, built right into the ruins of the world’s once-largest flour mill. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour plays as you walk and is hands free. It never expires! This is perfect for those looking for a private experience, flexibility and at an affordable price point.

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.

Unleash your creativity at a Mosaic Art Workshop in Minneapolis, MN, where you can craft your very own unique mosaic lamp. Guided by skilled instructors, participants of all ages will learn the art of mosaic design, from creating intricate patterns to applying colorful tiles and beads. Enjoy a delightful atmosphere enriched with Turkish culture, complete with traditional tea and sweets. No prior experience is needed, making this workshop perfect for families, friends, or team-building events. Bring your masterpiece home and watch it light up your space.

Saint Paul is the current capital of Minnesota and was quite the hub for organized crime not too long ago. Discover this thrilling part of the Twin Cities history during a gangster tour by bus. You’ll join a group of history buffs for a ride through the city, spending hours learning about the 1930s Prohibition Era from your funny and informative guide. Venture through South, West, and Central Saint Paul, stopping at sites of payroll robberies, bars where gangsters frequented, and spots where kidnappings took place.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Great food tells a story, and so does Saint Paul. On this guided walking tour through West 7th and Downtown, you’ll visit local food stops while hearing tales of gangsters, ghosts, city history, and the characters who helped shape Minnesota’s capital. It’s part food tour, part storytelling experience, and one of the best ways to discover the city whether you’re a local or a visitor!

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.

Explore the rich history of St. Paul on this self-guided walking tour, starting at Rice Park in front of the Landmark Center, St. Paul's cultural hub. Stroll along the Mississippi River and uncover the city's early history, from the Dakota village of Kaposia to the Beaux Arts-style Union Depot. Walk through Lowertown to Mears Park, past modern architecture, and on to the Minnesota State Capitol. Along the way, hear stories of “Pig’s Eye” Parrant, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and St. Paul’s gangster past while discovering the city's rivalry with Minneapolis. This tour brings to life the characters, events, and landmarks that shaped the "Saintly City."

Discover the heart and soul of Minneapolis from the ground up on this walking experience. Designed for curious travelers and locals alike, this tour reveals the character, history, and evolution of one of the Midwest’s most dynamic cities. You’ll explore 7 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, stories, architecture, and sense of place. From historic corridors shaped by the city’s milling legacy to vibrant cultural districts pulsing with new energy, you’ll gain a true feel for what makes Minneapolis so compelling. Your guide will bring the past to life with fascinating stories of ambition, resilience, and reinvention. Minneapolis has grown and adapted over time—embracing innovation, honoring its roots, and continuously reimagining its future. The tour connects historic landmarks with modern developments, giving you a deeper understanding of how the city’s identity continues to evolve. By walk's end, you won’t just have seen the city—you’ll truly understand it.