Top Minnesota Walking Tours

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 includes a light bite to eat at the historic Minneapolis Club. 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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the best ranked pizza joint in the country, 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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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!

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

Enjoy an elevated, curated dining experience in St Paul’s vibrant heritage neighborhood. Dominating the skyline, the majestic Cathedral of St Paul stands proudly as gateway to the city’s most scenic and historic neighborhood. Here the Victorian era’s movers and shakers, immigrants and servants, and priests and industrialists created a slice of St Paul which defined the Golden Age and showcased the city’s affluence. It includes stately mansions along Summit Avenue, where it was fashionable to see and to be seen, as well as green spaces, Mississippi River overlooks, and repurposed historic buildings with secret tales to tell. Learn the stories of James J Hill, F Scott Fitzgerald, Cass Gilbert, Ma Barker, and more famous, wealthy, and notorious figures from our capital city's colorful past. It is along these streets, within these walls, among these ghosts of the past that you’ll dine at some of the area’s most historic, luxurious, delicious, and tantalizing locations.

Experience a pivotal moment in American history on this 75-minute self-guided walking tour. As you walk, you’ll relive the events of the week of May 25, 2020 – and the moments when it felt like things were spiraling out of control – by hearing a combination of interviews and the author’s personal experience. The story begins on Memorial Day with the tragic events at the 38th and Chicago. You’ll then find out how the unrest began, and what it entailed. You’ll hear from local business owners who watched as gas stations and small businesses around them were looted and defaced during the riots. You'll also explore Powderhorn Park, and uncover the deeper history of the 38th St. Cultural District. Sensitive listeners should be aware that this tour covers difficult topics and scenes, such as the murder of George Floyd and the death of two others who passed away during the unrest, as well as the loss of many people’s businesses and livelihoods.

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!

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

Set out on a scenic boat tour through the breathtaking waters of Voyageurs National Park. This guided adventure offers not only stunning views but also a rich tapestry of history as you explore historic sites and encounter diverse wildlife, including loons, bald eagles, and black bears. Enjoy complimentary beverages as we make regular stops at convenient locations with bathroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. With a knowledgeable captain at the helm, this tour is perfect for nature lovers and families alike, providing a memorable day in the great outdoors. - Scenic guided boat tour through Voyageurs National Park - Small group boat tour limited to 6 guests - Spot local wildlife like loons, bald eagles, and black bears - Comfortable journey with complimentary beverages and bathroom stops - Led by an experienced captain with insights into the park's history

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 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."

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.