Top Minnesota 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. The skyway is such a huge part of our city's identity, the Replacements even wrote a song about it, aptly named Skyway. 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.)

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Explore the unique culinary landscape of Minneapolis on this guided walking food tour through the interconnected Skyway system. Over two hours, sample five 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 five 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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

Explore the significance of George Floyd Square and engage with the local community through art, culture, and history. This tour emphasizes respect and understanding, guiding you through an area that honors resilience and fosters healing. Discover local businesses, such as Mystic Healing Stones, & Listen to Us Art Gallery, where you can find unique gifts while supporting artists striving to recover. Get involved by volunteering at the People’s Closet and learn about organizations like the Sabathani Community Center, dedicated to uplifting the community. After your visit, take time to reflect and decompress in a supportive environment. - Visit historic George Floyd Square and engage with local artists - Support small businesses and purchase unique gifts - Volunteer opportunities available at the People’s Closet - Explore community services that promote racial justice and healing

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.