All Minneapolis-Saint Paul Tours & Excursions in 2026

Bull sharks, record-breaking paddlers and a parrot that answered the phone: the Mississippi has stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Walk the river with Frank Bures, an award-winning writer for Harper’s and The Atlantic. This is a storyteller’s walk, more river tales than history lecture. Enjoy the stories as you stroll along at your own pace. -Hear how St. Anthony Falls has moved upstream, and what happened to Spirit Island -Discover the story behind the restored Grain Belt sign -Follow a 450-mile canoe race, and Frank’s own brush with death on the river -Cross the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and see the Art Deco Post Office and Stone Arch Bridge -17 stops, 1.4 miles, about 45 minutes Part 1 of a riverfront loop (another tour by Frank): it ends near the start of Minneapolis River Walk. Starts on Nicollet Island at Merriam St. Winter: the Hennepin Ave Bridge stairs may be closed. If so, take a short detour through the DeLaSalle High School parking lot. GPS audio works offline.

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!

Discover Minneapolis from a fresh perspective on the Northeast Riverfront and Arts Ride, a guided cycling route through one of the city's most creative districts. Pedal along scenic river routes while admiring public art installations, historic architecture, and vibrant urban murals. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour offers an engaging way to explore local culture and waterfront views at an easy, enjoyable pace. Stops include iconic local restaurants serving food and beverages and art stops.

Step onto America's longest preserved Victorian boulevard for a journey through Gilded Age wealth, Jazz Age literature, and Prohibition crime. Join logical guide Max and passionate historian Sofia as they reveal how railroad barons built private fortresses, F. Scott Fitzgerald captured high society's flaws, and Saint Paul police ran a corrupt deal protecting America's most wanted gangsters. - A 4.6 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 140 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Art, Design & Aesthetics - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app Discover Saint Paul through a compelling story guided by a local and an expert in dialogue. Packed with captivating facts and hidden gems, this self-guided smartphone tour lets you explore completely independently—whenever you want, at your own speed, and free from tourist crowds.

Unwind with the Sacred Stone Sound Bath, an exclusive crystal sound healing experience in Minneapolis. Each session pairs you with a unique crystal companion, enhancing your personal journey. Guided intention-setting prepares your mind for relaxation, while soothing sound bowls and chimes fill the air, allowing you to immerse yourself in tranquility. This is a 60-minute session, limited to just four guests for personalized attention. No prior experience is necessary—simply arrive with an open heart and a desire to recharge.

Swap the usual “what should we do today?” debate for a fun, hands-on candle making class hosted at a trendy local brewery in Minneapolis. In this hands-on experience, Instructor Heidi will guide you step by step as you design and pour your own custom candle. You’ll explore different scents, learn how fragrance, wax and wicks work together and create a candle that feels completely personal. And the best news? No experience is needed. Get ready for an experience that is creative, relaxing and way more memorable than sitting through another average happy hour. This class is ideal for couples looking for a unique date night, friends planning a girls’ night out, solo guests who want a calming creative escape and travelers searching for a local activity beyond the typical sightseeing list. Come for the cozy atmosphere, stay for the joy of making something with your own hands and leave with a custom candle that feels totally you.

Explore a world of color and creativity at Crayola Experience Mall of America. Jump between 25+ hands-on activities designed to spark your imagination. Create a Crayola crayon with your name on it, turn a personalized coloring page into a 4D adventure, see how crayons are made, and much more!

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

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.

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.

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

For thousands of years, Jewish people have brought in the Sabbath with candles, wine, and the blessing over challah -- the traditional braided bread. During this activity, you'll learn practical challah-baking tips as well as the history, significance, and cultural roots of challah-baking. You'll experience a genuine and age-old Jewish tradition as you learn the steps to bake your very own challah -- and then you'll be able to enjoy your warm-from-the-oven fresh-baked challah bread!

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.

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

Trade your usual brewery snacks for freshly rolled sushi in this fun, hands-on cooking class with Chef Pao. Hosted at a local brewery, this interactive experience teaches you how to create two restaurant-style sushi rolls from scratch. Begin with the crowd-pleasing California roll, packed with imitation crab, cucumber and avocado. Next, prepare a flavourful spicy salmon roll with fresh salmon, crunchy vegetables and a creamy kick of spice. You’ll learn how to handle sushi rice, arrange your fillings and roll everything neatly using professional techniques shared by Chef Pao. After class, enjoy your handmade sushi and pair it with a drink available for purchase from the brewery. Perfect for beginners, food lovers, date nights or anyone who believes sushi tastes even better when you make it yourself.

Go frolicking through downtown Minneapolis, without the rush of a tour group, with this interactive scavenger hunt. You and your group can play right from your smartphone, but it’s up to you if you’re playing on a team or against each other. Answer trivia questions, solve puzzles, and complete challenges to earn points while getting to know the city, passing by popular sites such as Mill City Museum, City Hall, and Foshay Tower.

Step into downtown Minneapolis to unpack 'Minnesota Nice.' From soaring glass skyways to quiet library halls and riverfront mill ruins, explore how Scandinavian Janteloven, Lutheran stoicism, and harsh winters shaped local etiquette, spatial behavior, and non-verbal communication. - A 3.3 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 103 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Social Fabric & Everyday Life and Identity, Migration & Globalization - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Unlock the secrets of holistic healing in this transformative workshop designed to soothe the mind and spirit. Participants will discover the harmonious blend of essential oils and crystals, learning how to craft a personalized aromatherapy blend that resonates with their unique energy. Choose to create either a calming roll-on bottle adorned with healing crystals or a luxurious dip-style crystal bottle crowned with a radiant amethyst(Amethyst additional). This class is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed or seeking balance, providing tools to cultivate grounding and clarity in everyday life. All materials are included, making this a convenient and enriching experience for both beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Walk the Gilded age avenues of the capital city of the North Star state. Hear the story of the city of seven hills

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.

Step into Minneapolis's Mill District, where the wild currents of St. Anthony Falls turned raw Midwestern wheat into a global industrial empire. Explore grand stone ruins, massive rail arches, and world-record flour mills transformed into artist lofts, public parks, and cultural venues. - A 3.9 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 122 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and History & Memory - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Learn all about St. Paul's gangster past on this private driving tour, where you and one other passenger drive through the "Saintly City" and see where all the notorious gangsters used to hang out. Hear how the city was a haven for the nation's most notorious crooks, from bank robbers to bootleggers and the famous John Dillinger—learn more than you could find in a guidebook and discover other city attractions.

Explore the downtown Minneapolis skyways on this guided, 3-hour food tour. Visit the city’s ‘Broadway’ theatre district. Try delicious tastings from local restaurants and specialty food shops. Taste local favorites including ham and pear crisp sandwich, sweet and salty Chicago Mix popcorn, a hummus platter and locally brewed draft beer, just to name a few. Also, learn about the history of downtown Minneapolis, embrace the culture, see the skyscraper modeled after the Washington Monument and much more.

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