Top Minnesota Walking Tours

Experience Minneapolis like never before with guided walking tours led by knowledgeable local experts. Discover the fascinating and often overlooked history of Minneapolis and Minnesota, from the pre-statehood era to modern times. Our tours provide insightful commentary and engaging stories, offering a deeper understanding of the city's rich heritage and cultural evolution.

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.)

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.

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.

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!

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).

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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 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.

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 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

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.

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 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