Top Minnesota Cultural Tours

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.

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!

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 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.

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.)

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!

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 essence of Minneapolis on a two-hour city tour that showcases its rich history and iconic landmarks. This relaxed sightseeing experience includes stops at the historic Stone Arch Bridge, where you can enjoy stunning river views, and the renowned Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Led by an expert guide, you'll gain insights into the city's culture and attractions while traveling in comfort aboard deluxe transportation. Ideal for both visitors and locals looking to learn more about Minneapolis. 2-hour guided sightseeing tour of Minneapolis Visit the historic Stone Arch Bridge with time to explore View the famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and First Avenue Convenient pick-up at the Mall of America with expert local guide

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.

Set out on an adventure through the world of distillation, where you will discover farm to flask flavors. Join a local distillery tour and unlock the mysteries behind handcrafted spirits, from the first whiff of aromatic botanicals to the last lingering notes on your palate. As you wander through the production equipment and copper stills, expert guides will regale you with education and tales of innovation, and the passionate artisans who bring each bottle to life. Prepare for a sensory expedition that will ignite your curiosity, delight your taste buds, and leave you craving the next chapter in your spirited adventure! Includes: 1 Spirits flight (for aged spirits - select "whiskey nerd"), 1 branded Glencarin crystal spirit glass, full production tour, and an overhead projector presentation. Pizza and food available to purchase before or after the tour. Pizza flour stone milled onsite!

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 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

Experience the only comedy tour of its kind in The Twin Cities with exclusive access to ACME Comedy Company, one of the top stand‑up clubs in the U.S. Guided by a working comedian, you’ll explore the venue, learn how open mic nights work, and get help signing up to perform a 3‑minute set. First‑time performers have a strong chance of getting stage time, and if you’re not selected, you’ll receive $10 toward food or drinks while enjoying the show. Perfect for comedy fans or aspiring performers, with an optional coaching add‑on to help you prepare.

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 the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald on this private, historic walking tour in St. Paul, Minnesota. Your guide is a wealth of knowledge regarding the popular author who penned "The Great Gatsby" and shares stories about his life in the Roaring ‘20s, the Gilded Age architecture, and much more. Highlights include Fitzgerald's birthplace, homes, and haunts.