Discover the captivating life of literary icon F. Scott Fitzgerald through a private tour of his St. Paul haunts. This 2-hour journey led by a knowledgeable guide explores the Victorian-era influences that shaped the renowned author’s writing and the vibrant Roaring Twenties culture that inspired his iconic works. Starting and ending at the Gnome Craft Pub, the tour offers a unique glimpse into Fitzgerald’s formative years and the personal experiences that fueled his timeless literary legacy. What secrets await as you…
This experience made our article of We Rank Minneapolis Saint Paul’s 13 Top Walking Tours.
Tour Overview
The Walking F. Scott Fitzgerald’s St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour offers an intimate look into the life and times of the renowned author.
This 2-hour experience takes visitors through the neighborhoods where Fitzgerald lived, immersing them in the Roaring ’20s era. Priced at $195 for up to 8 people, the tour has earned a stellar 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guide, Doug, for his captivating storytelling. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with the meeting point at Gnome Craft Pub.
While interior home visits aren’t included, the tour provides a unique glimpse into Fitzgerald’s local legacy.
Focus on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Life
As the centerpiece of the tour, Doug delves into the intimate details of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life.
Weaving together stories and anecdotes, he paints a vivid picture of the famous novelist’s formative years in St. Paul. Visitors learn about Fitzgerald’s upbringing in a Victorian-era home, his education, and the influences that shaped his literary genius.
Doug also explores Fitzgerald’s personal relationships, including his tumultuous marriage to Zelda, and how the Roaring Twenties culture left an indelible mark on his writing.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Minneapolis Saint Paul
Exploring Fitzgerald’s Roaring ’20s Lifestyle
While exploring Fitzgerald’s Roaring ’20s lifestyle, the tour guide Doug takes visitors on a captivating journey through the vibrant social scene that inspired the author’s acclaimed novels. Guests learn about the decadent parties, lavish homes, and fashionable attire that defined the era. A table below highlights key aspects of this immersive experience:
| Experience | Details |
| — | — |
| Parties | Champagne-fueled gatherings, jazz music, and dancing |
| Homes | Opulent mansions, ornate furnishings, and grand entertaining spaces |
| Fashion | Flapper dresses, tuxedos, and glamorous accessories |
| Socialites | Eccentric personalities, high-society connections, and scandalous affairs |
| Legacy | Fitzgerald’s literary influence and the cultural impact of the Roaring ’20s |
Discovering Victorian-Era Influence
Alongside the insights into Fitzgerald’s Roaring ’20s lifestyle, the tour also explores the Victorian-era influences that shaped his formative years.
Visitors learn how the grand, ornate architecture and decor of the Victorian homes Fitzgerald grew up in left an indelible mark on his worldview.
The guide delves into the strict social mores and traditions of the time, painting a vivid picture of the environment that cultivated Fitzgerald’s artistic sensibilities.
Meeting Point and Tour Experience
The tour begins at the Gnome Craft Pub on Selby Avenue in St. Paul. This is the meeting point for the walking tour that explores the life and homes of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The private tour allows guests to set their own pace as a knowledgeable guide shares stories about the author’s life during the Roaring ’20s and Victorian era.
The tour ends back at the Gnome Craft Pub. While home interiors aren’t included, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
Restrooms aren’t available during the experience.
What’s Included and Additional Information
As part of the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares stories about Fitzgerald’s life and the Roaring ’20s.
The tour includes a guided exploration, but home interiors aren’t accessible. Restrooms aren’t available, though service animals are welcome.
While the tour offers a guided exploration, visitors cannot access the home interiors. Restrooms are unavailable, but service animals are permitted.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is near public transportation.
Travelers receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability, and can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot.
The tour operates daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Into exploring Minneapolis Saint Paul on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at
Traveler Feedback and Booking Details
Travelers consistently praise the tour guide, Doug, for his knowledgeability, friendliness, and captivating storytelling.
"Doug was very friendly and knowledgeable," and "Douglas is fantastic! Knowledgeable, nice, and professional," wrote previous tour participants.
Another reviewer noted the "excellent tour guide with intimate knowledge of Fitzgerald’s life." With these glowing reviews, it’s no surprise the tour has a 100% recommendation rate from travelers.
Booking the tour is straightforward. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Customers can reserve now and pay later, allowing them to secure their spot while staying flexible. The tour runs daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, with the option to confirm the exact start time with the local provider in advance.
The Sum Up
This private tour offers a captivating exploration of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s formative years in St. Paul. Led by an expert guide, the 2-hour experience delves into the iconic author’s Victorian upbringing, tumultuous marriage, and the vibrant Roaring Twenties culture that shaped his literary legacy. Starting and ending at the Gnome Craft Pub, the tour provides a unique and accessible glimpse into Fitzgerald’s life, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for this literary giant.
📍 This experience made our list of the 13 best Walking Tours in Minneapolis Saint Paul
More Self-Guided Tours in Minneapolis Saint Paul
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: Saint Pauls Soaring Sights!
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Around Downtown Minneapolis
- Minnesota’s Storied City: A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown St. Paul
- Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis
More Guided Tours in Minneapolis Saint Paul
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: Saint Pauls Soaring Sights!
- 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour With Guide
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Around Downtown Minneapolis
- Minnesota’s Storied City: A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown St. Paul
- Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis
More Tour Reviews in Minneapolis Saint Paul
Still browsing? Here are more Minneapolis Saint Paul experiences we've covered recently
- Minneapolis Narrated Scenic Sightseeing Trolley Tour
- All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour
- We Rank Minneapolis Saint Paul’s 13 Top Walking Tours
- Our 6 Favorite Minneapolis Saint Paul Shopping & Market Tours
- The 4 Top Private Driver Services In Minneapolis Saint Paul: Which Is Best?
- 3 Best Historical Tours In Minneapolis Saint Paul (With Reviews & Prices)
- Magical Minneapolis Scavenger Hunt
- St. Paul Historic Cave Tour
- Minneapolis Saint Paul’s 4 Top City Tours (With Prices)
- Saint Paul Prowl Scavenger Hunt
- Spirits of Summit Avenue Walking Tour
- Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Saint Paul by Holly Jolly Hunt