Minneapolis Saint Paul is a city that offers more than just modern skyscrapers and lively neighborhoods. Its deep-rooted past shows up in surprising ways, from underground speakeasies to the roaring riverfront. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or just looking for an engaging way to explore, the local tours here deliver authentic stories and unique experiences. The city’s historic sites, former gangs, and riverside landmarks are best explored with guided tours that bring their stories to life.
The diversity of options is impressive. You can venture underground into the Wabasha Street Caves and relive the days of John Dillinger, or enjoy a private walking tour along Minneapolis’s riverfront, soaking in tales spanning over 300 years. For seniors, there’s a specially designed 2-hour walking tour that combines comfort with storytelling. Each offers a different taste of the city’s past, making it easier for you to pick the perfect fit.
Quick Overview
Our list of best historical tours in Minneapolis Saint Paul covers a broad spectrum—from immersive underground gangster excursions to intimate private walks and senior-friendly explorations. Each tour provides a distinct perspective, with some focusing on criminal history, like the Same-Day Tour Package that takes you beneath the city streets, while others highlight urban development and river history. For a tailored experience, there’s also a private walking tour that lets you explore at your own pace.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which best matches your interests and travel style.
1. Same-Day Tour Package (Historic Cave Tour & Saint Paul Gangster Tour)
Most people don’t realize how vibrant gangster history was in Saint Paul during the 1930s. This Same-Day Tour Package dives into that era, combining an underground historic cave exploration with a lively gangster bus tour. The underground component sets this tour apart, taking you beneath the city streets to the Wabasha Street Caves, once a notorious hideout used by gangsters like John Dillinger. Your guide will walk you through the caves’ storied past, sharing tales of bootlegging, speakeasies, and 1930s corruption. The tour then transitions to a small-group bus tour that hits key gangster sites around Saint Paul and West Saint Paul, including former safehouses, police stations, and shootout locations.
A seasonal highlight is the option to take a photo with a 1930 Hudson Essex Gangster Car, adding a fun, visual touch. The tour’s limited size—just 15 travelers—ensures a personalized experience. With reviews praising the informative storytelling and engaging guides, this tour offers a lively, immersive look at a lesser-known part of Minnesota’s history. The $69 price makes it a great value for anyone interested in crime history, underground sites, and small-group intimacy.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for history lovers who want to explore underground and outdoor gangster stories with a fun, small-group vibe.
2. Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour
For a comprehensive, personalized look at Minneapolis’s past, the Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour is hard to beat. This tour is entirely customizable, allowing your group to ask questions and focus on what interests you most. The guide, who has a wealth of knowledge about the city, will lead you past iconic sights like the Guthrie Theater, with its stunning architecture and views from the Endless Bridge. You’ll also visit Mill City Museum, built into a former flour mill, and Mill Ruins Park, where relics of 19th-century mills tell stories of Minneapolis’s industrial rise.
The tour then follows the Mississippi River, highlighting its importance as a lifeline for over 10,000 years, before crossing the Stone Arch Bridge, a marvel of engineering that offers spectacular city views. The final stop is St. Anthony Falls, which powered the city’s milling boom. The tour’s flexibility makes it ideal for travelers who want to control the pace and ask plenty of questions. With a review stating, “Our guide Brian was wonderful,” this tour appeals to those who love in-depth, conversational storytelling.
At $349 for a group of up to 10, it offers excellent value for a private experience that covers over 300 years of history at your own pace.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a tailored, relaxed exploration of Minneapolis’s riverfront and industrial past, with the comfort of a private guide.
3. 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide
Designed with seniors in mind, the Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour offers a comfortable way to experience the city’s stories in just two hours. Starting at Open Book, a cultural hub for writers and artists, the tour then visits the Guthrie Theater, famous for its modern design and river views. The route continues to Mill City Museum, where you explore the history of flour milling that made Minneapolis wealthy, and the Mill Ruins Park for a peaceful riverside walk.
The tour emphasizes ease of access, with stops at key landmarks that don’t require much walking or standing. It’s perfect for those who wish to enjoy a rich narrative without the physical strain of longer walks. Reviewers mention guide Brian’s friendly demeanor and his ability to make history engaging for older audiences. At $227.82 per person, it’s a well-priced option for those wanting a gentle, informative experience of Minneapolis’s history.
Bottom Line: An ideal tour for seniors or anyone preferring a relaxed pace, yet still wanting to cover essential city sights and stories.
How to Choose
When selecting the right historical tour in Minneapolis Saint Paul, consider your budget, physical comfort, and specific interests. If you’re fascinated by organized underground adventures, the Same-Day Tour Package offers a lively dive into gangster lore and subterranean sites. For those wanting a more personalized, in-depth exploration of the riverfront and industrial history, the private walking tour is your best bet, especially if you prefer a flexible schedule and can invest a bit more.
If you’re traveling with seniors or seek a less physically demanding experience, the Senior Tour provides a cozy yet rundown, perfect for those who appreciate a slower pace with engaging storytelling.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the private tour, which is limited to small groups. Consider the time of year—spring and fall often offer pleasant weather for walking, making outdoor tours more enjoyable.
To sum it up, Minneapolis Saint Paul’s diverse historical tours cater to many different interests. Whether you want to explore underground crime stories, enjoy a personalized riverfront walk, or take a gentle tour designed for seniors, these options deliver engaging, well-informed experiences. For a small-group gangster adventure or a private riverfront journey, start planning early to secure your spot. Whatever your choice, you’re sure to uncover some of the city’s most fascinating stories.