St. Paul Historic Cave Tour

If you’re looking for a quirky and educational experience that offers a glimpse into Saint Paul’s gritty past, the St. Paul Historic Cave Tour is a solid choice. This one-hour guided exploration of the Wabasha Street Caves promises a fascinating mix of history, storytelling, and underground adventure—all for just $15 per person. From casual visitors to history buffs and local families, this tour has a bit of something for all.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, you’ll get to explore the only remaining restored Gangster Era site in Saint Paul, which is a rare and intriguing piece of history. Second, the guides are known for their lively storytelling, making each stop feel like an episode straight out of a crime drama. Third, the tour offers free parking and Wi-Fi, making it a practical outing without the hassle of navigating public transit or worrying about extra costs.

A possible consideration? The caves maintain a cool temperature around 50°F, so packing a jacket or layering up is recommended. Also, while the group size is capped at 100, some might find the hour-long experience a little quick if they’re eager for more details, but the value for the price remains high.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, families with older kids, and anyone curious about Saint Paul’s gangster past. If you love stories that are a little quirky and a lot fascinating, you’ll likely find this experience both entertaining and enlightening.

Contents show

Key Points

Affordable & Accessible: At $15, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore local history.
Engaging Guides: Tour guides like Mary, Ellie, and Deborah are praised for their entertaining storytelling and deep knowledge.
Historical Significance: The caves reveal a unique slice of Prohibition-era gangster activity, making it an intriguing historical site.
Comfort & Convenience: Free parking and Wi-Fi add to the ease of the experience.
Temperature & Attire: Expect cool temperatures inside the caves—dressing in layers is recommended.
Group Size & Booking: Limited to 100 participants, and booking about 10 days in advance ensures securing your spot.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Minneapolis Saint Paul

Starting Point & Location

The tour kicks off at 215 Wabasha Street S, right in downtown Saint Paul. This spot is highly accessible with near public transportation options and free parking, making it easy for both locals and visitors to start their underground adventure without fuss.

The Cave Exploration

You’ll step into an extensive network of caves carved into the hillside—originally mined in the 1800s and later transformed into a notorious gangster hangout in the 1930s. These caves have been meticulously restored, with the experience designed to transport you back in time.

As you move through the tunnels, guides like Deborah, Ellie, and Tyra bring the history to life with energetic storytelling. Reviewers mention guides who are not just informative but also funny and personable, making the hour fly by. One attendee described Deborah as a “wealth of knowledge, a great storyteller and funny,” while Ellie was praised for bringing stories to life and making the tour captivating.

Stories from the Past

The tour covers more than just the gangster reputation. You’ll learn about the caves’ origins as abandoned mining ventures and their transformation over the decades. Guides share stories of gangster hotspots during Prohibition, painting a vivid picture of Saint Paul’s underworld. One reviewer noted that the tour provided “stories beyond the gangsters,” indicating a broader historical context.

The insider stories include colorful anecdotes that are unlikely to be found in books or online, making this a memorable experience. For example, some reviews highlight the guide’s humor and ability to make the past feel vivid, with one guest saying, “Our guide was informative, kind, and hilarious!”

Cave Environment & Practical Tips

Inside, the caves are cool—around 50°F—so bringing a jacket or layers is vital. Some reviewers mentioned that the caves are a bit dark and chilly, but the experience’s intimacy and authenticity more than compensate. The caves’ temperature also helps preserve the site, adding an element of authenticity to the underground exploration.

There's plenty more to explore in Minneapolis Saint Paul

Group Size & Booking

Limited to 100 travelers, the tour offers an intimate setting where guides can interact more personally. Booking about 10 days in advance is common, especially during peak times. With a price of just $15, it’s a highly competitive offering in terms of value.

Accessibility & Convenience

The tour features free parking at the site and Wi-Fi access, which adds to its practicality. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, making it a flexible outing for different needs.

What Do Travelers Love Most?

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides. For example, one said, “Our guide Mary made the history come alive,” and others appreciated guides who added humor and personality to the storytelling.

Many also highlight the visual and storytelling elements—though some expressed a wish for more visual aids like photos or videos during the tour. That said, the stories alone seem to captivate visitors, leaving them with a vivid mental picture of Saint Paul’s underground history.

The value for money receives high marks, with multiple guests describing the experience as “well worth the price” and “fantastic for the price.” The tour delivers a rich narrative that balances factual history with entertaining anecdotes.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: 215 Wabasha St S

This is the heart of the tour, exploring the restored gangster caves carved into the hillside. Expect a walk through tunnels that served as a hideout and hangout during Prohibition. The caves’ history as abandoned mining ventures in the 1800s adds an extra layer of intrigue, showing how these tunnels have evolved over time.

The Stories & Insights

Your guide will share tales of the gangster figures who used the caves, along with stories of crime and prohibition-era shenanigans. Some reviews mention the stories being “interesting with colorful pictures” and the guide’s ability to bring the history to life.

Cave Atmosphere & Experience

While the caves are cool, the experience is warm in terms of storytelling and group energy. Some visitors note the caves are a bit dark and cold, so layers are advised, but they also mention that the unique atmosphere adds to the authenticity.

Ending the Tour

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Saint Paul’s underground history and the stories of its criminal past. Many guests say they would return for other tours, indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This tour’s value for money is exceptional—offering a well-organized, entertaining, and educational experience at just $15. The small group size and personalized storytelling make it more engaging than larger, impersonal tours. With free parking and Wi-Fi, logistics are straightforward, and the relaxed pace allows you to absorb the stories without feeling rushed.

The guides’ ability to blend humor with historical facts is often highlighted, making the learning process enjoyable. Whether you’re local or visiting from out of town, this tour provides a fresh perspective on Saint Paul’s past, far from the usual tourist highlights.

Final Thoughts

The St. Paul Historic Cave Tour is a fantastic way to spend an hour exploring underground tunnels packed with stories of crime, prohibition, and local lore. It’s especially appealing for those interested in gangster history, underground adventures, or simply looking for an affordable and fun activity in Saint Paul.

The tour is well-organized, guided by passionate storytellers, and offers an authentic look into a lesser-known piece of American history. The combination of the caves’ atmospheric setting and captivating narratives creates a memorable experience you’ll likely recommend to friends.

If you’re after a mix of history, humor, and a touch of mystery, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to dress warmly and book early to secure your spot on this underground adventure.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick yet thorough experience suitable for most schedules.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $15 per person, offering excellent value considering the storytelling quality and access to a historic site.

Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at the site, adding convenience for visitors arriving by car.

Are there any physical requirements?
The caves are cool and might involve walking through tunnels, but the experience is generally accessible to most travelers. Dressing in layers is recommended due to the temperature.

Can I bring service animals?
Service animals are allowed, so guests with assistance needs are accommodated.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the engaging stories make it suitable for families, especially those with older kids interested in history or crime stories.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 10 days ahead is recommended to guarantee a spot, especially during busy periods.

What should I bring?
A jacket or layers to stay warm inside the caves. Bringing a camera is optional, but some reviews wished for visual aids during the tour.

What is the group size?
The tour is capped at 100 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience without feeling crowded.

To sum it up, the St. Paul Historic Cave Tour is a highly recommended, affordable, and entertaining way to uncover the city’s gangster past. Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for something different, you’ll enjoy the stories, the guides, and the underground setting that make this tour stand out. Perfect for curious travelers, families, or anyone eager to explore Saint Paul’s hidden past.