St. Paul’s drinking history is a captivating tale of gangsters, rumrunners, and speakeasies that’s brought to life on the Drinking History Walking Tour. Visitors can uncover the city’s notorious past as they explore iconic bars and architectural gems, sampling top-shelf drinks along the way. The tour promises an immersive experience, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of how alcohol and crime have shaped St. Paul’s vibrant culture. With its compelling stories and unique insights, this walking tour offers a chance to step back in time and discover the hidden secrets of the city’s legendary drinking establishments.
Key Points
- The Drinking History Walking Tour in St. Paul explores the city’s iconic bars and their intriguing connections to notorious gangsters and alcohol-related crimes.
- The tour highlights four of St. Paul’s best bars, each with its own unique history and architectural charm, providing a glimpse into the city’s vibrant drinking culture.
- Participants can learn about the impact of Prohibition on the expansion of illicit empires and the enduring legacy of figures like Al Capone and the Barker-Karpis Gang.
- The tour offers an immersive experience, with an optional drink package that allows visitors to sample top-shelf offerings from the featured establishments.
- The tour is suitable for history buffs and curious travelers aged 21 and above, with flexible cancellation policies and pay-later options available.
Exploring Iconic St. Paul Bars
The Drinking History Walking Tour in St. Paul takes participants on a journey through the city’s iconic bars, where they’ll uncover the intriguing stories that have shaped the local drinking culture.
Guests will visit four of the best bars in the area, each with its own unique history and character.
From learning about the influence of notorious gangsters to exploring the architectural gems that house these watering holes, the tour provides an immersive experience that brings the past to life.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to discover the hidden gems of St. Paul’s bar scene, this walking tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with captivating tales and refreshing libations.
History of Alcohol and Crime
St. Paul’s storied history is intertwined with the ebb and flow of alcohol-related crimes, which have shaped the city’s character over the decades. Notorious gangsters once roamed the streets, leveraging the prohibition era to expand their illicit empires and leaving an indelible mark on the city’s drinking culture. The walking tour delves into these captivating tales, shedding light on the colorful figures who fueled the underground alcohol trade and the crimes that plagued the city. As you explore the iconic bars, your guide will regale you with stories of rumrunners, speakeasies, and mob bosses, offering a unique glimpse into St. Paul’s fascinating past.
| Year | Alcohol-Related Crimes | Notorious Figures |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Bootlegging, Speakeasies | Al Capone, Dapper Dan O’Leary |
| 1930s | Racketeering, Turf Wars | Barker-Karpis Gang, Kid Cann |
| 1940s | Gambling, Organized Crime | Isadore Blumenfeld, Harry Sawyer |
| 1950s | Moonshining, Prohibition Enforcement | O.C. Stoneham, Frank Crespi |
Visiting Popular Venues
During the Drinking History Walking Tour, you will visit four of St. Paul’s most iconic bars, each with its own captivating story.
These establishments have borne witness to the city’s turbulent past, serving as hubs for illicit activities and notorious figures.
From the opulent, chandelier-adorned saloons that catered to high-society elites to the dimly lit speakeasies that concealed underground gambling and bootlegging operations, these venues offer a glimpse into St. Paul’s storied history.
Along the way, the knowledgeable tour guide will share fascinating anecdotes and insights, transporting participants back in time and bringing the city’s vibrant drinking culture to life.
Highlights of the Tour
A key highlight of the Drinking History Walking Tour is the opportunity to visit four of St. Paul’s best bars, each with its own captivating story.
Participants will learn about the city’s turbulent past, as these venues were once hubs for illicit activities and notorious figures. Along the way, the knowledgeable tour guide will share fascinating anecdotes and insights, transporting visitors back in time and bringing St. Paul’s vibrant drinking culture to life.
Guests can also choose to add four top-shelf drinks to their tour, further seeing the local experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to explore the city’s charming character, the Drinking History Walking Tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Inclusion Details
The Drinking History Walking Tour includes a local guide to lead participants through the city’s iconic bars and share captivating stories about St. Paul’s drinking history. It also covers the cost of visiting four popular venues.
Guests who opt for the drink package will receive four top-shelf drinks during the tour. This provides visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to truly step back in time and discover the city’s rich drinking culture.
The tour is also flexible, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to book and pay later. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under the age of 21.
Cancellation and Payment Policies
The Drinking History Walking Tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests the flexibility to change their plans if needed.
Customers can also book the tour and pay later, providing convenience and peace of mind when planning their visit. This policy ensures that travelers can secure their spot on the tour without having to commit to payment immediately.
Should any unexpected circumstances arise, they can cancel their booking free of charge, up to a day before the tour. This level of flexibility makes the Drinking History Walking Tour an accessible and hassle-free experience for visitors to St. Paul.
Age Requirement
The Drinking History Walking Tour in St. Paul isn’t suitable for people under 21 years of age, ensuring the tour provides an appropriate experience for adult participants. As the tour explores iconic bars and discusses the history of alcohol and crime in the city, it’s crucial that all attendees be of legal drinking age. This age requirement is in place to maintain the integrity of the tour and provide a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.
| Age Requirement |
|---|
| Minimum Age: 21 |
| ID Check: Yes |
| Exceptions: None |
| Enforcement: Strict |
| Penalties: Denied Entry |
What to Expect
Participants can expect to explore some of St. Paul’s most iconic bars while learning about the city’s captivating history of alcohol and crime on this 3-hour Drinking History Walking Tour.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour visits four popular venues and highlights the charming character of St. Paul.
Guests will hear stories about famous gangsters and their ties to the city’s drinking establishments.
For those who opt for the upgraded package, the tour also includes four top-shelf drinks to enhance the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Tour?
No, participants cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour includes visits to 4 bars where guests can purchase drinks, but outside alcohol is not permitted. The tour is designed for guests to experience the local bar scene.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is generally wheelchair accessible, as it involves walking between several bars in downtown St. Paul. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm the accessibility of the specific venues visited.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s a good idea to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions.
Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Bars?
Customizing the tour to visit specific bars is possible, but may require additional fees or coordination with the tour provider. Guests should contact the tour organizers in advance to inquire about personalized options and any associated costs.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups?
Yes, the tour operator typically offers discounts for larger groups. Groups of 6 or more may be eligible for a 10% discount on the overall tour price. It’s best to inquire about group rates when booking the tour.
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Recap
The Drinking History Walking Tour in St. Paul offers an immersive experience for visitors to uncover the city’s captivating drinking history.
From exploring iconic bars to learning about the influence of gangsters and speakeasies, the tour provides a unique opportunity to sample top-shelf drinks and gain a deeper understanding of St. Paul’s vibrant and turbulent past.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good cocktail, this tour isn’t to be missed.