The Twin Cities offer practical, well-organized tours that showcase the best of Minneapolis and St. Paul without tourist traps. Walking tours through historic neighborhoods provide the perfect introduction to local architecture and stories, while private driving tours efficiently cover major landmarks in both downtowns. I especially recommend the Prohibition gangster tours in St. Paul – they’re entertaining and historically accurate, with passionate guides who know their stuff. For food lovers, the culinary walking tours through local neighborhoods deliver authentic tastes and good value, while craft brewery tours showcase Minnesota’s excellent beer scene with generous samples. Let’s explore the most worthwhile tours in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Key Points
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The All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour and the Brews Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Loop provide comprehensive experiences for exploring the local craft beer scene.
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The Complete St. Paul Walking Tour, Minneapolis Food Tour – Walking, and Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour offer immersive perspectives on the cities’ history and culture.
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The Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Tour and the St. Paul Gangsters and Victorian Homes Tours provide customized, private experiences with knowledgeable guides.
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The Saint Paul Gangster Tour and the Lost Souls Tour & St. Paul Historic Cave Tour offer unique, thematic experiences focused on Prohibition-era history and haunted sites.
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The Fitzgerald Life Tour provides insights into the life and times of renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald in the Roaring ’20s and Victorian-era Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour
For those seeking to experience the vibrant craft beer scene in Minneapolis, the All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the city’s top breweries.
With a 99% traveler recommendation rate and 240 reviews, this tour provides an all-inclusive experience, including visits to renowned establishments like Fair State Brewing Co-op, Lakes and Legends Brewing Company, and Modist Brewing.
Guests can enjoy all-you-can-drink craft beer at each stop, complemented by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the local brewing industry.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation by minibus, bottled water, and a cooler for purchased beer. While food isn’t provided, the tour’s gratuities are included, making it a hassle-free outing.
Suitable for adults 21 and older, the tour offers both afternoon and evening options, catering to various schedules.
With a maximum of 14 travelers per group, the experience maintains a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing participants to fully enjoy the craft beer culture of Minneapolis.
Read our full review: All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour Review
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Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 Hrs)
This private Minneapolis and St. Paul highlights tour is a great way to experience the Twin Cities. Covering 16 major sites in just 3 hours, the tour provides a rundown of the area’s top attractions.
From the Xcel Energy Center and Target Field to the scenic Lake of the Isles and Minnehaha Falls, the customized itinerary ensures you’ll see the sights that most interest your group.
Traveling by Cadillac Escalade with a professional driver, you’ll enjoy bottled water and the insights of your engaging guide, Douglas Kline, who shares local history, art, and culture.
The tour is suitable for various age groups and mobility needs, with strollers and service animals allowed.
With consistently positive reviews, this tour is highly recommended, with 97% of travelers rating it 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to explore more, this private tour offers a convenient and immersive way to discover the best of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Read our full review: Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 Hrs) Review
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The Complete St. Paul Walking Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s capital, will find the Complete St. Paul Walking Tour an excellent choice.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 5-mile tour delves into the city’s intriguing history, including Prohibition-era stories.
Led by friendly, knowledgeable local guides, groups of up to 12 travelers will discover city secrets and hidden caves while walking through neighborhoods and downtown.
The tour includes coffee or tea, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, providing opportunities to refuel at local cafes and a nearby bar.
Accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the tour’s moderate physical fitness level makes it suitable for most visitors.
Consistently praised for its engaging storytelling and local insights, the Complete St. Paul Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s history, architecture, and vibrant spirit.
Read our full review: The Complete St. Paul Walking Tour Review
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Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour
Immersing visitors in the vibrant culture and rich history of Minneapolis, the Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour provides an engaging 3-hour exploration of the city’s landmark sights.
Led by enthusiastic guides, guests embark on a journey through the Skyway System, along the Mississippi River, and into local neighborhoods, learning about Minneapolis’ architecture and heritage.
Accommodating a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience with opportunities to connect with fellow participants over coffee, tea, and beer.
Praised for their knowledge and storytelling abilities, the guides, particularly John and Dan, captivate attendees with in-depth information and TikTok-worthy anecdotes.
Covering essential sights and providing recommendations for post-tour activities, the tour caters to a range of interests and fitness levels, ensuring an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
With a 5.0 overall rating and 100% traveler recommendation, the Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour stands out as a must-do activity for those seeking to discover the heart and soul of this dynamic Midwestern city.
Read our full review: Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour Review
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Saint Paul Gangster Tour
For those looking to uncover the gritty underbelly of Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s past, the Saint Paul Gangster Tour offers a captivating 2-hour bus ride through the city’s notorious Prohibition-era history. Priced at $55 per person, this tour accommodates up to 25 travelers and departs from 215 Wabasha St S in downtown St. Paul.
The tour highlights significant sites, including the historic Castle Royal Gangsters Nightclub and the location where infamous outlaw John Dillinger escaped. Participants will also visit the home of renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Guides are praised for their entertaining and informative storytelling that brings this era to life.
Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 34 reviews, the Saint Paul Gangster Tour provides an engaging and unique experience for those interested in the city’s shadowy past.
Advance booking is recommended due to the tour’s popularity and limited free parking at the meeting point.
Read our full review: Saint Paul Gangster Tour Review
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Lost Souls Tour
Winding through the historic Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul, the Lost Souls Tour offers a chilling experience for those who dare. This one-hour walking tour explores the city’s most haunted site, where ghosts of notorious gangsters are said to linger.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the small-group format ensures an intimate encounter with the guide’s spooky stories and eerie photographs. Priced from $20 per person, the tour is suitable for adults and not recommended for children under 12.
While wheelchair and stroller accessible, the caves’ dimly lit interiors may pose visibility challenges. The tour’s engaging content and informative historical context have earned it a 4.4-star rating from previous visitors.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, on-site restrooms, and complimentary parking. Whether you’re a fan of the paranormal or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Lost Souls Tour promises to deliver a thrilling glimpse into St. Paul’s haunted past.
Read our full review: Lost Souls Tour Review
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St. Paul Historic Cave Tour
Nestled within the historic Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul, the St. Paul Historic Cave Tour offers a glimpse into the city’s gangster past. Priced at $15 per person, this 1-hour guided tour takes visitors through the only remaining restored Gangster Era site in the area.
With a 94% recommendation rate from 97 reviews, the experience is praised for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, who share unique insights into the caves’ history beyond their gangster associations.
The tour is suitable for locals, visitors, and families alike, with a maximum of 100 travelers per group. Wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, the tour also allows service animals.
Amenities include restrooms, Wi-Fi, and free parking on-site. Visitors suggest dressing warmly due to the cooler cave temperatures around 50°F and note that visual aids could enhance the storytelling.
Read our full review: St. Paul Historic Cave Tour Review
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Walking F. Scott Fitzgeralds St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour (2 Hrs)
The Walking F. Scott Fitzgerald’s St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour (2 Hrs) offers a 2-hour private walking tour focused on the life of the famous American novelist in St. Paul.
With 100% of travelers recommending the tour and an overall rating of 4.9 out of 10 reviews, this experience provides an in-depth look into Fitzgerald’s life during the Roaring ’20s and Victorian lifestyle.
The tour starts and ends at The Gnome Craft Pub, with participants advised to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance.
The tour is accessible, with service animals allowed and wheelchair-friendly surfaces. However, restrooms aren’t available during the tour.
Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour highlights Fitzgerald’s homes and the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, though interior home visits aren’t included.
Participants can walk at their own pace and enjoy the guide’s expertise and passion for storytelling.
Reviews praise the tour’s enjoyable, casual, and informative nature, inspiring further exploration of local history.
Read our full review: Walking F. Scott Fitzgeralds St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour (2 Hrs) Review
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Minneapolis Food Tour – Walking
Participants on the Minneapolis Food Tour – Walking embark on an intimate culinary journey through five remarkable restaurants that reflect the vibrant essence of Minneapolis.
The 2-3 hour walking tour takes small groups of 6-8 people to explore diverse food offerings that represent stories from passionate immigrants and community partners. Guests sample a variety of delicious choices during this immersive experience.
The tour begins at Hells Kitchen Inc. and concludes at W Minneapolis – The Foshay, with a start time of 11:00 am.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
With a perfect 5-star rating across multiple review platforms, the Minneapolis Food Tour – Walking provides an authentic and highly-rated culinary exploration of the city.
Read our full review: Minneapolis Food Tour – Walking Review
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Brews Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Loop Full-Day Tour
For travelers seeking to explore Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s vibrant brewing scene, the Brews Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Loop Full-Day Tour offers a convenient and immersive experience. Rated 5.0 stars by past participants, this tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s top breweries in an air-conditioned vehicle.
With gratuities included and service animals allowed, the tour is accessible for most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The tour starts at 4:00 PM, with confirmation provided at booking. Customers can expect a friendly and informative host, who’ll guide them through the brewery selections.
Past reviewers have praised the tour’s good variety of breweries and the host’s ability to provide insightful information. However, one reviewer noted that tardiness resulted in missing out on city sights, emphasizing the importance of completing the full time limit.
Operated by Minneapolis Trolley, this brewery tour is a great way for visitors to discover the flavors and atmosphere of the local craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Brews Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Loop Full-Day Tour Review
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Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour
Focusing on the city’s history over the past 300 years, the Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour offers a personalized experience for visitors to explore the city’s key sites. Guided by a knowledgeable, licensed local with over 10 years of experience, the tour takes guests through the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Park, and along the Mississippi River.
With no large groups, the tour allows for an intimate, customized experience where participants can ask questions and learn about the city’s rich history.
Located at the Guthrie Theater, the meeting point is easily accessible, with the tour concluding at the same location. The tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it accessible for all.
Priced at $349.00 per group of up to 10 people, the tour provides a low-price guarantee, though it’s non-refundable. Travelers can expect an engaging and enjoyable exploration of Minneapolis’ historic riverfront through this private walking tour.
Read our full review: Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour Review
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Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour
Exploring the interconnected web of Minneapolis’ skyways is a captivating way to experience the city’s vibrant downtown. This 2.5-hour walking tour, led by the knowledgeable guide Jessica, allows visitors to explore the art, architecture, and history of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region.
Starting at the iconic W Minneapolis – The Foshay, the tour takes a maximum of 10 travelers on a journey through the city’s skyway system, offering a unique perspective that’s perfect for first-time visitors.
Participants can expect to be immersed in engaging discussions, with the guide using visual aids like iPads to provide historical comparisons. The tour highlights hidden treasures, local tips, and the overall cultural significance of the skyways.
With an overall rating of 5.0 and 100% recommendation from previous guests, this tour is a must-do for those interested in urban exploration and gaining a deeper understanding of Minneapolis’ rich heritage.
The flexible booking process, including the option to reserve now and pay later, makes it an accessible and convenient experience.
Read our full review: Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour Review
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Crooked St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 Hrs)
Though steeped in its Midwestern charm, Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s past harbors a gritty underbelly of infamous gangsters and notorious criminal activity.
Offering a unique glimpse into this shadowy history, the Crooked St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 Hrs) takes visitors on a captivating 2-hour journey through the cities’ gangster hotspots.
For $469.18 per group (up to 2 people), this private tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.
Highlights include exploring former speakeasies, casinos, gangster homes, and hideouts, as well as learning about the exploits of John Dillinger and other notorious figures.
With a flexible itinerary tailored to guests’ interests, the tour promises a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Offering round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, the tour ensures a comfortable and convenient outing.
Bottled water and gratuities are included, and the tour is stroller-accessible, although not wheelchair-friendly.
Boasting a perfect 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, the Crooked St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour is an engaging way to uncover the cities’ shadowy past.
Read our full review: Crooked St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 Hrs) Review
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Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 Hrs)
The Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour takes visitors on a 2-hour stroll through St. Paul’s historic neighborhood.
This private tour highlights the city’s stunning Victorian architecture, showcasing styles like Queen Anne, neo-classical, Romanesque, and Georgian Revival.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour starts at the iconic James J. Hill House and winds through the charming streets, offering insights into the wealthy families who once resided here and the ongoing preservation efforts.
While the tour doesn’t include interior access, guests can admire the exteriors of these magnificent homes.
With 12 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a must-do for architecture enthusiasts visiting the Twin Cities.
The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Travelers should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance and note that restrooms aren’t available during the tour.
Priced at $195 for a group of up to 8 people, the tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 Hrs) Review
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Sum Up
Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a variety of engaging tours that showcase their rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural gems. From craft brewery visits to walking tours of historic neighborhoods, there’s something for every interest. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, these tours provide an immersive and informative experience that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Twin Cities.