If you’re looking for a way to peel back the layers of St. Paul’s quiet, genteel exterior and uncover its more rebellious, clandestine past, then the St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl might just be your ticket. Though we haven’t done this tour ourselves, the reviews and information paint a vivid picture of a unique experience that takes you beyond the usual sightseeing and into the shadowy corners of Minnesota’s capital city.
What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic stories—tales of bootleggers, gangsters, and underground tunnels—delivered by knowledgeable guides who clearly know their stuff. Plus, the inclusion of craft cocktails and local brews at historic bars adds a flavorful, social element to the history lesson. One consideration: with only three hours, you’ll want to pace yourself if you’re keen on sampling a few drinks and hearing all the stories.
This experience seems best suited for curious travelers who enjoy history, offbeat stories, and a bit of nightlife with substance. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of true crime stories, or simply seeking a different way to experience St. Paul, this tour promises to entertain and educate alike.
Key Points
- Expert-guided walking tour with skip-the-line access to historic bars.
- Hidden stories of bootleggers, gangsters, and corrupt officials.
- Access to craft cocktails and premium beers at renowned local breweries.
- Explore underground tunnel systems used by criminals to evade law enforcement.
- Stories of notorious figures like John Dillinger, Machine Gun Kelly, and the Barker Gang.
- Authentic, detailed narration that goes beyond the surface of St. Paul’s history.
An Overview of the St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl
This tour promises a 3-hour journey through the lesser-known side of St. Paul, Minnesota, a city often seen as the quieter, more reserved twin to Minneapolis. What makes this experience stand out is its emphasis on local legends and secret histories that most visitors never get to hear. For just $79 per person, you get a thoughtfully curated experience that balances history, storytelling, and local flavor.
The tour kicks off outside Cossetta’s restaurant—an iconic downtown spot—where your guide will meet you in a blue-shirted ensemble. From there, you’ll be led through a series of historic bars, each with its own story to tell. The group size tends to be small enough to keep the experience personal, with knowledgeable guides like Camille, Dan, and Collin, who have earned praise for their storytelling skills and friendly demeanor.
The highlight is the exclusive access to bars with hidden stories, which could include tales of bootleggers like “Pig’s Eye Parrant”, who is legendary in local lore, or stories of gangsters and criminal hideouts. The tour also delves into underground tunnels used by Chicago criminals—a fascinating glimpse into the city’s shadowy past. Plus, you’ll learn about corrupt officials and clandestine political deals that shaped St. Paul’s history behind closed doors.
You can also read our reviews of more historical tours in St Paul Minnesota
What Makes the Tour Stand Out?
Unlike standard bar-hopping or casual city tours, this experience is all about storytelling at historic venues. The inclusion of skip-the-line access means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time soaking up stories. The expert guides are clearly a highlight, with reviews highlighting their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience to individual interests.
The craft cocktails and premium beers add a layer of local flavor, making the tour not just educational but also a delightful tasting adventure. One traveler mentioned that Waldmann Brewery was “awesome,” and suggested that a stop at Schmidt Brewery, even if not active, could be a gem for history and drinks.
The underground tunnel system featured in the tour adds a tangible sense of mystery and adventure. Imagine walking through secret passages once used by Chicago gangsters to escape law enforcement—stories like these bring history to life in a way that a simple walk through downtown couldn’t match.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
The tour is designed to maximize storytelling and atmosphere. You’ll meet your guide outside Cossetta’s, then head into several historic bars. Each bar has its own legend: some were true sanctuaries for bootleggers during Prohibition, while others served as hideouts for gangsters like John Dillinger and the Barker Gang.
A typical stop might include a cozy, dimly lit tavern where rumors circulated of gangster meetings and illegal booze. Here, your guide shares insights into figures like “Pig’s Eye Parrant”, a legendary figure in St. Paul’s bootlegging scene, as well as tales of corruption and political backroom deals that kept law enforcement in a delicate dance with criminals.
One of the most intriguing aspects is exploring underground tunnels—the kind used by criminals to escape or hide from authorities. These tunnels are a tangible reminder of the city’s less polished past. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a complimentary drink, likely a local beer or cocktail, setting a convivial tone for the storytelling.
The tour ends after about three hours, leaving you with a richer understanding of St. Paul’s hidden past and a few stories to impress friends back home.
Authenticity and Value: What Travelers Say
Multiple reviewers praise the knowledgeability of the guides. Camille, for example, received glowing feedback, with one traveler calling her “outstanding” and her knowledge “a great asset.” Dan was also noted for tailoring the experience to individual interests, making the tour feel personalized.
One traveler even remarked, “Waldmann brewery was awesome,” and suggested that even without an active brewery, the historic venue has a lot of stories and character. The reviews consistently highlight the entertaining and informative narration as what sets this experience apart.
At $79, the tour offers a fair value considering the expert guides, exclusive access, and the local drinks included. It’s an intimate, engaging way to learn about St. Paul’s less obvious, seedier side—something you’d miss if you only wandered through on your own.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details
- Duration: 3 hours, usually in the afternoon, making it ideal for a leisurely exploration.
- Meeting Point: Outside Cossetta’s restaurant (do not go inside), in downtown St. Paul.
- Age Restriction: Not suitable for those under 21.
- Cost: $79 per person, which includes a complimentary drink and access to historic venues.
- Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, a plus for travelers with mobility needs.
- Flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.
Remember to bring your passport or ID for age verification, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring cash for additional drinks or tips.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts who enjoy stories of crime, prohibition, and underground networks. If you like engaging guides who know their stuff and can weave narratives that bring history alive, you’ll love this tour. It’s also suitable for those interested in local culture and authentic experiences rather than polished tourist attractions.
Travelers looking for a fun, social activity that combines education with a bit of nightlife will find this a worthwhile choice. However, it’s important to note that under 21 travelers cannot participate, and the focus is more on stories than on heavy partying.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
This bar crawl offers a rich, engaging glimpse into St. Paul’s clandestine past. From historic bars to underground tunnels and tales of gangsters, it’s a compelling way to see a different side of the city. The knowledgeable guides make a difference, turning simple visits into storytelling sessions that are both fascinating and fun.
It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy history, authentic local stories, and a lively but educational atmosphere. The combination of history, local drinks, and storytelling makes this tour more than just a bar crawl—it’s an immersive experience that brings the city’s secret side into the spotlight.
If you’re in St. Paul and want to combine a love of history with some local flavor, this tour is a worthwhile adventure. Just be ready to listen, learn, and maybe chuckle at some of the mischievous stories from days gone by.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for history buffs?
Absolutely. The tour is designed around storytelling and includes many stories of bootleggers, gangsters, and underground tunnels, appealing to those who love local history and true crime tales.
How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 3 hours, which allows enough time to visit several bars, hear stories, and enjoy some drinks without feeling rushed.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes, you must be over 21 to participate, as alcohol is involved and some stories may be more suitable for an adult audience.
What’s included in the price?
For $79, you get a guided tour, skip-the-line access to historic bars, a complimentary drink, and exclusive tales of St. Paul’s hidden past.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travelers with unpredictable schedules.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight that guides like Camille, Dan, and Collin are highly knowledgeable, friendly, and able to personalize the experience based on your interests.
This tour is a smart choice for those eager to uncover the secret stories of St. Paul that most visitors never see—combining history, local culture, and a touch of adventure in just a few hours.
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