The Twin Cities Highlight Tour provides an enriching sightseeing experience through Minneapolis and St. Paul. With a focus on the cities’ architectural heritage and natural beauty, the tour showcases major attractions like the State Capitol, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the stunning Minnehaha Falls. Departing from the Mall of America, this half-day adventure promises an engaging and educational journey for first-time visitors. Knowledgeable guides bring the cities’ history to life, offering a 91% recommendation rate. Those interested in exploring the Twin Cities’ hidden gems won’t want to miss this captivating tour.
Good To Know
- A 3-4 hour sightseeing tour showcasing the top attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including the State Capitol, Minnehaha Falls, and historic architecture.
- Focuses on modern and historical architecture, providing a comprehensive introduction to the Twin Cities for first-time visitors.
- Offers an engaging experience with knowledgeable and friendly guides, praised for its 91% recommendation rate from over 170 reviews.
- Priced at $42 per person and includes pickup at the convenient location of the Mall of America.
- Covers a range of natural and cultural highlights, from the Chain of Lakes to the Guthrie Theater and industrial heritage sites.
Tour Overview
The Twin Cities Highlights Tour is a popular sightseeing experience that showcases the best of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
This 3-4 hour tour boasts a 91% recommendation rate from 172 reviews, earning a Badge of Excellence. Priced at $42 per person, the tour covers major attractions like the State Capitol, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Minnehaha Falls.
With a focus on architecture, both modern and historical, the tour provides first-time visitors with an ideal introduction to the cities’ layout and history.
Pickup is at the Mall of America, and tours generally receive praise for knowledgeable, friendly guides and comfortable transportation.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bloomington.
Main Attractions
The Twin Cities Highlights Tour takes visitors on an engaging journey through the top sights of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Highlights include the majestic State Capitol, the ornate St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the stately historic homes along Summit Avenue.
The tour also showcases the vibrant Guthrie Theater, the powerful St. Anthony Falls, and the scenic Chain of Lakes.
Guests will marvel at the old flour mills and learn about the cities’ rich industrial heritage.
The tour culminates at the serene Minnehaha Falls, offering a peaceful respite amidst the urban landscape.
This well-curated itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to the Twin Cities’ modern and historical attractions.
Tour Features
This half-day tour provides a rundown of the top attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ideal for first-time visitors, the tour focuses on showcasing the cities’ modern and historical architecture. Guests will explore landmarks like the State Capitol, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Guthrie Theater, gaining a deeper understanding of the cities’ layout and history through the guide’s engaging storytelling. The tour also includes visits to natural wonders such as St. Anthony Falls and Minnehaha Falls, offering a well-rounded experience.
| Tour Features |
|---|
| Half-day tour covering major sights |
| Focus on modern and historical architecture |
| Ideal for first-time visitors |
| Understand cities’ layout and history |
| Engaging guide storytelling |
Pickup Location and Meeting Time
The tour begins at the Mall of America’s North Parking Lot, located at 60 E Broadway in Bloomington, MN. Guests should arrive by 10:00 AM, the scheduled meeting time.
The pickup location is easy to find, with ample parking available. Those needing assistance can call the provided contact numbers, (952) 985-7514 or (952) 985-7500, for guidance.
The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers and service animals are permitted, with infants required to sit on laps during the tour.
Accessibility and Contact Information
While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, strollers and service animals are permitted, with infants required to sit on laps during the tour. For any pickup assistance, visitors can call the provided contact numbers. The relevant details are outlined in the table below:
| Pickup Location | Meeting Time | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Mall of America, | 10:00 AM | (952) 985-7514 |
| North Parking Lot, | (952) 985-7500 | |
| 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN | For pickup assistance |
Tour Guides and Feedback
Generally, tour guides on the Twin Cities Highlights Tour are praised for their knowledgeability, friendliness, and entertaining storytelling.
Travelers commend the guides’ engaging narratives and local insights, which help bring the cities’ history and architecture to life.
The transportation provided is reported as comfortable and clean, though some visitors note occasional issues with bus noise and visibility.
While the logistics around pickup locations could be clearer, most customers find the tour well-organized and recommend taking it early in their visit to better explore Minneapolis and St. Paul on their own afterward.
Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Travelers largely praise the Twin Cities Highlights Tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.6 based on their experiences.
Reviewers highlight the tour’s fun and educational nature, making it great for both locals and first-time visitors. The well-organized experience and knowledgeable, friendly guides earn particular praise.
However, some note issues with bus noise and visibility, as well as confusion over pickup logistics. A few suggest the tour could be shortened for greater comfort.
Logistics and Cancellation Policy
The Twin Cities Highlights Tour can be booked with a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Pickup for the tour is at the Mall of America’s North Parking Lot, with a meeting time of 10:00 AM.
| Logistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Pickup Location | Mall of America, North Parking Lot, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN |
| Meeting Time | 10:00 AM |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible; stroller and service animals allowed; infants must sit on laps |
| Contact | For pickup assistance, call (952) 985-7514 or (952) 985-7500 |
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are welcome. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parking Available at the Pickup Location?
Yes, the tour provides parking at the pickup location at the Mall of America’s North Parking Lot, according to the meeting details for the Twin Cities Highlights Tour.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour, though it’s recommended to avoid any strong-smelling or messy items that could disrupt the experience for other travelers.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with stops at major attractions. Guests can expect to walk around 1-2 miles total during the 3-4 hour tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the sights and experience.
Do the Tour Buses Have Wi-Fi or Charging Ports?
The tour buses don’t have Wi-Fi or charging ports. However, the comfortable and clean transportation provides a focus on the engaging storytelling and local insights shared by the knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining tour guides.
Are There Any Discounts or Bundle Packages Available?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or bundle packages based on the provided information. However, it’s possible there could be promotional offers or discounts available through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them directly.
The Sum Up
The Twin Cities Highlights Tour offers an engaging sightseeing experience that showcases the rich history, architecture, and natural beauty of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With knowledgeable guides, a high recommendation rate, and convenient pickup from the Mall of America, this tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors looking to explore the highlights of the Twin Cities in a half-day adventure.