The 10 Best Walking Tours in Minneapolis, Minnesota (MN)

November 19, 2021 Layne Dawes

With its gleaming skyscrapers set amid glittering lakes, Minneapolis makes for an attractive and fun getaway. A truly year-round destination, the city offers activities for every season. In winter, one can explore the downtown area through more than seven miles of glass-enclosed skyways. In addition to keeping you warm, they create a lively thoroughfare filled with specialty shops, restaurants and services. Whether you want to escape the winter cold or the summer warmth, the Mall of America offers shopping, dining and entertainment options for any time of the year and every member of the family. Art lovers have plenty to see at the Minneapolis Art Institute, Walker Art Center and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, which all house world-renowned collections. The theater scene is thriving. With more than thirty theaters, Minneapolis has more seats per capita than any U.S. city except New York. See a Broadway show and enjoy dinner and live jazz at a fabulous restaurant. With kids in tow, check out the Science Museum of Minnesota, where visitors can produce their own video, or come face to face with a shark at the UnderWater Adventures Aquarium. In summer, the action moves outside. Known as "The City of Lakes," Minneapolis has 22 lakes located within city limits and many more in the surrounding area. In town, hordes of locals and tourists in-line skate or stroll around Lake Calhoun, stopping for ice cream along the way. Just outside of town, Fort Snelling State Park offers outdoor recreational activities from hiking to biking and golf to boating. No matter when you visit, Minneapolis offers lots for everyone to enjoy.
Restaurants in Minneapolis

1. Walking Minneapolis Downtown Parks, Fountains & Sculpture Private Tour (2 hrs)

IDS Center, 80 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA Douglas Kline
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This private, outdoor, 2-hour walking tour highlights the varied parks & trails, water fountains and art sculptures that comprise some of the most popular public cultural attractions near downtown Minneapolis. Best experienced during late spring, summer and early fall, we'll see some of the city's most beautiful settings and understand why it is exponentially growing with new downtown residents and workers. You'll enjoy the lively scene along Nicollet Mall and the quiet serenity of public plazas, stroll park paths with the locals and marvel at modern, world-class sculpture in a unique garden setting. Luckily, we'll have time to stop for some fresh caramel corn, chocolates or snacks at a beloved candy counter (purchased on own). "Amazing experience! Douglas' passion means return soon!" Ana M., Brazil "5 out of 5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable..." Thalia S., Georgia USA "Informative & fun! He is a walking Wikipedia and a great photographer for group shots." David S., Florida USA

Inclusions: Guided tour

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Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg

The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.

2. Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs)

201 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA Douglas Kline
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

You'll get so close to the surging Mississippi River and its dramatic St. Anthony Falls during this private, 2-hour walking adventure that you'll catch your breath while learning how the the river's rich history impacts life today in Minneapolis. From the falls to old flour mills and spanning the famous Stone Arch Bridge, you'll see surprising views and hear stories from many different perspectives - early settlement and lumbering, harnessing the river's wild power, milling flour to feed the world and today's Mill District transformation into the city's most desirable and trendy residential neighborhood. "Informative & fun! He is a walking Wikipedia and a great photographer for group shots." David S., Florida USA "5 out of 5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable..." Thalia S., Georgia USA "Amazing experience! Douglas' passion means return soon!" Ana M., Brazil

Inclusions: Guided tour

Exclusions: Restrooms are not available during this tour.

Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg

The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.

3. Walking F. Scott Fitzgerald's St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)

The Commodore Bar & Restaurant, 79 Western Ave N, St Paul, MN 55102, USA Douglas Kline
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

For 2 hours, you'll enjoy a private, guided walk in a historic, charming neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota, as you stroll past the birthplace, homes and haunts of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the famous author of "The Great Gatsby" and other notable American novels. While we walk, you'll learn about Fitzgerald's lively life and the Roaring '20s, and also hear anecdotes about his hometown shenanigans. In addition, while we amble, residential architecture buffs will be able to spot many types of popular Victorian home styles in this historically preserved area. "Informative & fun! He is a walking Wikipedia and a great photographer for group shots." David S., Florida USA "5 out of 5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable..." Thalia S., Georgia USA "Amazing experience! Douglas' passion means return soon!" Ana M., Brazil

Inclusions: Guided tour

Exclusions: Tour does not include home interiors., Restrooms are not available during this tour.

Reviewed By Holly F

Our tour guide, Doug, went above and beyond for our tour. First of all, the fact that he was game to do an outdoor tour in February was so kind. At first I thought we might like to do the Skyway tour since we'd be mostly indoors but still fairly Covid-safe with our masks. Doug suggested that this wouldn't be the best tour as many of the shops and businesses were closed. He suggested the Summit Avenue tour instead and I'm so glad we got to see it. St. Paul is so lovely and you get the bonus of being right near the cathedral as well.

4. Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, USA Douglas Kline
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

For 2 hours, take a private, guided stroll along charming and historic Summit Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota, past stately homes built during the Victorian era that are nearly perfectly preserved today. You'll hear stories about the barons and tycoons who built these homes and how their houses have survived 120 or more years of change. You'll also wind through a former back alley now transformed into a charming city street that features modern residences in historic structures. Residential architecture buffs will spot nearly every type of home style popular during the Victorian era - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, Tudor and more. Love grand, old homes that are pristinely preserved as active residences? Enjoy meandering outdoor sidewalks among trees, parks, fine landscapes and beautiful buildings? This tour is for you. "Informative & fun! A walking Wikipedia." David S., FL USA "5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable." Thalia S., GA USA

Inclusions: Guided tour

Exclusions: Tour does not include home interiors., Restrooms are not available during this tour.

Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg

The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.

5. Saint Paul Skyway Food Tour

Union Depot, 214 4th St E, St Paul, MN 55101, USA Taste Twin Cities Food Tours
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4.9 based on 7 reviews

Explore the best of St. Paul food in the heart of downtown. You’ll learn about the Capital City's robust food culture while exploring its rich history including a lively gangster past. Tastings are based on our multicultural communities and the best water in the country for creating delicious craft beer. You'll stroll through some of the most historic areas in St. Paul, including the Saint Paul Hotel that overlooks Rice Park and Landmark Center. Along the way you’ll enjoy quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership, including a favorite since 1932. Visit one of the best local chocolatiers/confectioners in the Twin Cities while eating and sipping on their hand-crafted chocolate. This tour is approximately 90% indoors and includes about 3 city blocks walking outside.

Inclusions: Visit Mickey’s Dining Car that was featured in the "Mighty Ducks" and "Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels", Stroll through the most historic areas in St. Paul, including Rice Park and the Landmark Center, Lunch food tasting and Alcoholic Beverages, Professional local guide, Small group tour that includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By keatonmarie

I took this tour with some family as a little "gals weekend" activity and it was a ton of fun! Learning more about the restaurants and their history was great, and learning more about the city was also cool. Even as St Paul natives we learned a lot of cool new facts and history that we hadn't previously known and got to try a new restaurant to us - Afro Deli (which was amazing by the way!) Would definitely recommend taking this tour and will be booking future tours with them in the future!

6. Investigation of a Miss Treedeath - Escape Room Mission in Minneapolis

Escape MSP - Minneapolis, 701 Decatur Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA Escape MSP
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4.8 based on 19 reviews

Clocks, locks and secret passages Fully themed escape room experience Your team has 60 minutes to find the hidden asset and escape You'll need your wits, teamwork & a lot of critical thinking Get your team's score on the leaderboard

Inclusions: Fully themed mission experience

Exclusions: Food and drink

Reviewed By 684makennad

This escape room was one of the best yet! It is pretty challenging but it really keeps you busy the whole time! We were a bachelorette party and a group of 8. Lamae, Dr. K’s assistant while we were there, made the experience real and was very helpful. She was very friendly and stayed in character while we were in the room. I highly recommend!

7. Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour

Union Depot, 214 4th St E, St Paul, MN 55101, USA Taste Twin Cities Food Tours
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4.5 based on 13 reviews

Explore the best of St. Paul food in the heart of downtown. You’ll learn about the Capital City's robust food culture while exploring its rich history including a lively gangster past. Tastings are based on our multicultural communities and the best water in the country for creating delicious craft beer. Start by enjoying the sights along the Mighty Mississippi River and strolling through some of the most historic areas in St Paul, including the Saint Paul Hotel that overlooks Rice Park and Landmark Center. Along the way you’ll enjoy quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership, including a favorite since 1932. Visit one of the best local chocolatiers/confectioners in the Twin Cities while eating and sipping on their hand-crafted chocolate.

Inclusions: Stroll through the most historic areas in St. Paul including Rice Park and the Landmark Center, Foods from our multicultural communities; the best water in the US for creating delicious craft beer, Visit one of the best local chocolatiers in the Twin Cities while eating hand-crafted chocolate, Lunch food tasting, Professional local guide, Small group tour that includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By KatherineW1866

Loved our tour! The food was great and our guide was very knowledgeable. We ended up with more food than we could eat, so it was great to have leftovers for dinner and even dessert!

8. Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour

818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA Taste Twin Cities Food Tours
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4.2 based on 25 reviews

Hungry for an off the beaten path Minneapolis food experience? Join us as we explore one of the city's trendy and historical neighborhoods, the Mill District and St. Anthony on Main in Northeast Minneapolis. You'll enjoy sampling food at the first Thai restaurant in Minnesota, home-made gelato, and drinking locally-brewed craft beer. A highlight for many is a fried food that is universally loved in Minnesota. In addition to sampling food, we will also stroll by the local Farmers Market, Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater. You'll enjoy gorgeous views of St. Anthony Falls as we walk along the Stone Arch Bridge into historical St. Anthony on Main. You'll learn about the history of both of these neighborhoods while touring the oldest street in Minneapolis. You'll taste and chat with other food-loving guests, and leave the tour with an appreciation for these distinct neighborhoods that most tourists never see!

Inclusions: Enjoy food at the first Thai restaurant in Minnesota, home-made gelato, and local brewed beer, You'll visit the Mill City Museum, stroll by the Guthrie, enjoy gorgeous views of St. Anthony Falls, Lunch food tasting, Professional local guide, Small group tour that includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By keatonmarie

I took this tour with some family as a little "gals weekend" activity and it was a ton of fun! Learning more about the restaurants and their history was great, and learning more about the city was also cool. Even as St Paul natives we learned a lot of cool new facts and history that we hadn't previously known and got to try a new restaurant to us - Afro Deli (which was amazing by the way!) Would definitely recommend taking this tour and will be booking future tours with them in the future!

9. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Minneapolis by Operation City Quest

102 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt of Minneapolis
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1.0 based on 1 reviews

Operation City Quest of Minneapolis allows your team to discover the city in a fun and different way. The game instructs you to find a variety of items that can be found in the downtown area. For every item you find, you'll get points. You'll also participate in exciting challenges for points as well. See how your points stack up to others on our app rankings. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Minneapolis.

Inclusions: All Activities, GST (Goods and Services Tax), 2 hours with a remote interactive guide

Exclusions: Use of Activity-owned smartphone, Private transportation

10. Minneapolis Ghost Walk

102 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA American Ghost Walks

Take a ghost tour with American Ghost Walks and learn about the haunted history of the Minneapolis. This beautiful city is full of ghost stories, and our ongoing research guarantees you hear something you’ve never heard before on each of our tours. Join us for fascinating and chilling tales about downtown Minneapolis.

Inclusions: Guided haunted history walking tour of downtown Minneapolis.

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Reviewed By 727evad

My partner decided to do a ghosthunt in Chicago on a Friday night to learn a little bit more about the neighborhood we live in, and boy we're glad we did it! Tony is the BEST tour guide--super knowledgeable about the historical, the strange, the weird, and the paranormal! We started off in front of the history museum and wound our way through Lincoln Park, around the zoo, and eventually ended up at a nondescript parking lot down the street from us which happens to be the site of the St. Valentine's Day massacre. Along with his encyclopedic knowledge, Tony brought some ghost hunting gear for our little group, so we had fun chasing EMF around the park while hearing stories of the various hauntings. All in all, this is a fantastic experience, well worth your time if you like history and ghost stories.

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