Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Welcome to Minneapolis, the home of Nerf Balls, the singer and songwriter Prince, and, yes, Zubaz pants. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll stroll along the Mississippi River. Along the way, you’ll hear about:
• The history of the milling industry in Minneapolis
• The massive Washburn A Mill explosion of 1878
• The 35W Bridge collapse of 2007
• The secret history of "Funkytown"
• An ugly mansion with 86 TVs
• Cougar attacks
• The untimely death of Tiny Tim
• The hiring of a hitman in St. Paul
• ”Untalented but adventurous” German artists, to quote the author Jonathan Raban
• How long it takes a single drop of water to travel down the Mississippi – and how long it takes a person to make the same journey
This walking tour can be enjoyed on location or even virtually at home with VoiceMap's Continuous Play function which disables the GPS playback.
PHOTO CREDITS: Meet Minneapolis
Available options
Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Detailed itinerary
1
The tour starts outside the Open Book Literary Center. Here you'll learn about how VoiceMap works, be introduced to the city and hear about the Open Book Literary Center, and all before the walk begins.
2
You'll pass by the Guthrie Theatre and learn about its history and its role as one of Minnesota’s core cultural institutions.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The tour takes you past the Mill City Museum. As you walk, you'll learn a bit about the museum.
4
You'll walk past the Mill Ruins Park and while you walk, you'll hear a little about it.
5
You'll walk past St Anthony Lock and Dam and hear a bit about it, how it was used and why it is permanently closed.
6
While you walk, you can see where St Anthony Falls would have been if the dam wasn't built. You'll also hear a bit about the falls.
7
You'll walk past a section of the Mississippi River and learn a bit about it while you do so.
8
The tour ends in Nicollet Island at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. While you walk there, you'll learn a bit about Nicollet Island and who it was named after.
What's not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Food and drink
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
26 reviews
5★
14
4★
8
3★
1
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.2
41 reviews
5★
24
4★
9
3★
3
2★
1
1★
4
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour starts at the Open Book Literary Center on Washington Ave. Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, known as the Twin Cities, is a vibrant metropolitan area in Minnesota, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With its renowned arts scene, extensive park system, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that appeals to both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.
Top Attractions
Mall of America
One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and numerous dining options.
Shopping/Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Minneapolis Institute of Art
A premier art museum with over 90,000 works of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of creativity.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free admission
Minnehaha Falls
A stunning 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Stone Arch Bridge
A historic bridge offering beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River.
Historical/Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.
Nature/Entertainment
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Juicy Lucy
A cheese-stuffed hamburger, a local specialty.
Dinner
Contains dairy and gluten
Wild Rice Soup
A creamy soup made with wild rice, a staple in Minnesota cuisine.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free
Hot Dish
A comforting casserole made with a variety of ingredients, often including tater tots.
Dinner
Varies by recipe, can be made vegetarian or gluten-free
Pizza with lutefisk
A unique pizza topped with lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried fish.
Dinner
Contains fish and gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Picnicking
Reading
Yoga
Meditation
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and activities. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Hmong, Somali
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-6 (Central Standard Time, CST), GMT-5 (Central Daylight Time, CDT) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Twin Cities are generally safe for visitors, but as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable taxi services
Getting there
By air
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Minneapolis
By train
Union Depot (St. Paul), Minneapolis Depot
By bus
Union Depot (St. Paul), Greyhound Station (Minneapolis)
Getting around
Public transport
The Metro system includes the Blue Line (airport to Mall of America), Green Line (downtowns to University of Minnesota), and Green Line Extension (under construction).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Minneapolis
Uptown
Saint Anthony Main
Grand Avenue
Day trips
Stillwater
35 km (22 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day to full day
A charming river town with historic buildings, antique shops, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
6 km (4 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day
A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
25 km (16 miles) from downtown Minneapolis • Half day to full day
A beautiful arboretum featuring gardens, trails, and a variety of plant species.
Festivals
Minneapolis Aquatennial • Late July
Saint Paul Winter Carnival • Late January to early February
Minneapolis Mill City Farmers Market • May to October
Pro tips
- Visit the Mall of America for a unique shopping and entertainment experience
- Explore the extensive park system and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking
- Attend a theater performance or concert at one of the many venues in the Twin Cities
- Try local specialties, such as the Juicy Lucy and wild rice soup
- Take a day trip to Stillwater for a charming river town experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
