Minneapolis-Saint Paul , United States

Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour

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(43 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

A great tour year-round, especially if you're visiting in the winter months! Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world! Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. This is a great way to see the city - inside and out - during cool weather, hot weather, rainy days and the brutally long Minnesota winter, so pretty much year-round! There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them. The skyway is such a huge part of our city's identity, the Replacements even wrote a song about it, aptly named Skyway.

Choosing Mpls City & Skyway Tours, you are supporting a local, woman-owned small business with a big heart.

(Please note, this is a walking tour. We will walk up to two miles, with breaks. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)

Available options

Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour

What's included

MN Born and Raised Tour Guide

2.5-hour skyway walking tour

Detailed itinerary

We'll ascend into the second-story walkway from the Foshay Tower to begin the tour. We come full circle, returning to the Foshay Tower at the end of the tour where you can take advantage of the opportunity to check out the city from the 31st floor of the only outdoor observation deck in the city!

Walk into one of the original skyways, where it all began.

Artwork by light sculptor, Jason Krugman, and glasswork by Chihuly.

Large public art collection

This extraordinary City Hall took nearly 20 years to build and while not connected to the skyway system, it is connected to an underground tunnel which we will use to visit the Federal Courthouse. Inside the rotunda you'll have the chance to rub the big toe of the Father of Waters statue for good luck.

Historical bank building turned modern hotel. Elements of the original lobby are still in place.

This mile-long transit mall (street) running through the center of downtown, and historically the city's shopping district, is now home to an impressive public art collection and lined by bars and restaurants overflowing onto the sidewalks during the summer months.

Toss your hat with Mary. Who can turn the world on with her smile?

Rebranded Dayton's

Crystal Court in the IDS Center is the heart of the Minneapolis skyway system. The IDS still holds the title of tallest, since 1972!

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

22 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

21 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet at the big "W" in the W Hotel lobby in the Foshay Tower.

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