Minneapolis-Saint Paul , United States

St. Paul Historic Cave Tour

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(151 reviews)

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About this experience

See the only remaining restored Gangster Era site on this historic tour of extensive caves carved into the hillside in long-abandoned mining ventures in the 1800s. Later it was a mushroom farm, and it was then developed into a restaurant casino and gangsters' hotspot during the 1930s prohibition era. Newspapers reported an unsolved gangland murder at the casino. Tour guides point out the bullet holes. Some believe the caves are haunted by the murdered mobsters whose bodies were never found. The original bar from the 30s has been fully restored - it was a then-record at 60 feet long.

Though this tour is appropriate for all ages, we recommend ages 5 and up, due to shorter attention spans and restlessness.

Available options

St. Paul Historic Cave Tour

What's included

1-hour cave tour

Restrooms

Wifi

Detailed itinerary

See the only remaining restored Gangster Era site. Historic Tour of extensive caves carved into the hillside in long-abandoned mining ventures in the 1800s, which became a gangster hotspot in the 1930s.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

79 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.7

72 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Parking is free at the Wabasha Street Caves. Once you arrive, please make your way to the ticketing area to the left of the main doors.

Important notes

Please check-in for your tour at the cafe/ticketing area located to the left of the main entrance of the caves. Your tour guide will begin your tour from there.

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