St. Paul Untold Stories Bar Crawl - Secrets Beneath the Surface
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St. Paul Untold Stories Bar Crawl - Secrets Beneath the Surface

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(2 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

St. Paul may seem like the quieter twin city, but beneath its calm surface lies a collection of stories that most visitors never hear. This isn't your typical bar crawl - it's an insider's journey through the untold chapters of Minnesota's capital city.

While other tours stick to the sanitized version of history, this bar crawl experience reveals the real stories behind St. Paul's character. From bootlegger origins to unlikely criminal sanctuaries, from corrupt deals to neighborhood secrets, you'll discover why locals know there's much more to their city than meets the eye.

Crawl through downtown St. Paul, visiting curated historic bars, each with its own hidden past. Your expert guide shares exclusive stories about the colorful characters who shaped the city, including tales of bootlegger "Pig's Eye Parrant," visiting gangsters from Chicago, and the complex relationships between law enforcement and lawbreakers.

Available options

Basic Ticket

What's included

Friendly, local guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Step into the upstairs Louis Bar at this iconic Italian institution and learn about the underground tunnel systems and Italian immigrant community's role in protecting visiting Chicago criminals like those mentioned in the original tour listings.

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

2

Discover this remarkable family-run establishment that maintained independence despite downtown development, where you'll hear about corrupt Police Chief John O'Connor's system that allowed gangsters like John Dillinger to operate freely in St. Paul's "Cheers"-style atmosphere.

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

3

Take in the magnificent Renaissance dome crowning Minnesota's spiritual centerpiece and architectural masterpiece

4

Enter this indie music venue where you'll learn about the violent end of the criminal protection system and how the Battle of Barrington (where Babyface Nelson died) changed everything for St. Paul's gangster sanctuary status.

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

5

Stand in St. Paul's cultural heart surrounded by theaters, museums, and the elegant Landmark Center

6

Stand where one of St. Paul's most notorious speakeasies operated beneath the former Federal Courts Building, learning about the elaborate tunnel systems and how Machine Gun Kelly and the Barker Gang used these networks to evade federal agents.

7

Upscale mexican restaurant with the best margaritas in town

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

8

Stroll America's longest Victorian boulevard where F. Scott Fitzgerald penned his early works among Gilded Age mansions

9

Making arguably the best-tasting beers in the Twin Cities (and that's really saying something), this industrial brewpub has tons of board games to keep the fun going.

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

10

Hear about the golden-domed seat of state government showcasing Beaux-Arts grandeur and political heritage

11

Preserved in amber of it's 1980s "Goodfellas" vibe, this red-pleather, dinner-theater seating bar is a Minnesota establishment, and a place to rub shoulders with well known St. Paulites

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

12

One of the original craft cocktail bars in the Twin Cities, Parlour will impress with delectable drinkable delights.

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will pick 4 of their favorite bars, and this is the kind of place we'll take you.

13

The oldest brewery in St Paul, this place is so old that it predates the State of Minnesota. It's so old they run the wood-burning stove in cold winter days. It's so old they follow original German techniques when making their hefeweizens.

NOTE: Advertised bar stops are indicative of the kinds of places we visit. Each tour your guide will select the bars on the day, taking guest preferences into account.

What's not included

Gratuities for your guide (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
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Tripadvisor 5.0
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We meet outside the 7th Street entrance to iconic St Paul institution, Cossetta's.

Note: This tour is not affiliated with Cossettas, so staff won't be able to help you find your guide. Please sit tight and your guide in blue will be there shortly, or call us with questions.

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

Adults
Age 21-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
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Free cancellation available
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