Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour
Active
2h
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About this experience
On your 2-hour fully narrated experience you’ll stroll along, and across, the Mississippi River in the footsteps of people like railroad tycoon James J Hill, once the richest man in Minnesota. He made his fortune as the river rushed through the heartland, tumbled down a magnificent waterfall, and powered dozens of mills as a rapidly thriving community grew up around it. Your tour guide will delight you with stories of epic rivalries, world domination, quiet hidden corners, boom town brothels, and European explorers as you traverse 350 years of recorded history. Once the flour-milling capital of the world, modern-day Minneapolis thrives on its founding principles of hard work, innovation, and ingenuity. See how historic structures are repurposed for modern use, while retaining the charm and flair of past golden ages. This is the Minneapolis we bring you back to: the Minneapolis of sawdust, extreme wealth, immigrants, brewers, and nature. This is the best sightseeing experience in town!
Available options
Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour
What's included
Professional tour company with over 10 years' experience
Local, knowledgeable, licensed Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
The country’s largest regional theater, offering a breathtaking view of our tour area from the Endless Bridge
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Once housed the world’s largest and most technologically advanced flour mill in the world, now a history on the founding and growth of Minneapolis.
3
Celebrates and documents the history of 19th-century flour mills long since abandoned and excavated in the past 25 years.
4
Discover why it’s been the Minneapolis area’s lifeline for over 10,000 years.
5
Cross the river via this historic and unique bridge, while taking in the best view of the city.
6
First documented in 1680, the falls powered mills and generated wealth for the Twin Cities.
7
Stroll the oldest street in Minneapolis, passing by the city’s oldest tavern and over a warren of caves and tunnels.
8
Location of what was the first permanent bridge over the Mississippi River, we take the current elegant and stylish bridge back toward downtown.
9
Before it became a Victorian oasis in the middle of “Big Muddy”, the island was revered by the Sioux and Ojibwe.
10
The third building for this purpose stands on the site of the former Minneapolis Great Northern Depot and the Pacific sawmill.
11
In the 19th century, “Bridge Square” was the commercial hub and government seat of the growing city; the original Downtown Minneapolis.
12
The Milwaukee Road railway depot bustled with activity for over 70 years; today it remains one of the last surviving long-span, truss-roofed sheds in the country.
13
An Art Deco treasure in an unexpected location, the opulent lobby remains unchanged since its 1933 opening.
14
St Anthony Falls’ power was harnessed for industry here at the nation’s first commercial hydroelectric generation station.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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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
Meet your guide outside the front door; s/he will be wearing a purple shirt with company logo.
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
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