Location: Saint Paul
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The 8 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Saint Paul, Minnesota (MN)
Saint Paul has been called the last city of the East primarily because early developers built it to fit Eastern standards: city squares or parks, towers and turrets, lofty arches, Baroque domes and elaborate adornments abound. Ideal for families and those who like to explore on foot, the capital of Minnesota offers big city attractions with small town manageability. It's an easy and scenic stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River from the Children's Museum to the Science Museum. The kids (and the young at heart) will love them both. Nearby are the grandiose State Capitol, designed by esteemed architect Cass Gilbert and the historic Como Park, which includes lovely picnic areas, a zoo and a conservatory. Also in the mix are modern museums, stately old mansions, interesting natural wonders and unique shops to browse around. Be sure to check out the stellar collection of contemporary works by local artists at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. From four-star luxury to affordable and family-friendly, Saint Paul offers a variety of lodging and dining possibilities making it a great destination for all tastes and budgets.
Restaurants in Saint Paul
1. Walking F. Scott Fitzgerald's St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
For 2 hours, you'll enjoy a private, guided walk in a historic, charming neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota, as you stroll past the birthplace, homes and haunts of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the famous author of "The Great Gatsby" and other notable American novels. While we walk, you'll learn about Fitzgerald's lively life and the Roaring '20s, and also hear anecdotes about his hometown shenanigans. In addition, while we amble, residential architecture buffs will be able to spot many types of popular Victorian home styles in this historically preserved area. "Informative & fun! He is a walking Wikipedia and a great photographer for group shots." David S., Florida USA "5 out of 5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable..." Thalia S., Georgia USA "Amazing experience! Douglas' passion means return soon!" Ana M., Brazil
Inclusions: Guided tour
Exclusions: Tour does not include home interiors., Restrooms are not available during this tour.
Reviewed By Holly F
Our tour guide, Doug, went above and beyond for our tour. First of all, the fact that he was game to do an outdoor tour in February was so kind. At first I thought we might like to do the Skyway tour since we'd be mostly indoors but still fairly Covid-safe with our masks. Doug suggested that this wouldn't be the best tour as many of the shops and businesses were closed. He suggested the Summit Avenue tour instead and I'm so glad we got to see it. St. Paul is so lovely and you get the bonus of being right near the cathedral as well.
2. Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
For 2 hours, take a private, guided stroll along charming and historic Summit Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota, past stately homes built during the Victorian era that are nearly perfectly preserved today. You'll hear stories about the barons and tycoons who built these homes and how their houses have survived 120 or more years of change. You'll also wind through a former back alley now transformed into a charming city street that features modern residences in historic structures. Residential architecture buffs will spot nearly every type of home style popular during the Victorian era - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, Tudor and more. Love grand, old homes that are pristinely preserved as active residences? Enjoy meandering outdoor sidewalks among trees, parks, fine landscapes and beautiful buildings? This tour is for you. "Informative & fun! A walking Wikipedia." David S., FL USA "5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable." Thalia S., GA USA
Inclusions: Guided tour
Exclusions: Tour does not include home interiors., Restrooms are not available during this tour.
Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg
The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.
3. Twin Cities Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 27 reviews
Take an educational and entertaining tour through the glass and steel of Minneapolis, the stately stonework of St. Paul and the neighborhoods in between with live narrative. This comprehensive tour of the Twin Cities has something for everyone! See the Twin Cities in a new light while on a spacious deluxe coach bus. PICKUP LOCATION: - Mall of America at 10:40am. We depart from the charter/shuttle bus area, which is outside of the North Entrance of the Mall. The exact location can be found in the interactive map below. We do offer 3 other pickup locations/times around the Twin Cities: Marriott City Center (Downtown MPLS) at 9:30am Hyatt Recency (Downtown MPLS) at 9:40am InterContinental Hotel (St. Paul) at 11:10am but these can ONLY be booked by contacting us directly at: [email protected] or 952-985-7514 We do not allow for TripAdvisor reservations within 24 hours of each tour. Please call us for day-of bookings or any questions you may have!
Inclusions: Tour guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 604donaldt
We took a great trip to Duluth to see the fall colors, but the highlight of the weekend was our trip to Betty's Pies north of Two Harbors for lunch. While the place was a bit busy, we were able to get in after a short wait and had a wonderful lunch and a great piece of pie. Afterwards we went up along the shoreline to the Silver Cliff tunnel on highway 61 about 15 minutes north of Betty's and spent a wonderful half hour on the scenic overlook (the path of the old highway now a pathway) looking out on Lake Superior. With just a light breeze and a warm sun, it was a wonderfully relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
4. Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Explore the best of St. Paul food in the heart of downtown. You’ll learn about the Capital City's robust food culture while exploring its rich history including a lively gangster past. Tastings are based on our multicultural communities and the best water in the country for creating delicious craft beer. Start by enjoying the sights along the Mighty Mississippi River and strolling through some of the most historic areas in St Paul, including the Saint Paul Hotel that overlooks Rice Park and Landmark Center. Along the way you’ll enjoy quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership, including a favorite since 1932. Visit one of the best local chocolatiers/confectioners in the Twin Cities while eating and sipping on their hand-crafted chocolate.
Inclusions: Stroll through the most historic areas in St. Paul including Rice Park and the Landmark Center, Foods from our multicultural communities; the best water in the US for creating delicious craft beer, Visit one of the best local chocolatiers in the Twin Cities while eating hand-crafted chocolate, Lunch food tasting, Professional local guide, Small group tour that includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By KatherineW1866
Loved our tour! The food was great and our guide was very knowledgeable. We ended up with more food than we could eat, so it was great to have leftovers for dinner and even dessert!
5. Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs)
We'll connect at a location convenient for you and launch a 3-hour private riding & walking tour of Minneapolis & St. Paul that focuses on local culture, interesting history and what it's like to live today in the Twin Cities. We'll explore famous landmarks and discover little-known spots. I'll share stories and exclusive anecdotes that will bring your private experience alive. In town for a limited time? Have an open half-day during your visit? This professionally guided private tour is for you. It's a great way to experience the highlights and get an overall feel for the cities in a fun and entertaining way. Many guests use this experience to become oriented so they can return later on their own to deeply explore favorite locales. Transportation for this tour is provided in a professionally chauffeured "black car" sedan or SUV. “Highly recommend!” Melissa A., Wisconsin USA “…abundant knowledge of how the city works and the locals live.” Karale F., California USA
Inclusions: Guided tour, Private transportation, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Snacks
Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg
The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.
6. Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (2 hrs)
We'll connect at a location convenient for you and launch a 2-hour private riding and walking tour of Minneapolis & St. Paul that focuses on local culture, interesting history and what it's like to live today in the Twin Cities. We'll explore famous landmarks and discover little-known and delightful spots. I will continuously share stories and exclusive anecdotes that will bring your private experience alive. Have a break between other commitments? This professionally guided private tour is a great way to experience the highlights and get an overall feel for the cities in a fast and entertaining way. Many guests use this quick experience to become oriented so they can return later on their own to deeply explore favorite locales. Transportation for this tour is provided in a professionally chauffeured "black car" sedan or SUV. “Highly recommend!” Melissa A., Wisconsin USA “…abundant knowledge of how the city works and the locals live.” Karale F., California USA
Inclusions: Guided tour, Private transportation, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg
The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.
7. "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs)
We'll connect at a location and hour convenient for you and step back in time during this private, 2-hour riding tour. You'll hear how St. Paul, Minnesota became a haven for the nation's most notorious gangsters, including John Dillinger, during the first decades of the 20th Century, and the impact of that legacy on life today in the "Saintly City. " How could bank robbers and bootleggers run their crimes while "hiding in plain sight" in St. Paul? This private riding tour will show the homes, nightclubs, hangouts - and even the courthouse - where these professional thugs lived, planned, played and were prosecuted. Want to entertain locals or out-of-towners? Old enough to remember those lurid headlines or young enough to be amazed? Ready for a new twist on a town you thought you knew? This tour is for you. Transportation for this tour is provided in a professionally chauffeured "black car" sedan or SUV. “…abundant knowledge of...how the city works and locals live.” Karale F.,
Inclusions: Guided tour, Private transportation, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By I4110YKpaulg
The tour guide was excellent. He was very astute and engaging. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in history, culture, architecture, and literature.
8. Private Walking Historical Ghost Tour of St Paul
Join us for a private walk of St Paul to hear eery stories of curses, mobster memories, revenge, and spectres. Your tour begins above the mighty Mississippi at the Old Revenue Building, whose modern construction will initially make you wonder how a building so new can already have a ghost in its midst. Visit the State Capitol, where the golden domed behemoth designed by Cass Gilbert is said to be haunted by more than a few ‘friendly ghosts’. From the capitol, look onto St Paul’s Cathedral, whose own imposing dome is the only spot in the city higher than the capitol itself. Next, as you make your way past the Fitzgerald Theatre - like many theatres, it has changed many times, but there are those who have never left. At the Landmark Center, hear tales of the cities mobsters and bootleggers for which the city was known throughout the 20’s and 30’s. Your tour finishes at the St Paul Hotel where gangsters, like Leon Gleckman, made their prohibition home bases.
Inclusions: A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group, Plenty of time to take photos at your favourite places
Exclusions: Food and drink, though your guide will be happy to recommend places to stop along the route. , Gratuities (optional), No tickets required
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