Minneapolis Walking City Tour - Heart of Downtown
Overview
Welcome to my Minneapolis! This is where I grew up and the city that keeps me coming back no matter where I roam. As an international tour guide, I spend a lot of my time excitedly researching and traveling to far flung destinations. It is with this same enthusiasm for foreign lands that I created this unique day tour of my hometown, which includes just some of the things I find remarkable about the city. This isn't a tour of historical facts and figures, instead, I want you to get to know Minneapolis by experiencing it!
(Please note, this is a walking tour. You should be able to walk at least a mile. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)
(Please note, this is a walking tour. You should be able to walk at least a mile. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)
Inclusions
- Light rail ticket
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1252
This is where we will begin our tour. The Guthrie Theater is open to all, giving everyone the opportunity to appreciate its clever architecture and spectacular views of the Mississippi River from its unique vantage point. (Dependent on Guthrie lobby hours.)
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gold Medal Park, Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
A place for community gathering alongside the Guthrie Theater, this park offers stunning views of the cityscape. It takes its inspiration from the Native American mounds that are found throughout Minnesota.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Mill Ruins Park, 102 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401-2531
This park interprets the history of flour milling in Minneapolis and showcases the ruins of several flour mills that were abandoned.
Stop At: Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis, MN, USA
We'll walk out onto the the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls, which has been turned into a pedestrian bridge for everyone to enjoy. This is the location of several annual art fairs. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River and the second oldest bridge on the river.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1316
One of the oldest buildings in downtown. Home to both the Mayor and the Father of Waters. From here we will take a short ride on the light rail to our next stop. This light rail connects both downtown St. Paul and the Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: First Avenue & 7th St Entry, 701 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403-1327
A tour of Minneapolis would be incomplete without a nod to our beloved Prince. We'll stop by to read the writing on the wall. Be the first this summer to see the new 100-foot-tall mural of Prince, painted by muralist Hiero Veiga.
Stop At: Nicollet Mall, btwn Washington Ave and 13th St S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
This mile-long, pedestrian oasis is lined by bars and restaurants overflowing onto the sidewalks, art, bountiful greenery, and many shopping options. Stop and chat with the iconic Mary Tyler Moore! We'll also hit a few well-known murals along the way.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: IDS Building, 80 S 8th St Downtown, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2100
Tallest building in Minnesota, the IDS stands at 792 feet above the city and is at the core of the downtown Minneapolis skyway system, which is the largest, contiguous enclosed walkway in the world! Let's stop in to see the award-winning 23, 000 square foot urban park that is Crystal Court.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Foshay Tower, 821 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2929
The Foshay was completed in 1929 and modeled after the Washington Monument. It's a fine example of Art Deco architecture. It remained the tallest building in Minneapolis until 1972. From the observation deck high above the city streets, it's easy to imagine what it once was in its early glory days. This is where our tour will end and you can choose to visit the observation deck on your own. I will also suggest some great restaurants in the area for lunch.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1252
This is where we will begin our tour. The Guthrie Theater is open to all, giving everyone the opportunity to appreciate its clever architecture and spectacular views of the Mississippi River from its unique vantage point. (Dependent on Guthrie lobby hours.)
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gold Medal Park, Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
A place for community gathering alongside the Guthrie Theater, this park offers stunning views of the cityscape. It takes its inspiration from the Native American mounds that are found throughout Minnesota.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Mill Ruins Park, 102 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401-2531
This park interprets the history of flour milling in Minneapolis and showcases the ruins of several flour mills that were abandoned.
Stop At: Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis, MN, USA
We'll walk out onto the the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls, which has been turned into a pedestrian bridge for everyone to enjoy. This is the location of several annual art fairs. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River and the second oldest bridge on the river.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1316
One of the oldest buildings in downtown. Home to both the Mayor and the Father of Waters. From here we will take a short ride on the light rail to our next stop. This light rail connects both downtown St. Paul and the Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: First Avenue & 7th St Entry, 701 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403-1327
A tour of Minneapolis would be incomplete without a nod to our beloved Prince. We'll stop by to read the writing on the wall. Be the first this summer to see the new 100-foot-tall mural of Prince, painted by muralist Hiero Veiga.
Stop At: Nicollet Mall, btwn Washington Ave and 13th St S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
This mile-long, pedestrian oasis is lined by bars and restaurants overflowing onto the sidewalks, art, bountiful greenery, and many shopping options. Stop and chat with the iconic Mary Tyler Moore! We'll also hit a few well-known murals along the way.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: IDS Building, 80 S 8th St Downtown, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2100
Tallest building in Minnesota, the IDS stands at 792 feet above the city and is at the core of the downtown Minneapolis skyway system, which is the largest, contiguous enclosed walkway in the world! Let's stop in to see the award-winning 23, 000 square foot urban park that is Crystal Court.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Foshay Tower, 821 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2929
The Foshay was completed in 1929 and modeled after the Washington Monument. It's a fine example of Art Deco architecture. It remained the tallest building in Minneapolis until 1972. From the observation deck high above the city streets, it's easy to imagine what it once was in its early glory days. This is where our tour will end and you can choose to visit the observation deck on your own. I will also suggest some great restaurants in the area for lunch.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
BurnsCampbell
August 2023
We had a fabulous morning tour with Jessica. She was very knowledgeable and helped us to not only navigate the city, but also showed us unique aspects of Minneapolis that we would have never seen nor found! Highly recommend!
We had a fabulous morning tour with Jessica. She was very knowledgeable and helped us to not only navigate the city, but also showed us unique aspects of Minneapolis that we would have never seen nor found! Highly recommend!Samuel_Y
July 2023
Jessica was a really great guide to introduce us to Minneapolis. A well paced walking tour through the riverfront and downtown areas. Used the light rail to visit more of the city without adding to the time spent just walking. We have been on many walking tours and this was one of the best. I...
Jessica was a really great guide to introduce us to Minneapolis. A well paced walking tour through the riverfront and downtown areas. Used the light rail to visit more of the city without adding to the time spent just walking. We have been on many walking tours and this was one of the best. If you want an excellent way to start a Minneapolis visit try this tour.Danuta_B
July 2023
It was a great tour - friendly, informative, and it made us fall in love with a new city! We covered a good amount of ground and the tour guide was flexible when we wanted to stop or take a quick detour. Highly recommend!
It was a great tour - friendly, informative, and it made us fall in love with a new city! We covered a good amount of ground and the tour guide was flexible when we wanted to stop or take a quick detour. Highly recommend!Peggy_M
June 2023
Very knowledgeable and friendly! She sent many recommendations after our tour to match with our plans and likings. Very laid back tour!
Very knowledgeable and friendly! She sent many recommendations after our tour to match with our plans and likings. Very laid back tour!Edwina_C
August 2022
Excellent overview of the history of Minneapolis with an eye to currents events. I learned so much and had the tips needed to plan the rest of our stay.
Excellent overview of the history of Minneapolis with an eye to currents events. I learned so much and had the tips needed to plan the rest of our stay.Snoopy005005
July 2022
Jessica gave me a very good one on one private tour at Minneapolis. She point out that Minnesota is leading states in wild rice producing. Jessica was very knowledgeable of Minnesota Although I Failed my history class in school with a F grade Jessica help bring life back in history for me...
Jessica gave me a very good one on one private tour at Minneapolis. She point out that Minnesota is leading states in wild rice producing. Jessica was very knowledgeable of Minnesota Although I Failed my history class in school with a F grade Jessica help bring life back in history for me Thank you for the history class lesson Jessica