Historical Tours

Historical tours in Minnesota cover everything from Prohibition-era gangster hideouts to the industrial legacy of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With 53 options—37% of all tours in the state—there’s a wide range of experiences for locals, families, and out-of-state visitors looking to dig deeper into Minnesota’s past.

These tours attract everyone from solo travelers on a budget to groups seeking private, in-depth explorations. While the median price is $63, nearly half are under $30, making it accessible for most visitors. Whether you’re after a quirky ghost walk or a comprehensive city overview, there’s a historical tour to match your curiosity and budget.

Historical tours make up over a third of all activities sold in Minnesota, with 53 out of 143 products. This is a larger share than walking tours or luxury/private experiences. The median price for a historical tour is $63, but the range is wide: 24 are under $30, and only 9 exceed $250. This places the category’s pricing on par with walking and private tours, but with more budget options available.

Compared to the destination’s overall median price of $31, historical tours skew higher, mainly because of a handful of high-end private offerings. Still, most visitors will find plenty of affordable choices, especially among self-guided and group tours. Only 8% of historical tours are rated below 4 stars, so satisfaction is generally high, but not universal.

The most-reviewed tours—like the Minneapolis Trolley and St. Paul Cave Tour—consistently earn strong ratings, suggesting that the most popular options deliver on their promises more reliably than some niche or newer offerings.

For travelers seeking value, self-guided audio tours start as low as $8. These suit independent explorers who want flexibility, but reviews highlight that navigation can be confusing and the tour may not loop back to the starting point. If you want structure and live commentary, group tours like the Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley ($29) or the St. Paul Historic Cave Tour ($11) are both highly rated and offer a mix of storytelling and local history. The Trolley tour stands out for its enthusiastic guides and broad city overview, while the Cave Tour appeals to those interested in St. Paul’s underworld past—though some reviewers found the cave aspect underwhelming if expecting natural formations.

Ghost and gangster-themed tours (around $20–$41) are popular with visitors looking for entertainment as much as history. The St Paul Ghost Tour receives mixed feedback: while some enjoy the setting, others report unclear storytelling and confusion during the tour. The Saint Paul Gangster Tour is praised for its engaging guides and detailed stories, but multiple reviews complain about the length and the loud delivery, which can be overwhelming for some.

Walking tours ($49–$68) like the Minneapolis Past and Present Walking Tour and the Minneapolis Local Food Tour blend history with local culture or food. These are best for those who want a deeper dive into neighborhood stories and architecture. Both receive strong praise for guide knowledge and personality, though some guests mention logistical issues like unclear meeting points or too much walking between stops.

Private tours, like the Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour ($440 for up to four), are the most expensive but offer a tailored experience. Reviews note that guides on these tours provide extensive local context and adapt to guests’ interests, making them a good fit for families or small groups wanting a personalized overview. Overall, the best-rated tours share knowledgeable, personable guides and clear itineraries. The main disappointments come from unclear navigation on self-guided tours, unmet expectations about the sites (especially caves), and, in some group tours, guides who struggle to engage or manage pacing.