Minnesota’s Storied City: A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown St. Paul

Explore the rich history of St. Paul on this self-guided walking tour, starting at Rice Park in front of the Landmark Center, St. Paul's cultural hub. Stroll along the Mississippi River and uncover the city's early history, from the Dakota village of Kaposia to the Beaux Arts-style Union Depot. Walk through Lowertown to Mears Park, past modern architecture, and on to the Minnesota State Capitol. Along the way, hear stories of “Pig’s Eye” Parrant, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and St. Paul’s gangster past while discovering the city's rivalry with Minneapolis. This tour brings to life the characters, events, and landmarks that shaped the "Saintly City."

From: $0.00

Location: Minneapolis-Saint Paul

What's Included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
Audio and written guide
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: What's the best time of year to do this tour? Is it too hot or cold in summer/winter?

A: I'd say spring or fall is the best! The weather in Minnesota can be unpredictable, but early May or late September usually have mild temps for a walk. Summer can get hot and humid, while winter can be too cold for outdoor activities like this. Bring layers just in case!

Q: Can you pause the tour if you want to take a break or explore something longer?

A: Absolutely! Since it’s self-guided, you can stop and explore anything that catches your eye. Just play the audio when you're ready to continue. Perfect for taking a breather at Mears Park or checking out a café!

Q: Is there parking near Rice Park? I’m not familiar with downtown St. Paul.

A: Yes, there are several parking ramps around Rice Park, plus street parking. The Landmark Center has a ramp, but it can fill up fast on weekends. I'd recommend arriving early or checking out the app for parking options nearby!

Discussions

Just did the self-guided tour in St. Paul and loved it!

I recently went on the Minnesota’s Storied City self-guided tour and it was awesome! Starting at Rice Park was perfect, and I loved hearing about F. Scott Fitzgerald's ties to the city. Walking along the river made the history come alive. It’s so flexible since you can really go at your own pace. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore St. Paul more deeply!

Considering gifting this tour to my parents!

I'm thinking about getting this self-guided tour for my parents who love history. But I'm worried they might get lost or confused using the app. Any advice on how user-friendly it is? Are there any tips for older folks?