Minnesota

5 of the Best Minneapolis Walking Tours

by Cedric Pentonville  |  Published April 11, 2023

Get out into the streets of Minneapolis to discover the sights, sounds and tastes of this charming Minnesotan city on a walking tour.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Minneapolis is a lovely city to explore on foot, with acres of park-lined Mississippi River, bridges, walkways and Downtown dining options. For those not deeply familiar with the city already, a walking tour is the best way to unlock Minneapolis, with the help of local expertise. And for locals in the habit of visiting the same places over and over, walking tours offer an opportunity to discover something new. Here are five of the best options.

In the Footsteps of Prince Self-Guided Tour of Minneapolis

Minneapolis is the hometown of many notable luminaries, but none quite so resplendent as Prince Rogers Nelson, aka Prince, aka the artist formerly known as Prince. This city made its mark on the musician. And this self-guided walking tour explores the places and their related stories that played their part, as well as exploring aspects of Prince’s phenomenal career. This tour is available through an app on your phone. It is guided by in-app audio and a mapping system. From $8 per person.

Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Viator.com)

Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis

The classic American ghost tour finds plenty of horror fodder in an historic city like Minneapolis. Mississippi folklore, industrial tragedies, and over 150 years of human history, with its ups, downs, tragedy and crime all contribute to a ghost-filled itinerary. Over 90 minutes, you’ll walk past many city landmarks. Highlights including Stone Arch Bridge, Foshay Tower and Guthrie Theater. Along the way, you’ll hear about the history and hauntings attributed to these locales. Tours tend to be available quite sporadically, so check and book well in advance where possible. From $27 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour

If you’d prefer the benefit of the expertise and knowledgeable insight that a local guide can provide, this three-hour walking tour is a popular option. The itinerary is designed to give guests a route that is mostly protected from bad weather, using the extensive Skyway system of footbridges in the Downtown. Other highlights visited include Mill City Museum, the City Hall, and Target Field baseball stadium. Tours run Mon to Fri. From $69 per person.

Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Viator.com)

Minneapolis History and 4-Bar Crawl Walking Tour

Combine a walking tour of Minneapolis with an insightful look at the best bars and nightlife in the city. This alternative tour is a great way to get outside the Downtown area and discover the city’s coolest up-and-coming areas. Head to the Warehouse District, which has transformed from an area of ill repute to the best place to find craft breweries and popup bars. The other side of this tour is historical, as your guide unfurls the lynchpin moments of Minneapolis’ history that made it the place it is today. From $119 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour

Minneapolis is just one half of the Minnesotan Twin Cities. Its urban sprawl blends into Saint Paul as you move eastwards across the Mississippi River. Exploring the highlights of these two cities together is highly recommended. However, a conventional walking tour makes it difficult to do so. As such, the perfect solution is this private guided tour, which balances walks around the Mill District, Downtown Minneapolis, and Downtown Saint Paul, where you’ll see the Minnesota State Capitol. Additionally, your driver will transport you between each site by sedan or SUV, catering the drive to your preferences. From $550 per duo.

Book at Viator.com