Minnesota isn’t just about lakes and outdoor adventures—it also offers some fantastic walking tours that blend local history with a dash of the supernatural. We’re especially drawn to the Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater, which takes you through a 180-year-old town filled with ghost stories, legends, and haunted landmarks.
If you’re interested in exploring Minnesota’s darker side, these tours provide a fun, immersive way to learn about the state’s spooky side while getting some exercise. Whether you’re a history lover or a ghost stories enthusiast, each tour offers something unique and memorable.
Minnesota is perfect for walking tours because of its charming small towns, historic buildings, and scenic riverfronts. The state’s rich past — from Native American settlements to 19th-century industry — makes it ideal for stories that come alive on foot. We love how the Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater combines local lore with beautiful sights, making it both educational and entertaining.
Plus, the Red Wing Ghost Walk offers a deeper look into the history of a lively river town with its own haunted hotels and historic theatres.
Quick Overview
Our list features two top walking tours in Minnesota that focus on history, legends, and ghost stories. The Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater offers a spooky evening exploring haunted landmarks like Lowell Park and the Minnesota State Prison. The Red Wing Ghost Walk dives into the mysterious past of this historic river town, visiting sites like the Sheldon Theatre and the St. James Hotel.
Both tours are about 1.5 hours long, cost around $33–$35 per person, and promise a fun way to explore Minnesota’s past with a spooky twist.
1. Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater
For around $33, the Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and offers a lively, eerie walk through one of Minnesota’s most picturesque small towns. This tour stands out because it combines local legends, haunted landmarks, and entertaining storytelling.
Your guide will lead you through downtown Stillwater, visiting spots like the Stillwater Lift Bridge, Zephyr Theatre, and the Warden’s House Museum, all famous for their ghost stories.
One highlight is learning about Fisherman John, who supposedly fished for bodies in the St. Croix River, adding a chilling touch of local folklore.
What makes this tour special is the engaging storytelling and the balance between history and ghost tales. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s ability to entertain while sharing spooky stories that stick with you long after the walk ends.
The tour’s affordability and the chance to explore with a friendly guide make it a top pick for anyone curious about Stillwater’s darker side. The easy meeting point on Main Street helps keep things simple, and the walk itself isn’t physically demanding.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy ghost stories wrapped in local history, this tour offers a well-paced, fun experience that’s perfect for a relaxed evening out. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate engaging storytelling combined with a walk through a charming town.
2. Red Wing Ghost Walk
At just a dollar more than Stillwater’s tour, the Red Wing Ghost Walk is an excellent choice for fans of haunted historic sites. This 1.5-hour tour costs $34.99 and takes you through Red Wing’s storied streets, focusing on its rich past and ghostly sightings.
The tour features visits to the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts, the historic Libertys Restaurant and Lounge, and the legendary St. James Hotel, renowned for its Native American burial ground story.
What makes this tour standout is the focus on historic buildings that are still active today, like the St. James Hotel, which has been welcoming guests for over a century. Guests often comment on how the tour reveals Red Wing’s layered history, from Native American roots to 19th-century commerce.
The guide’s storytelling skill shines, making the past come alive with ghostly encounters and local legends. The tour’s evening setting adds an extra spooky element as shadows lengthen and stories become more vivid.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs who want to see a town’s haunted sites up close, this tour blends storytelling with insight into Red Wing’s vibrant past. It’s a great choice if you enjoy historic architecture and stories of Native American burial grounds.
How to Choose
Picking between these two ghost walks depends on your interests and schedule. If you prefer a smaller town with charming streets and a focus on local legends, the Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater offers a more relaxed experience. For those fascinated by historic buildings and Native American stories, the Red Wing Ghost Walk provides a deeper dive into the history and haunted sites of a lively river town.
Consider your fitness level and time—both tours are about 1.5 hours long and involve walking on mostly flat terrain. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak fall foliage or summer months. Think about what kind of stories you prefer—local folklore or historic legends—and choose accordingly. Both tours are priced similarly and offer excellent value for the stories and sights included.
Minnesota offers a range of engaging walking tours that combine storytelling with scenic and historic landmarks. For a spooky yet informative experience, the Ghost Walking Tour in Stillwater is hard to beat for its charming setting and captivating tales. Meanwhile, the Red Wing Ghost Walk delivers a deeper historical perspective, perfect for those who love haunted hotels and Native American legends.
If you want to experience Minnesota’s haunted side, these tours are a great start. Be sure to book ahead, dress comfortably, and get ready for some memorable stories that will keep you looking over your shoulder long after your walk ends. Whether you choose Stillwater or Red Wing, these tours promise a fun, spooky look into Minnesota’s past—and maybe a few spirits along the way.