St Paul Minnesota’s 5 Best Tours & Things To Do

St. Paul, Minnesota, offers a wonderful mix of history, architecture, and lively local culture that makes it an ideal destination for a variety of tours and activities. Whether you’re interested in uncovering secret stories behind historic mansions, exploring the city’s Prohibition past, or catching a thrilling hockey game, St. Paul has a lot to offer.

We especially enjoy the Ultimate St. Paul Walking Tour for its insightful look into the city’s lesser-known tales and the St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl for a fun, underground history experience. The city’s rich blend of stories and scenery provides plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

For those who love architecture, the St. Paul: Private Walking Tour Summit Ave Victorian Homes offers an intimate look at the city’s grand mansions, while history buffs will appreciate the haunted tales on the Summit Avenue Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour.

And if you’re after sports, the chance to see the Minnesota Wild in action at Xcel Energy Center is a must. With a variety of options, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the true flavor of St. Paul.

Quick Overview of Tours & Things To Do in St. Paul Minnesota

This list includes a mix of walking tours, bar crawls, and sporting events that showcase the city’s history, architecture, and lively spirit. For history and architecture lovers, the Ultimate St. Paul Walking Tour and the Summit Avenue Victorian Homes provide detailed insights into the city’s past and its beautifully restored mansions.

For those interested in the city’s more clandestine side, the Secret Stories Bar Crawl offers a lively look at bootleggers and gangsters.

Sports fans can enjoy an authentic NHL experience with the Minnesota Wild game tickets, while thrill-seekers might prefer the Haunted Ghost Tour for some spooky stories. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.

1. Ultimate St. Paul Walking Tour – Minnesota’s Hidden Secrets

At number 1, the Ultimate St. Paul Walking Tour is a comprehensive exploration of the city’s unseen stories and overlooked sights. For $79, you’ll spend about three hours with an expert guide uncovering hidden Prohibition sites, the birthplace of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the mansion-lined Summit Hill neighborhood.

This tour stands out for its focus on stories most visitors never hear—like the dramatic history of the original State Capitol fire and local breweries that thrived during Prohibition.

The guide’s storytelling skill makes history come alive, with personalized tips and insider knowledge. You’ll visit the famous pub where Fitzgerald supposedly hung out and learn about the underground tunnels used by gangsters such as John Dillinger. The balance of architecture, history, and local lore makes this tour engaging for history enthusiasts and casual explorers alike.

The highlight is the opportunity to end with craft beer, adding a fun social element. With a 4.8/5 rating based on 13 reviews, it’s clear many visitors find this tour both informative and entertaining.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a deep dive into St. Paul’s secrets, with a lively, approachable guide and a good mix of stories, sights, and local flavor.

2. St. Paul: Private Walking Tour Summit Ave Victorian Homes

For around $195, a private Summit Avenue Victorian Homes tour offers an intimate, tailored experience ideal for architecture lovers and history buffs. Limited to groups of up to 8, this 2-hour walk allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunity to admire the exquisite restoration work on homes once owned by railroad millionaires and notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Garrison Keillor.

Your guide will share stories about the wealthy tycoons who built these mansions and reveal details about the residents—then and now. The personal size of the tour means lively conversation and detailed views, making it a favorite for those wanting a deep, personalized look at St. Paul’s architectural grandeur.

The tour is praised for its casual pace and knowledgeable narration. Since it’s private, it’s ideal for a romantic outing, a family gathering, or a small group of friends.

Bottom Line: A high-value option for those wanting a leisurely, customized experience with plenty of detail on the city’s most impressive homes.

3. St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl – Hidden Tales & History

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore St. Paul’s underground history, this Secret Stories Bar Crawl is a great choice. For $79, this 3-hour guided walk takes you to historic bars with stories of bootleggers, gangsters, and corruption.

The tour includes skip-the-line access and introduces you to underground tunnels once used by criminals like Chicago’s notorious Machine Gun Kelly to evade law enforcement.

Your guide shares tales of gangland activity and organized crime that most travelers never hear, all while enjoying craft cocktails and premium beers at some of St. Paul’s top breweries.

It’s a lively, engaging experience perfect for those interested in the city’s gritty past and looking for a memorable night out. The guide’s storytelling, combined with access to historic bars, creates an authentic and immersive atmosphere.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and nightlife, with a dash of crime lore thrown in.

4. Minnesota: Minnesota Wild Ice Hockey Game Ticket

Number 4 on our list is all about experiencing local sports culture with a ticket to a Minnesota Wild NHL game at the Xcel Energy Center. Priced at just $20 per ticket, it’s an affordable way to enjoy some high-energy hockey action. The game tickets are mobile, making entry quick and hassle-free.

Attending a Wild game puts you right in the heart of Minnesota’s passion for hockey, with a raucous crowd and electrifying atmosphere that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, wearing the team’s colors will help you feel like part of the local community.

The schedule varies, so check the game dates in advance to match your visit. The experience offers a lively, authentic slice of Minnesota life that’s both affordable and memorable.

Bottom Line: Perfect for sports fans wanting an exciting, authentic hockey experience without breaking the bank.

5. St. Paul – Summit Avenue Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour

For those interested in the spooky side of St. Paul, the Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour combines history with ghost stories over 2 hours. Walking along Summit Avenue, you’ll see eerie mansions and hear tales of ghostly encounters linked to landmarks like the James J. Hill House and the F. Scott Fitzgerald House.

The tour’s atmosphere is enhanced by the darkness and historic ambiance, making it a favorite during the evening hours. Expect chilling stories about secret passages, spirits, and strange phenomena.

The tales of Forepaugh’s Mansion and the Stuart House add layers of intrigue, blending history with supernatural legends. This experience appeals to those who enjoy a little thrill and love stories with a haunting twist.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who enjoy a spooky story, a dash of history, and a captivating walk through St. Paul’s haunted sites.

How to Choose the Right Tour in St. Paul

Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend exploring. If your goal is deep local history and architecture, the Ultimate St. Paul Walking Tour and the Summit Avenue Victorian Homes are excellent options.

For a more lively night experience, the Bar Crawl offers storytelling with a nightlife vibe. Sports enthusiasts should consider the Wild hockey tickets, especially if visiting during hockey season.

Consider your physical activity level—most tours involve walking, some more leisurely than others. Check the schedule and book early for popular activities, especially hockey tickets and private tours. During warmer months, outdoor walking tours are especially enjoyable, but many of these experiences are just as engaging in cooler weather with proper layering.

Final Thoughts

St. Paul offers a fascinating mix of experiences that cater to history lovers, architecture fans, and those seeking some fun and intrigue. For a well-rounded trip, consider combining a walking tour with an evening at the Xcel Energy Center or a ghost walk to round out your visit.

The private mansion tour is perfect for an intimate, in-depth exploration, while the bar crawl provides a spirited look into the city’s clandestine past.

No matter which you choose, these experiences showcase the city’s rich stories and lively character. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s best to book your tours early, especially during peak visiting times. Whether you’re after culture, history, or a little spooky fun, St. Paul’s offerings are sure to delight.