




On your 2-hour fully narrated experience you’ll stroll along, and across, the Mississippi River in the footsteps of people like railroad tycoon James J Hill, once the richest man in Minnesota. He made his fortune as the river rushed through the heartland, tumbled down a magnificent waterfall, and powered dozens of mills as a rapidly thriving community grew up around it. Your tour guide will delight you with stories of epic rivalries, world domination, quiet hidden corners, boom town brothels, and European explorers as you traverse 350 years of recorded history. Once the flour-milling capital of the world, modern-day Minneapolis thrives on its founding principles of hard work, innovation, and ingenuity. See how historic structures are repurposed for modern use, while retaining the charm and flair of past golden ages. This is the Minneapolis we bring you back to: the Minneapolis of sawdust, extreme wealth, immigrants, brewers, and nature. This is the best sightseeing experience in town!
Out at sunset: the 5:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:12 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
The country’s largest regional theater, offering a breathtaking view of our tour area from the Endless Bridge
Once housed the world’s largest and most technologically advanced flour mill in the world, now a history on the founding and growth of Minneapolis.
Celebrates and documents the history of 19th-century flour mills long since abandoned and excavated in the past 25 years.
Discover why it’s been the Minneapolis area’s lifeline for over 10,000 years.
Cross the river via this historic and unique bridge, while taking in the best view of the city.
First documented in 1680, the falls powered mills and generated wealth for the Twin Cities.
Stroll the oldest street in Minneapolis, passing by the city’s oldest tavern and over a warren of caves and tunnels.
Location of what was the first permanent bridge over the Mississippi River, we take the current elegant and stylish bridge back toward downtown.
Before it became a Victorian oasis in the middle of “Big Muddy”, the island was revered by the Sioux and Ojibwe.
The third building for this purpose stands on the site of the former Minneapolis Great Northern Depot and the Pacific sawmill.
In the 19th century, “Bridge Square” was the commercial hub and government seat of the growing city; the original Downtown Minneapolis.
The Milwaukee Road railway depot bustled with activity for over 70 years; today it remains one of the last surviving long-span, truss-roofed sheds in the country.
An Art Deco treasure in an unexpected location, the opulent lobby remains unchanged since its 1933 opening.
St Anthony Falls’ power was harnessed for industry here at the nation’s first commercial hydroelectric generation station.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 108 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 14 stops.
Prices start at $349 per person for this Minneapolis Saint Paul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
The meeting point is Meet your guide outside the front door; s/he will be wearing a purple shirt with company logo. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Twin Cities Sightseeing Tours.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour | 2 hours | 5.0 (2) | $349 | |
Private Minneapolis Riverfront Ramble: A Journey of Discovery | 2 hours | 5.0 (1) | $422 | View |
Private Northeast Riverfront and Arts Ride in Minneapolis | 2 hours | — | $1,599 | View |
Private Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide | 2 hours | 5.0 (1) | $422 | View |
Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) | 2 hours | 5.0 (19) | $195 | View |
Walking F. Scott Fitzgerald's St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) | 2 hours | 4.9 (15) | $195 | View |
Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs) | 3 hours | 5.0 (45) | $585 | View |