Items | Minnesota’s Storied City: A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown St. Paul
Minnesota’s Storied City: A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown St. Paul
(7) Reviews
Saint Paul
Important Information
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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The total tour duration is the walking time as you pass by attractions. It does not include optional time spent at any of the listed attractions
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This route is not wheelchair accessible, but it is a very easy walk suitable for the ages listed. The accessibility selections are accurate.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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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."
Highlights
From 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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
Smartphone and headphones
Meeting Points
Departure
109 W 4th St
The tour starts in Rice Park, in front of the Landmark Center next to the circular modernist fountain, where the park's diagonal sidewalks converge. The fountain should be between you and the Landmark Center.
Return
Upper Mall Minnesota State Capitol
The tour ends at Upper Mall Minnesota State Capitol.
Minnesota’s Storied City: A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown St. Paul
(7) Reviews
Saint Paul
About
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."
Highlights
From 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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
Smartphone and headphones
Meeting Points
Departure
109 W 4th St
The tour starts in Rice Park, in front of the Landmark Center next to the circular modernist fountain, where the park's diagonal sidewalks converge. The fountain should be between you and the Landmark Center.
Return
Upper Mall Minnesota State Capitol
The tour ends at Upper Mall Minnesota State Capitol.
Itinerary
1
Landmark Center
Pass by the Landmark Center, often called “St. Paul’s very own castle,” which once housed federal courts that handled notorious Prohibition-era gangster trials. Now a cultural hub, its Romanesque architecture stands as a testament to the city's rich history.
2
Rice Park
Stroll through Rice Park, a charming public space surrounded by historic landmarks and statues, including one of famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald. This park has been a gathering place for over a century, nestled in the heart of downtown St. Paul.
3
Union Depot
As you pass Union Depot, imagine the days when this Beaux Arts-style station buzzed with trains and travelers. Once the gateway to the city, today it's a beautifully restored hub for modern transit and a window into the past.
4
Mears Park
Walk through Mears Park, a green oasis in Lowertown surrounded by modern architecture and art installations. Its serene setting contrasts with its history as a center of industry in St. Paul’s past.
5
Fitzgerald Theater
As you pass the Fitzgerald Theater, the oldest theater in St. Paul, remember that it was originally known as the Sam S. Shubert Theater. It’s a fitting tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the city’s most famous literary figures.
6
Minnesota State Capitol
Gaze upon the magnificent Minnesota State Capitol, designed by Cass Gilbert, and learn how the young architect won the competition to build it. This stunning building, with its gilded quadriga statue, is a symbol of the state’s political and architectural heritage.
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Herb Brooks Statue
Pause by the Herb Brooks Statue, which honors the legendary coach who led the U.S. hockey team to victory in the 1980 Olympics. His connection to St. Paul is a point of pride for the city, which has deep hockey roots.
8
CHS Field
Pass by CHS Field, a modern ballpark that is home to the St. Paul Saints baseball team. Its location in Lowertown ties into the neighborhood’s transformation from industrial hub to vibrant community space.
9
St. Paul Farmers Market
As you walk past the St. Paul Farmers' Market, consider its long history as a gathering place for local farmers and vendors. It reflects the city’s connection to the agricultural traditions of Minnesota.
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Quadriga: Progress of the State
Marvel at the Quadriga, the golden chariot statue atop the State Capitol, symbolizing the progress of the state. Its intricate design, including pineapple hubcaps, represents wealth and hospitality.
11
F. Scott Fitzgerald Statue
Pass by the statue of F. Scott Fitzgerald, commemorating the beloved author who was born and raised in St. Paul. His literary contributions immortalized the city's influence on his work.
12
Minnesota World War II Memorial
As you pass the Minnesota World War II Memorial, reflect on the sacrifices made by Minnesotans during the war. This serene monument honors the state’s veterans and serves as a reminder of the impact of global events on local history.
