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Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Minneapolis-Saint Paul, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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Overview

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!

What's Included

  • Professional tour company with over 10 years' experience
  • Local, knowledgeable, licensed Tour Guide
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

818 South 2nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Guthrie Theater

The country’s largest regional theater, offering a breathtaking view of our tour area from the Endless Bridge
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mill City Museum (pass by)

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.
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Mill Ruins Park

Celebrates and documents the history of 19th-century flour mills long since abandoned and excavated in the past 25 years.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mississippi River

Discover why it’s been the Minneapolis area’s lifeline for over 10,000 years.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Stone Arch Bridge

Cross the river via this historic and unique bridge, while taking in the best view of the city.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. Anthony Falls

First documented in 1680, the falls powered mills and generated wealth for the Twin Cities.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Saint Anthony Main

Stroll the oldest street in Minneapolis, passing by the city’s oldest tavern and over a warren of caves and tunnels.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Мост Хеннепин Авеню

Location of what was the first permanent bridge over the Mississippi River, we take the current elegant and stylish bridge back toward downtown.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Nicollet Island

Before it became a Victorian oasis in the middle of “Big Muddy”, the island was revered by the Sioux and Ojibwe.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (pass by)

The third building for this purpose stands on the site of the former Minneapolis Great Northern Depot and the Pacific sawmill.
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Gateway District (pass by)

In the 19th century, “Bridge Square” was the commercial hub and government seat of the growing city; the original Downtown Minneapolis.
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The Depot

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

United States Postal Service

An Art Deco treasure in an unexpected location, the opulent lobby remains unchanged since its 1933 opening.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Water Works Park

St Anthony Falls’ power was harnessed for industry here at the nation’s first commercial hydroelectric generation station.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-86628P6

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Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Professional tour company with over 10 years' experience
  • Local, knowledgeable, licensed Tour Guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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