Explore Downtown St. Paul: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Discover the fascinating history of St. Paul on this self-guided tour that takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks. Starting at Rice Park in front of the Landmark Center, you'll walk along the Mississippi River and explore stories from the city's early days, including its roots as a Dakota village and its impressive Beaux Arts-style Union Depot.
As you continue through Lowertown and past modern architecture, you'll learn about notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Pig’s Eye Parrant, while uncovering St. Paul’s colorful past, including its rivalry with Minneapolis and its gangster history. This tour offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and local legends, bringing the city’s story to life.
Designed for flexibility, this private, self-guided experience allows you to explore at your own pace with offline maps, audio guides, and detailed directions. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to see the city in a new way, this tour makes discovering St. Paul both easy and memorable.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it's designed for adults aged 6 to 99 and is accessible for all physical fitness levels.
What’s included in the tour?
You get unlimited lifetime access to the audio and written guides, offline maps, and the virtual playback option. It’s a flexible way to explore St. Paul on your schedule.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your smartphone and headphones to enjoy the audio guide. All other materials are provided digitally.
Can I do this tour alone or with a group?
This is a private tour, so you can enjoy it solo or with up to 15 people in your group.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 1 hour 15 min – 1.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Unlimited lifetime access to the tour, usable before and after your booking date
- Audio and written guide
- Virtual playback option for listening from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Self-guided GPS tour for flexible exploration
- Directions to the starting point
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Pass by the Landmark Center, known as 'St. Paul’s very own castle,' which once hosted federal courts handling notorious Prohibition gangster trials. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark with Romanesque architecture.
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Stop 2
Walk through Rice Park, a historic gathering spot surrounded by statues and landmarks, including one of F. Scott Fitzgerald. This charming park has been a central part of downtown St. Paul for over a century.
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Stop 3
Pass the Union Depot, once a bustling train station and now a beautifully restored transit hub that reflects its Beaux Arts roots and historic significance.
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Stop 4
Stroll through Mears Park, a peaceful green space in Lowertown, surrounded by modern art and architecture, contrasting its industrial past.
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Stop 5
Visit the Fitzgerald Theater, the oldest theater in St. Paul, originally called the Sam S. Shubert Theater, honoring the city’s famous literary figure.
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Stop 6
Gaze upon the Minnesota State Capitol, designed by Cass Gilbert, with its iconic gilded quadriga statue symbolizing the state’s heritage.
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Stop 7
Stop by the Herb Brooks Statue, celebrating the legendary coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory, a point of local pride.
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Stop 8
Pass CHS Field, home to the St. Paul Saints baseball team, reflecting the neighborhood’s transformation from industrial area to vibrant community space.
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Stop 9
See the St. Paul Farmers' Market, a historic spot for local farmers and vendors, showcasing Minnesota’s agricultural traditions.
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Stop 10
Admire the Quadriga, the golden chariot atop the State Capitol, symbolizing progress and wealth with intricate pineapple details.
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Stop 11
See the statue of F. Scott Fitzgerald, commemorating the author born and raised in St. Paul, whose work was influenced by his hometown.
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Stop 12
Reflect at the Minnesota World War II Memorial, honoring veterans and the sacrifices of Minnesotans during the war.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
The tour begins in Rice Park, in front of the Landmark Center next to the circular modernist fountain, where the park's diagonal sidewalks converge. The fountain will be between you and the Landmark Center.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $9.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
