Discover St. Paul’s history on a self-guided walking tour. Explore landmarks, hear captivating stories, and uncover the city’s rich past.
Discover St. Paul’s history on a self-guided walking tour. Explore landmarks, hear captivating stories, and uncover the city’s rich past.
- Landmark Center - Pass by the Landmark Center, often referred to as “St. Paul’s very own castle,” which once housed federal courts that handled infamous Prohibition-era gangster trials. Now a cultural hub, its Romanesque architecture stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
- Rice Park - Stroll through Rice Park, a charming public…
- Landmark Center - Pass by the Landmark Center, often referred to as “St. Paul’s very own castle,” which once housed federal courts that handled infamous Prohibition-era gangster trials. Now a cultural hub, its Romanesque architecture stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Smartphone and headphones
Delve into the vibrant history of St. Paul with this self-guided walking tour, beginning at Rice Park in front of the Landmark Center, the heart of St. Paul’s cultural scene. Wander along the Mississippi River to uncover the city’s origins, from the Dakota village of Kaposia to the Beaux Arts-style Union Depot. Traverse Lowertown to Mears Park, passing…
Delve into the vibrant history of St. Paul with this self-guided walking tour, beginning at Rice Park in front of the Landmark Center, the heart of St. Paul’s cultural scene. Wander along the Mississippi River to uncover the city’s origins, from the Dakota village of Kaposia to the Beaux Arts-style Union Depot. Traverse Lowertown to Mears Park, passing by contemporary architecture, and continue to the Minnesota State Capitol. Along the route, learn about figures like “Pig’s Eye” Parrant, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and St. Paul’s notorious gangster era while exploring the city’s rivalry with Minneapolis. This tour vividly brings to life the personalities, events, and landmarks that have shaped the
- 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
- This route is not wheelchair accessible, but it is a very easy walk suitable for the ages listed. The accessibility selections are accurate.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.