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Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs)

Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs)

Overview

You'll get so close to the surging Mississippi River and its dramatic St. Anthony Falls during this private, 2-hour walking adventure that you'll catch your breath while learning how the the river's rich history impacts life today in Minneapolis. From the falls to old flour mills and spanning the famous Stone Arch Bridge, you'll see surprising views and hear stories from many different perspectives - early settlement and lumbering, harnessing the river's wild power, milling flour to feed the world and today's Mill District transformation into the city's most desirable and trendy residential neighborhood.

"Informative & fun! He is a walking Wikipedia and a great photographer for group shots." David S., Florida USA

"5 out of 5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable..." Thalia S., Georgia USA

"Recommended for anyone! We learned so much about Minneapolis and really felt like we got to know the city though his tour." Holly K., California USA

City: Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $195.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

Starting at $195.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Guided tour

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

What To Expect

Mill Ruins Park

For this private, 2-hour walking tour, we'll meet in the Stone Arch Parking Lot in Mill Ruins Park, 100 W. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55401. We'll begin with an overview of the river's history and the importance of water in Minnesota, then walk past historic former flour mills, the birthplace of Minneapolis.

St. Anthony Falls

You'll be close to the Mississippi River and its powerful St. Anthony Falls several times during the tour. From each vantage point, you'll learn how the fall's rich history impacts life today in Minneapolis. You'll hear stories from many different perspectives - early settlement and lumbering, harnessing the river's wild power, milling flour to feed the world and today's Mill District transformation into the city's most desirable and trendy residential neighborhood.

Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam

On the Stone Arch Bridge, we'll confront the jarring juxtaposition of St. Anthony Falls with the adjacent Upper St. Anthony Lock, a 1950s insertion into the area. Here, we'll talk more about the the southward flow of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. By the end of the tour returning back to the starting point on the west end of the bridge, you'll understand how the area's historic legacy is directly linked to Minnesota culture and Minneapolis life.

Water Power Park

We'll explore Water Power Park with its startling overlook of the mighty Mississippi surging over dramatic St. Anthony Falls, see the nation's first hydro power plant and learn about the location of an early sawmill.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (10)

B2078RJlindah

Jun 2022

Mr. Douglas Kline gave an outstanding tour. Highly recommend. We learned quite a bit about the St. Gregory Falls and their impact on the growth of Minneapolis.

Response from Host

Jul 2022

I appreciate your comments. Thank you! Our walk in the historic Mill District of Minneapolis was fun for all of us. I enjoyed meeting you. Best wishes!

Cathleen_K

Sep 2021

Terrific tour with tons of historical and contemporary observations about the impact of Minnesota’s unique water resources. Seeing St. Anthony Falls and understanding it’s impact on Twin Cities economic and cultural development was a wonderful new insight for our family who recently moved here from the East Coast.

Response from Host

Sep 2021

Thank you! Meeting your family was fun and your smart-n-savvy twins are sharp - it was refreshing to understand the area's historical and cultural impacts through their teenage eyes. I'm sure their birthday this week was fun and their return to school exciting. A big week! Looking forward to guiding more local tours with you.

Siriuslysnazzy

Aug 2021

Doug was a great guide! Despite all the time I’ve spent in the twin cities I learned so much and saw some new spots. I recommend his tours for both locals and tourists.

Response from Host

Aug 2021

Thank you! Your group was fun because of the mix of locals and visitors. I loved all the questions, too. Hope to see you again!