Twin Cities tours pack impressive variety into two distinct urban centers. The best options focus on three main highlights: Prince’s musical legacy, natural wonders like Minnehaha Falls, and the historic Mississippi riverfront. Walking tours with local guides ($9.99-$189.79) provide the richest experience, offering insider knowledge of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s development around St. Anthony Falls.
I particularly recommend the audio tours for their flexibility and thorough historical coverage. The Prince-themed excursions stand out, taking visitors beyond the typical tourist stops to understand the artist’s deep connection to the area.
Let’s explore the top-rated tours worth your time and money in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Good To Know
- Self-guided audio tours offer immersive experiences in downtown Minneapolis, with offline functionality and flexible pacing for individual exploration.
- The “In the Footsteps of Prince” tour highlights notable Prince locations, including a 100-foot mural and Music Wall, and is available until October 2025.
- The Minnehaha Falls tour provides intriguing stories about the captivating urban waterfall, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation.
- The Minneapolis Downtown Walking Tour offers guided exploration of landmarks near the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls, led by local experts.
- While the audio tours are not wheelchair accessible, they provide engaging history and contextual information, with flexible cancellation policies and various pricing options.
In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis
In downtown Minneapolis, visitors can step into the shoes of the legendary Prince with a self-guided audio tour that follows in his footsteps.
The 75-minute experience starts at Nicollet Avenue and ends at First Avenue, where 10,000 gathered to mourn the icon. The tour, accessible via smartphone, features stops at notable locations like the 100-foot Prince mural and Music Wall.
Designed for offline use, the tour provides lifetime access to the audio, maps, and geodata through the VoiceMap app. With reviews highlighting the engaging history and flexibility, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Minneapolis through the lens of Prince’s life.
Priced at $11.99 per person, the experience is available daily until October 2025, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
For any technical issues or refund requests, participants can contact the tour provider for support.
Read our full review: In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis Review
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Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis
Minnehaha Falls stands as one of the nation’s most captivating urban waterfalls, offering visitors a chance to experience its natural wonder. This self-guided audio tour provides a fascinating exploration of the falls using a smartphone. The tour includes intriguing stories about hermits, presidents, nature, and geology, allowing flexibility to speed through or linger as desired.
Downloading the tour via the VoiceMap app, available for both Android and iOS, ensures offline access without needing Wi-Fi. Travelers can start, pause, or restart the tour at any time, accessing lifetime audio, maps, and geodata.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most visitors can participate. Priced at $9.99 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve now, pay later option.
With a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews, the tour has received positive feedback for its enjoyable, informative content and ease of use, though some perceive it as unnecessary given the park’s free entry.
Read our full review: Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis Review
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Minneapolis Downtown Walking Tour With Local Guide – Minneapolis-Saint Paul
This Minneapolis Downtown Walking Tour With Local Guide provides an engaging journey through the heart of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Explore the city’s unique features, history, and natural areas with a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll stroll along the riverfront, discovering landmarks near the Mississippi River and learning about bike-friendly initiatives and the significance of St. Anthony Falls.
The tour starts at Mill Ruins Park and ends at the Upper Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, covering a route that’s easily accessible by public transportation.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Priced from $189.79 per person, the private tour offers flexible cancellation and rescheduling options up to 24 hours before the experience.
With a 5.0 rating based on a single positive review, this tour from Opatrip.com USA promises an insightful and enjoyable exploration of downtown Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Read our full review: Minneapolis Downtown Walking Tour With Local Guide – Minneapolis-Saint Paul Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Is Needed for Each Self-Guided Tour?
The time needed for each self-guided tour can vary depending on the individual’s pace and interests. Generally, most self-guided tours can be completed within 1-2 hours, allowing ample time to explore the highlights at a leisurely pace.
What Type of Transportation Is Recommended for the Tours?
For self-guided tours, transportation options like walking, public transit, or renting a bicycle are often recommended. This allows visitors to explore the area at their own pace and access hard-to-reach spots comfortably.
Are the Tours Suitable for Individuals With Limited Mobility?
The tours are generally suitable for those with limited mobility, as many offer wheelchair-accessible options and guided walking tours at a leisurely pace. However, it’s best to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations when booking.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tours?
Most guided tours don’t have age restrictions, but some may have requirements for minors to be accompanied by an adult. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific age limitations or requirements before booking.
Can the Tours Be Customized or Personalized for Specific Interests?
Many guided tour companies allow visitors to customize their experience, tailoring the itinerary to their specific interests. Some offer private tours, enabling a more personalized exploration of the area’s highlights.
The Sum Up
The guided tours in Minneapolis-Saint Paul offer a diverse array of experiences. Visitors can explore the city’s music legacy with a self-guided audio tour of Prince’s downtown haunts, discover the natural beauty of Minnehaha Falls, or join a walking tour led by a local guide to get an insider’s perspective on the vibrant downtown. These tours provide a well-rounded introduction to the cultural and scenic highlights of the Twin Cities.