Experience St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour

Experience the St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour: A Spooky Stroll Through Minnesota’s Historic Haunts

If you’re intrigued by ghost stories, historical mysteries, and a dash of paranormal intrigue, the St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour offers a captivating way to explore this Minnesota city’s darker side. For just $29, you’ll spend around 90 minutes wandering through some of St. Paul’s most historic spots, hearing tales of spirits that refuse to stay silent. From ghostly executions to legendary figures that still allegedly roam the streets, this tour combines storytelling with history in a way that’s both eerie and educational.

What makes this experience worth considering? First, the expert storyteller guide brings each tale vividly to life, making the ghosts feel surprisingly real. Second, the historic stops—such as the Landmark Center and the Cathedral of Saint Paul—are not only atmospheric but steeped in stories that go beyond your typical ghost tour. Third, at only $29, this tour offers a solid value for a uniquely spooky way to spend an evening. The one potential drawback? The tour is primarily based on stories and local legends, so if you’re after highly polished production or visible spirits, you might find it less tangible.

This tour is best suited for those who love history sprinkled with ghostly tales, history buffs curious about Minnesota’s haunted past, or travelers seeking a fun, atmospheric evening activity. It’s a great way to get to know St. Paul’s historic sites — with a ghostly twist.

Good To Know

• Affordable and Engaging: The $29 price makes it accessible for most travelers interested in ghost stories and history.
• Rich Historic Stops: From the Ramsey County Courthouse to the Landmark Center, each location offers fascinating stories and ghostly legends.
• Authentic Narration: Guided by an expert storyteller, the tour brings legendary spirits and local history to life with vivid descriptions.
• Short and Manageable: At around 1.5 hours, it’s a perfect activity for an evening without feeling rushed.
• Family Friendly: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for various guests.
• Weather Dependent: The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

A Complete Look at the Haunted Journey

This ghost tour is designed as a walk through some of St. Paul’s most haunted and historically significant sites, all within easy walking distance. It starts at St. Paul City Hall, a central location easy to access via public transit or car, making it a convenient meeting point.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Ramsey County Courthouse
The tour kicks off here, where a dark story from 1905 sets the tone. A forbidden love affair led to Minnesota’s last execution, and the ghostly presence of the condemned is said to still linger in the basement. The story of this crime of passion is compelling, and it hints at the enduring power of unresolved stories. The guide’s storytelling here is lively, with insights that make the history feel disturbingly real. Expect about 10 minutes at this stop, and it’s free to visit.

Stop 2: City Hall of St. Paul
Next, you’ll head over to the site where Ann Bilansky, known as “The Black Widow of St. Paul,” was hanged after being accused of poisoning her husband. The original gallows stood here, and this is where her final words were spoken. Tour guests often find this part evocative, imagining the grim scene and the lingering spirits said to walk near the execution site. The guide mentions that some women have even reported seeing a man in a bathroom here who quickly disappears—adding a tangible sense of the supernatural. This stop also lasts about 10 minutes, free to explore.

Stop 3: Minnesota State Capitol
Inside the Capitol, you’ll hear about a supernatural experience claimed by the daughter of a Supreme Court justice, adding a layer of intrigue to an already grand building. While no specific spirits are detailed, the story hints at the Capitol’s haunted reputation. Expect a quick 10-minute stay, but one that offers a fascinating peek into the Capitol’s ghostly lore.

Stop 4: Cathedral of Saint Paul
Visiting this stunning religious site, you might find yourself feeling watched—perhaps by a spirit rather than a parishioner. Many visitors report feeling an eerie presence, and the guide shares stories that make the church’s beautiful interior seem even more mysterious after hours. It’s a peaceful yet spooky atmosphere, with about 10 minutes allocated for this stop.

Stop 5: Fitzgerald Theater
Here, you’ll meet two spirits so lively that the theater has given them names—Ben and Veronica. Stagehands and staff have reportedly seen them move objects or be present when no one else is around. The guide notes that the theater’s ghostly activity is well-known locally, and that some staff even refer to these spirits as “part of the cast.” This stop gets more time—about 15 minutes—reflecting the theater’s lively ghostly reputation.

Stop 6: Landmark Center
This historic building, often used for weddings, also hosts tales of a gangster ghost who loved to return to his former haunt. The stories say he still wanders the halls, and some visitors claim to hear footsteps or see shadows in the evening. This spot combines historical beauty with a dash of crime lore, making it a compelling and atmospheric part of the tour. Expect 15 minutes here, with plenty of stories to entertain.

Stop 7: The Saint Paul Hotel
Nicknamed “The Million Dollar Hotel,” it has a dark Prohibition past linked to gangsters like Leon Gleckman. The third floor, in particular, is rumored to be haunted, where some guests have reported unexplained noises and apparitions. The tour wraps up here, giving a spooky yet elegant finale to the evening walk.

What Travelers Can Expect

Guided storytelling is the core of this experience. The guide, equipped with historical facts and ghostly legends, will lead you from one site to the next, sharing vivid tales that are often based on local lore or past events. The stories are quite detailed, with some guests noting the guide’s ability to bring history alive with humor and suspense.

Visual and atmospheric elements play a role, even though it’s a walking tour. The historic architecture, dimly lit streets, and notable landmarks create the perfect backdrop for ghost stories. You won’t see ghosts, but the stories and setting certainly lend a spine-tingling feel.

Group size is capped at 30 travelers, which helps ensure a more intimate experience and easier interaction with the guide. The tour operates in the evening at 7 pm, making it ideal for a night-time activity, especially if you enjoy a bit of nocturnal mystique.

Accessibility and practicality: The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. Most of the stops are outside or in publicly accessible buildings, allowing you to enjoy the experience comfortably.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great value for a structured, guided ghost walk
• Mix of historic and supernatural stories
• Well-located starting point in downtown St. Paul
• Engaging guide with vivid storytelling, making history memorable
• Short duration fits easily into an evening plan

Cons:

• The experience is based on stories and legends, so it’s not guaranteed to satisfy those seeking tangible paranormal activity
• Weather can impact the tour—bad weather might lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience
• Since all the stops are free to visit individually, some travelers might prefer to explore on their own if not interested in the guided stories

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy history mixed with ghost stories, this tour will hit the mark. It’s ideal for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a fun, spooky way to explore downtown St. Paul. It’s also perfect for travelers wanting an inexpensive activity in the evening that’s both entertaining and atmospheric. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a taste of spooky Minnesota will all find something to enjoy here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable yet intriguing evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St. Paul City Hall, located at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN. The tour concludes back at this same meeting point.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the spooky stories and historical themes might be best suited for older kids or teenagers.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially since the tour is limited to 30 participants and operates at a specific time (7 pm).

Are there any restrictions or accessibility considerations?
Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. The tour is outdoor-friendly, but inclement weather could affect availability.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided tour and storytelling. The guide is an expert storyteller, but food, drinks, and other extras are not included.

Final Thoughts

The St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour offers more than just spooky stories; it’s a fascinating way to see the city through a different lens. Combining historic sites with ghostly legends, it provides a memorable, atmospheric experience that’s accessible and reasonably priced. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of the supernatural, or just looking for a fun evening activity, this tour delivers entertainment with a touch of Minnesota’s haunted past.

If you’re looking for a way to combine local history with ghostly intrigue, this tour is a no-brainer. It’s best suited for those who appreciate storytelling, historic ambiance, and a bit of spooky fun without needing concrete proof of spirits. Just be sure to dress for the weather and bring your sense of adventure—ghosts or not, it’s a walk you won’t forget.