St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl – Hidden Tales & History

If you’re looking to see a different side of St. Paul beyond its peaceful streets and well-known landmarks, the St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl offers a fascinating peek into the city’s clandestine past. This 3-hour guided experience takes you into historic bars filled with stories of bootleggers, gangsters, and underground tunnels—tales most visitors never encounter. It’s a perfect way to combine a love of history, craft drinks, and a bit of local intrigue.

What immediately piqued our interest was how the tour promises a guided walking journey through downtown St. Paul, with skip-the-line access to bars that have guarded their secrets for decades. We also appreciated that the tour is designed for small groups, making it more intimate and engaging. Plus, the focus on authentic stories of criminals like John Dillinger and Machine Gun Kelly adds a thrill that sets this apart from typical pub crawls.

One potential consideration is that the tour lasts just three hours, which might leave some craving even more time exploring the hidden corners of St. Paul’s underbelly. It’s also priced at $79 per person, which we find reasonable considering the depth of stories and exclusive access involved. This experience is best suited for history buffs, nightlife enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the shadowy chapters of Minnesota’s capital—especially those who enjoy storytelling paired with drinks.

Good To Know

• Authentic Histories: Experience the real stories behind St. Paul’s historic bars, from bootlegging to gangsters.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides like Camille and Dan bring the city’s secret tales to life with enthusiasm.
• Exclusive Access: Skip the lines and visit bars with hidden histories, some featuring underground tunnels and secret rooms.
• Craft & Premium Drinks: Enjoy high-quality beers and cocktails at award-winning establishments.
• Intimate Experience: Small group size ensures personalized storytelling and a more engaging atmosphere.
• Flexible & Convenient: 3-hour afternoon tour with easy meeting arrangements and options to cancel or reschedule.

The tour begins outside Cossetta’s restaurant—don’t go inside, just meet your guide in the designated area in blue. From the start, you’re greeted with a complimentary drink, helping you settle into the mood of a secretive adventure. Over the next three hours, you’ll traverse historic sections of downtown St. Paul, visiting carefully selected bars that carry their own stories of notoriety and undercover activity.

Each stop offers insights into the city’s underground world, including tales of notorious figures like Pig’s Eye Parrant, a bootlegger with a reputation as colorful as his nickname. Guides share stories about gangs that once used underground tunnels—something you might find at certain bars with roots in criminal hideouts used by Chicago gangs to evade law enforcement. These tunnels add a real sense of mystery and history that you’re unlikely to find in standard walking tours.

The guides seem to excel at weaving story and setting. For example, during one stop, you’ll hear about how Machine Gun Kelly and the Barker Gang used St. Paul as a secret hideout, a fact that fascinates history lovers and crime buffs alike. We loved the way guides like Camille and Dan tailored their storytelling—Dan was noted in reviews for his deep knowledge and friendly style, making the experience both informative and fun.

The bars themselves are more than just drinking spots; many have preserved their authentic pasts with vintage decor, hidden rooms, or underground tunnels. You may get a glimpse of buildings that once served as criminal safe havens, adding an element of adventure to your drink. The tour concludes at a final bar, leaving you with a lasting impression of St. Paul’s clandestine history.

At $79, this tour offers a compelling mix of history, local culture, and nightlife. Instead of a generic pub crawl, you get expert-guided storytelling and access to bars that have kept their secrets for decades. The included one free drink and the opportunity to purchase premium beers or craft cocktails further enhance the experience. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, making for more meaningful interactions and stories.

A big plus is the skip-the-line access, which means less waiting and more time enjoying each stop. The fact that it’s wheelchair accessible also broadens its appeal. Plus, the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour makes it easier to book with confidence.

The tour kicks off outside Cossetta’s, where your guide awaits in blue. From there, you’ll head into downtown St. Paul, walking between bars that have played roles in the city’s criminal past. These aren’t just any bars—they’re historical landmarks cloaked in stories of illegal activity, political corruption, and underground dealings.

One of the notable stops includes a historic brewery, where you can sip craft beers or premium selections while soaking in the atmosphere of a place that’s seen firsthand the city’s secret side. The Waldmann Brewery, for instance, was praised in reviews for its lively ambiance and historical significance, even if it’s no longer an active brewery.

Throughout the tour, guides like Camille and Dan share tales such as how Chicago mobsters used tunnels beneath St. Paul to escape law enforcement or how local officials turned a blind eye—stories that give you a sense of how intertwined crime and politics once were. The underground tunnels, a highlight for many, are a tangible link to the city’s shadowy past, adding excitement to the walk.

All stops are selected not just for their drinks and ambiance but for their stories. This isn’t a tour that just points out buildings; it’s about understanding the characters, deals, and secrets that made St. Paul’s history unique.

Multiple reviews emphasize the guides’ knowledge and ability to tailor the experience. Camille, for example, received praise for her outstanding storytelling and local insights. Dan’s friendly, knowledgeable approach made the tour enjoyable and engaging, with one reviewer noting how he tailored the experience to their specific interests.

This focus on authentic storytelling ensures each participant leaves with a deeper understanding of St. Paul. The guides’ ability to connect historical facts with lively narratives makes this more than just a bar crawl—it becomes a mini history lesson with a fun twist.

The St. Paul Secret Stories Bar Crawl offers a distinctive way to explore the city’s lesser-known past, blending historical intrigue with lively nightlife. Its focus on hidden tales, underground tunnels, and notorious figures makes it ideal for those who want more than just a drink—you’ll get a story that sticks with you.

This experience is most suited for history lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a little adventure and storytelling. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a small-group, personalized feel while uncovering the city’s darker, more fascinating side.

The tour balances value and authenticity well, making it a worthwhile choice for anyone eager to explore St. Paul in a different light.

Is the tour suitable for someone with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility concerns should be comfortable to join.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately three hours, usually in the afternoon. It’s a relaxed pace designed for walking and storytelling.

Are additional drinks included?
Only the first complimentary drink is included. Additional beverages can be purchased at the bars.

Do I need to prepare anything for the tour?
Bring your ID or passport, comfortable shoes, and some cash for extra drinks or tips.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your plans.

Is this tour appropriate for under 21s?
No, it’s not suitable for those under 21, due to alcohol consumption.

How many people typically join the tour?
This experience is designed for small groups, ensuring a more personal and engaging atmosphere.

This bar crawl offers an engaging, authentic slice of St. Paul’s shadowy past, brought to life by expert guides and historic venues. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the city’s hidden stories, it promises a memorable and revealing adventure.