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Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour

7 Reviews 4.14 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Minneapolis-Saint Paul, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

45 to 60 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Bull sharks, record-breaking paddlers and a parrot that answered the phone: the Mississippi has stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Walk the river with Frank Bures, an award-winning writer for Harper’s and The Atlantic. This is a storyteller’s walk, more river tales than history lecture. Enjoy the stories as you stroll along at your own pace.

-Hear how St. Anthony Falls has moved upstream, and what happened to Spirit Island
-Discover the story behind the restored Grain Belt sign
-Follow a 450-mile canoe race, and Frank’s own brush with death on the river
-Cross the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and see the Art Deco Post Office and Stone Arch Bridge
-17 stops, 1.4 miles, about 45 minutes

Part 1 of a riverfront loop (another tour by Frank): it ends near the start of Minneapolis River Walk.

Starts on Nicollet Island at Merriam St. Winter: the Hennepin Ave Bridge stairs may be closed. If so, take a short detour through the DeLaSalle High School parking lot. GPS audio works offline.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

95 Merriam Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Second Street and 11th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA

The tour ends at the Gold Medal Park sign.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Mississippi River (pass by)

Embark on a captivating journey along the iconic Mississippi River, North America's most significant waterway, delving into its rich history spanning 12,000 years.
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Nicollet Island Pavilion (pass by)

Start your tour on Nicollet Island, named after the cartographer Joseph Nicollet, where you'll explore the vibrant surroundings and set the stage for an enriching exploration.
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Bell of Two Friends (pass by)

Discover the Bell of Two Friends, a symbolic landmark along the river, echoing tales of camaraderie and connections that have thrived in the vicinity over the years.
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Grain Belt Sign (pass by)

Pass by the Grain Belt Sign, a famous beer advertisement, and uncover the intriguing story of its rescue after two decades in darkness, showcasing the resilience of iconic landmarks.
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Мост Хеннепин Авеню (pass by)

Cross the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, where you'll be treated to stand-out facts about the magnificent Mississippi and witness the bustling activity of the river from this vantage point.
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First Bridge Park (pass by)

At First Bridge Park, follow the river along the western bank, absorbing the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, with tales of resilient individuals shaping the river's narrative.
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United States Postal Service (pass by)

Pass architect Léon Arnal's Art Deco masterpiece, housing the Minneapolis Post Office, and discover the historical significance of this architectural gem along the riverfront.
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St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center (pass by)

Visit the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center to delve into fascinating stories about St. Anthony Falls, its curious upstream journey, and the eroding limestone riverbed that shaped its unique course.
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Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park (pass by)

Wander through the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park, where the river's beauty is complemented by tales of Spirit Island, a sacred site below St. Anthony Falls, and its significance to the Dakota people.
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St. Anthony Falls (pass by)

Experience the majesty of St. Anthony Falls and learn about its historical importance, including how it played a role in the lives of generations of Dakota children born at Spirit Island.
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Stone Arch Bridge (pass by)

Pass by the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, a testament to engineering marvels, and hear captivating stories about the river and the resilient individuals who have contributed to its history.
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Mill Ruins Park (pass by)

Explore Mill Ruins Park, uncovering the industrial history of the area, and relive the tales of the grueling 450-mile canoe race from Bemidji to Minneapolis.
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Mill City Museum (pass by)

Discover the Mill City Museum, a site steeped in industrial history, and learn about its vital role in shaping the narrative of the Mississippi River and the lives of those along its shores.
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Guthrie Theater (pass by)

Conclude your tour beside the Guthrie Theater, reflecting on the stories shared, and appreciating the artistic and cultural significance that the river has bestowed upon this landmark.
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35W Bridge Memorial (pass by)

Pause at the 35W Bridge Memorial, honoring those affected by a tragic event, and reflect on the resilience of communities along the Mississippi River.
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Gold Medal Park (pass by)

End your walking tour with an exploration of Gold Medal Park, gaining a new appreciation for how the Mississippi has flowed through the people's lives along its shores.
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Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P633

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.14
7 reviews

Average 4.14 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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4 stars
1
3 stars
1
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1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

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