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Offered languages
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins on Nicollet Island at the intersection of Merriam St and East Island Ave, at the west end of the Merriam Bridge. There is some parking on the Island and at St. Anthony Main, across the Merriam Bridge.
The tour ends at the Gold Medal Park sign.
Itinerary
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(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
Historic 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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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