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Offered languages
- English
Take a self-guided tour along the iconic Mississippi River with award-winning storyteller Frank Bures. From Nicollet Island to Gold Medal Park, delve into 12,000 years of vibrant river history. Cross the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, pass Stone Arch Bridge, and explore the Guthrie Theater. Along the way, discover tales of St. Anthony Falls, Guinness World Record paddling attempts, the Minneapolis Post Office, Spirit Island, and Nicollet Island's peculiar inhabitants.
Uncover the mystery of the Grain Belt Sign's revival, marvel at bull sharks' Mississippi swim, and learn about the 450-mile canoe race. Frank's near-death experience in the river adds a personal touch. This tour will leave you with an appreciation for the Mississippi's profound impact on those living along its shores.
Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.
Once you have booked, you will receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour.
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 -
(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 -
(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 -
(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 -
(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 -
(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
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Rating
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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