Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis

Exploring Minneapolis through its ghost stories might not be your typical city sightseeing. This ghost walking tour offers a fascinating blend of history, legends, and spooky tales, all set against the backdrop of downtown Minneapolis. With a knowledgeable guide leading you through historic landmarks, you’ll get a different perspective on the city’s past—one filled with mysterious occurrences and spectral legends.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines storytelling with a walk around some of the most iconic sites. It’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere, learn about local lore, and see the city’s highlights. Plus, the fact that it’s free makes it an accessible option for travelers on any budget who are curious about Minneapolis’s darker side.

However, it’s worth mentioning that this tour is mainly suited for those comfortable with walking and who enjoy spooky stories. Since the tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and covers multiple historic sites, it may be less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or very young children.

This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a mix of local history and supernatural tales, especially if you enjoy walking tours that reveal stories you wouldn’t find in standard guidebooks.

Key Points

• Free tour with a lot of historical and spooky stories that add a different dimension to Minneapolis sightseeing.
• Led by engaging guides, with reviewers highlighting guides like Mad Tom for their storytelling skills.
• Ideal location in downtown Minneapolis, easy to combine with other city explorations.
• Walking distance and duration are manageable, but might be tiring for some.
• Authentic stories from local landmarks like City Hall, the Stone Arch Bridge, and the Foshay Tower.
• Great for those interested in haunted lore and local legends, offering insights beyond typical tourist spots.

An In-Depth Look at the Minneapolis Ghost Walking Tour

An Overview of the Experience

This tour, offered by American Ghost Walks – Minnesota, is designed to give you a unique perspective of Minneapolis through its haunted past. It’s a mobile ticket experience, lasting roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, which makes it a manageable yet engaging evening activity. The fact that it costs nothing to join makes it stand out among many paid ghost tours, but don’t let the price fool you: the storytelling quality and the historical insights are definitely worth your time.

The tour departs at 7:00 pm from 102 Portland Ave S, a central point in Minneapolis, well-situated for exploring other attractions before or after the walk. The group size typically maxes out at 30 travelers, ensuring a personable experience without overcrowding.

What Makes This Tour Special?

What really sets this tour apart is the combination of history and ghost stories. The guides—like “Mad Tom,” who received praise for his storytelling—bring the locations alive with vivid tales. The reviews mention that guides are “great story tellers” and that they do a wonderful job engaging the group, which is essential for a spooky storytelling experience.

The tour’s stops are carefully chosen for their haunted significance and historic appeal. You’ll visit key landmarks such as Minneapolis City Hall, the Stone Arch Bridge, the Foshay Tower, and Mill Ruins Park, among others. Each site has its own eerie backstory or ghostly legend, often tied to real events from Minneapolis’s past.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Stops

Minneapolis City Hall

The tour kicks off at Minneapolis City Hall, a building that’s not only architecturally impressive but also haunted by some dark stories. Here, you’ll learn about the location of Minnesota’s last execution, which adds a chilling layer to its history. The guide shares stories of ghostly sightings and local legends associated with the building, setting a spooky tone for what’s to come.

Reviewers appreciated this opening stop for its mix of history and ghost tales, with one noting that it’s a great way to start the tour on an engaging note. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, making it a perfect introduction without feeling rushed.

Stone Arch Bridge

Next up is the Stone Arch Bridge, which is not only an architectural marvel but also has ghost stories linked to the Mill Ruins tragedy. The bridge offers a scenic backdrop for the storytelling, blending visual beauty with spectral legends. Travelers report feeling a certain eerie atmosphere here, especially as the guide recounts stories of ghostly apparitions seen along the river.

One reviewer mentions that the ghosts of the Mill Ruins tragedy are among the most fascinating stories, adding depth to the location. This stop also lasts around 15 minutes, giving ample time to absorb the tales and take photos.

The Depot Minneapolis

The old Train Depot is another highlight, with stories revolving around who—or what—might be haunting the historic structure. The depot’s ghost stories are rooted in its bustling past, with tales of spirits lingering from its days as a transportation hub. The guide’s storytelling skills shine here, making history feel alive and spooky.

Foshay Tower

This art Deco skyscraper is an iconic Minneapolis landmark with a haunted reputation. The guide shares tales of spirits reportedly seen in the tower, perhaps connected to its own history of grandeur and tragedy. The stop is shorter—about 10 minutes—but packed with intriguing stories that make you look up at the tower differently.

Hennepin Avenue Bridge

Here, the focus shifts to mysterious deaths in the Mississippi River, with stories linking these incidents to local folklore. The bridge’s proximity to the river makes it an atmospheric spot, especially as the guide recounts tales of people who’ve died mysteriously in the area. The stories are both chilling and captivating, providing a sense of the river’s haunted reputation.

Guthrie Theater

The new Guthrie Theater continues a Minneapolis tradition of arts and culture—but also carries its own ghost stories. The guide speculates whether unseen spirits from the old theater still linger in the new location, adding a supernatural layer to the city’s artistic history. This stop is about 10 minutes long, but leaves plenty of room for imagination to run wild.

Mill Ruins Park & St. Anthony Main

The tour concludes at Mill Ruins Park—the site of a notorious explosion that left more than ruins. The stories here focus on what might still be lurking among the remnants of the old mill. The nearby historic St. Anthony Main district is also rich with history and ghostly legends, rounding out the experience with a charming, haunted atmosphere.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

From the moment you meet at 7 pm, you’ll be welcomed into a group that’s eager to hear spooky stories. The guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling ability, making history compelling and creepy at the same time. The walking pace is reasonable, but it’s important to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be covering quite a bit of ground in downtown Minneapolis.

The tour is mainly outdoor, so dressing appropriately for weather conditions is advised. You might find the evening air adds to the eerie atmosphere, especially at quieter, more atmospheric spots like Mill Ruins Park or the bridges over the Mississippi.

While the tour is free, the value lies in the storytelling and the chance to see the city from a spooky perspective. Reviewers mentioned that it’s a great way to see the city while simultaneously learning about its darker side, making it an excellent addition to your Minneapolis itinerary.

Group Size & Atmosphere

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group size feels intimate enough to allow for personal interactions, yet large enough to create a lively, communal experience. Reviewers praised guides like Mad Tom for their engaging narration, which kept the group entertained and intrigued throughout.

Accessibility & Practicalities

Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that walking is involved, which might be an issue for those with mobility concerns. The tour is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from different parts of the city.

How Does It Compare to Other Tours?

Compared to paid experiences like the Minneapolis Skyway Tour or the Twin Cities Walking Tour, this ghost walk offers a niche focus on haunted stories, making it more specialized. The free cost enhances its appeal, especially for budget travelers, but the storytelling quality equals some paid options, according to reviews.

The limited duration and specific focus on paranormal stories mean this isn’t a full city sightseeing tour but a perfect complement if you’re interested in ghost lore and local legends.

Final Thoughts

This ghost walking tour in Minneapolis offers an engaging, affordable way to explore the city’s haunted side. You’ll walk past iconic landmarks, listen to captivating stories, and get a taste of Minneapolis’s darker history—all with the backdrop of a lively, knowledgeable guide. The combination of history, legends, and scenic sites makes it a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy storytelling and a touch of the supernatural.

The tour’s highlights—such as the stories at City Hall, Mill Ruins, and the Foshay Tower—are well-received, and the guide’s ability to keep the group entertained is a clear strength. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a different perspective of Minneapolis, especially after sunset, when the atmosphere really thickens.

If you’re after a budget-friendly, fun, and spooky activity that can be easily integrated into your city trip, this ghost walk is worth considering. Just be prepared for some walking and maybe bring a jacket—it’s an outdoor experience that’s at its best when the streets are quiet and the stories are chilling.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the spooky nature of the stories might be more suited for older kids or teens who enjoy ghost tales. It’s best to use your discretion based on your children’s comfort with spooky stories.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long, giving you enough time to enjoy the stories without feeling overwhelmed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 102 Portland Ave S and finishes back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for other activities afterward.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves walking around downtown, it might pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Most of the locations are on foot, but it’s best to prepare accordingly.

What is the tour price?
The tour is completely free, which makes it an attractive option for budget travelers. However, the value lies in the storytelling and experience rather than a paid ticket.

Are pets allowed on the tour?
Service animals are permitted, but other pets are not explicitly mentioned, so check with the provider if traveling with pets.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as most of the tour is outdoors. Evening temperatures can vary, so a jacket or layers are recommended.

Can I join without prior booking?
Most bookings are made in advance—on average, 17 days ahead—so it’s best to reserve your spot early to secure participation.

What makes this tour stand out from other city tours?
The focus on haunted stories and local legends, combined with the engaging guides, offers a distinctive experience that blends history with a touch of the supernatural—something different from traditional sightseeing.

This Minneapolis ghost walking tour is a charming, eerie way to experience the city’s darker corners. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable evening activity, it’s a walk worth taking.