Same-Day Tour Package (Historic Cave Tour & Saint Paul Gangster Tour)

Travelers curious about the lesser-known stories of Minnesota’s capital will find this Same-Day Tour Package a surprisingly fun and educational experience. It combines a historic cave tour with a gangster history walk around Saint Paul, offering a unique peek into 1930s crime, corruption, and underground secrets. We haven’t taken this trip ourselves, but after poring over reviews and details, it’s clear this experience has plenty to offer for those interested in history, storytelling, and a bit of underground adventure.

What really stands out is the small-group vibe — only 15 travelers maximum — which tends to make for a more personal, engaging experience. Plus, the seasonal photo opportunity with a gangster-era car sounds like a fun touch, especially for photo buffs. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is fast-paced and information-rich, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a slow, relaxed exploration. This tour is best suited for history buffs, small-group adventure seekers, or those with a curiosity about the criminal past of Saint Paul.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers ensures a friendly, engaging atmosphere.
• Rich, Focused Content: The tour combines underground cave exploration with a gangster history walk, offering both physical and storytelling experiences.
• Knowledgeable Guides: The reviews highlight guides who are well-informed and great storytellers, bringing history to life.
• Value for Money: At $69, this tour offers a solid mix of sights, stories, and photo opportunities, especially considering the small-group aspect.
• Seasonal Photo Ops: A chance to get photos with a vintage gangster car, adding a fun, visual element.
• Time Commitment: Just three hours, making it a manageable activity amidst a day of sightseeing.

What the Tour Entails: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Start Point: Wabasha Street Caves

The tour kicks off at the Wabasha Street Caves, a historic site known today for its tours and events, but once a hub of underground activity. The meeting here is straightforward, with close access to public transportation, so getting there isn’t a hassle. The caves themselves offer a gripping setting, as they’re integral to Saint Paul’s gangster past, making them an atmospheric start to the adventure.

Exploring Saint Paul’s Gangster Sites

Your guide will lead you through various gangster sites around Saint Paul, including the Castle Royal Nightclub, now better known as the Wabasha Street Caves. This spot is historically linked to the 1930s crime scene, giving visitors a tangible connection to the bootlegging and underground nightlife of the era. According to reviews, guides are particularly good at making the stories come alive, with one reviewer praising a guide named Lois for her storytelling talent.

This part of the tour lasts about two hours and involves visiting several sites associated with gangsters, shootouts, safehouses, and banks. The guide’s storytelling ability helps fill the space with vivid images of the past, making it more than just a walk through old streets. Many reviewers note that they appreciated the educational aspect combined with entertainment, as explained by one reviewer who said, “Lois was our tour guide and was amazing. She has a great talent for storytelling and brought history alive.”

Stop in South Saint Paul

Next, the tour takes you to South Saint Paul, where you’ll explore more gangster-related sites. This includes shootouts, safehouses, and banks linked to the crime underground. This segment is shorter, around 30 minutes, but is packed with stories and historical context. As one reviewer mentions, “Having a drink in the speaker easy would have made this a great tour,” indicating that some might wish for a bit more ambiance or immersive elements here.

West Saint Paul and Final Stops

The last leg focuses on West Saint Paul, covering police stations, shootouts, and other points of interest connected to law enforcement efforts against gangsters. This portion also lasts about 30 minutes, rounding out your understanding of the criminal landscape of the 1930s.

Cave Exploration & Photo Opportunities

The historic cave network is a highlight, offering an underground glimpse into where illicit activities supposedly took place. While some reviews mention that the caves are shorter than expected, the experience is still generally appreciated for its atmosphere and historical context. During certain seasons, you can also pose with a vintage 1930 Hudson Essex Gangster Car, which adds a visual and memorable element to your day.

What Makes this Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable and Charismatic Guides

Reviews consistently praise the guides, especially for their storytelling skills and depth of knowledge. Lois, for example, is singled out as particularly engaging, with a talent for making the past feel vivid. This is important because it transforms what could be a dry history lesson into a lively, memorable experience. One reviewer even called Lois a “gem,” emphasizing how her energy and enthusiasm elevate the tour.

Small-Group Experience

With just 15 travelers max, you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd. This setup allows for more interaction with your guide, the chance to ask questions, and a generally more relaxed vibe. It appeals especially to those who enjoy a personal touch when learning about local history.

Cost-Effective for What You Get

At $69 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package of underground exploration and street history. The cost is quite reasonable, considering the intimate group size, the photo opportunity, and the engaging storytelling. You’re paying for a focused, high-quality experience that balances education with entertainment.

What Could Be Better?

Cave Length and Content

Some reviews mention that the caves are shorter than expected. If you’re hoping for a long underground adventure, this might feel a bit limited, but the atmosphere and historical context make up for it. Still, if caves are your main focus, you might find the experience somewhat abbreviated.

Pace and Overload of Information

A handful of reviews note that the tour is fast-paced and packed with details, which can be overwhelming for some, especially if you have anxiety or autism. If you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace, or if you get easily overwhelmed by rapid storytelling, this is something to consider.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits history enthusiasts, small-group adventure seekers, and those interested in crime stories from the 1930s. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling and want a fun, engaging way to learn about Saint Paul’s underground past. Families with older children might also enjoy it, especially if they’re interested in American history or vintage cars.

However, if you prefer longer cave explorations or a more laid-back pace, you might find this tour somewhat brisk. Likewise, if you’re particularly sensitive to rapid-fire information or loud storytelling, it’s worth noting that the guides tend to be energetic and quick.

Final Thoughts

This Same-Day Tour Package offers a lively, immersive glimpse into Saint Paul’s gangster era. With knowledgeable guides and a small-group atmosphere, it makes for a personal experience that blends underground exploration with street-level stories. The photo opportunities and seasonal vintage car add a fun, visual element that helps make the day memorable.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, engaging way to learn about the crime history of Minnesota’s capital and enjoy a bit of underground adventure, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for those who value storytelling, a friendly atmosphere, and a neat combination of sightseeing and history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally family-friendly, but since it involves storytelling that can be fast-paced and some sites related to crime, it’s probably best for older children or teenagers interested in history.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 3 hours in total, including walking, cave exploration, and site visits.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 24 days ahead to secure a spot, especially since the tour is limited to 15 people.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point at Wabasha Street Caves is near public transit options.

What’s included in the price?
The $69 fee covers the guided cave tour, street exploration, and access to the sites mentioned. The vintage car photo is seasonal and may be available at no extra cost.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Unfortunately, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

Is there a break during the tour?
The itinerary is packed into three hours, with some segments shorter than others, but no formal breaks are specified.

If you’re after a small-group adventure that combines history, underground sights, and a bit of crime drama, this Saint Paul gangster tour might be just the thing. It’s a chance to see a different side of Minnesota’s capital — one that’s entertaining, educational, and full of stories you won’t forget.