Saint Paul Gangster Tour

The Saint Paul Gangster Tour offers a captivating journey into the criminal history of Minnesota’s capital city. Priced at $55 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour takes you through South, West, and Central Saint Paul to explore the city’s past during the Prohibition Era. With a mobile ticket and a maximum group size of 25 travelers, the tour strikes a balance between intimacy and lively storytelling.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on iconic gangster sites and stories, delivered by a funny and informative guide. This experience is perfect for history buffs or anyone interested in the criminal underworld of the early 20th century. The tour is designed to be engaging, with notable stops like the Castle Royal Gangsters Nightclub, and sites connected to John Dillinger and the Irish Syndicate.

A key strength lies in the onboard restrooms, which help keep the pace relaxed, and the stop at Dillinger’s gun battle site is a highlight for crime history fans. While the tour is largely a bus ride, the detailed commentary and specific site visits make it well worth the price, especially considering the positive reviews praising the guides’ expertise and entertaining stories.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $55 and lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable and affordable way to explore Saint Paul’s gangster history.
• Experienced Guide: A knowledgeable and humorous guide leads the tour, providing lively stories about the city’s criminal past.
• Major Stops: The itinerary includes visits to the Castle Royal Nightclub, Dillinger’s escape site, and Irish Syndicate locations.
• Comfort and Convenience: The bus is equipped with restrooms, and the tour departs from 215 Wabasha St S.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.5/5 rating from 41 reviews, the tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and rich historical detail.
• Best for: Those interested in crime history, local legends, or a fun, relaxed sightseeing experience.

Saint Paul as a Crime Hub in the 1930s

The tour opens with an overview of Saint Paul’s role as a center for organized crime during the early 20th century. It highlights how the city’s prohibition-era crime scene made it a hub of payroll robberies, gang hideouts, and illicit bars. The stories shared during the tour paint a picture of bold kidnappings and gun battles that defined this turbulent era.

The Irish Syndicate and other crime groups established a feared presence in the city, with locations that are now part of the tour’s stops. The guide’s storytelling makes the history vivid, explaining how gangsters like Baby Face and Dillinger influenced Saint Paul’s reputation.

Exploring Historic Saint Paul Landmarks

The tour’s first stop is at Saint Paul’s downtown, where key landmarks like the Historic Castle Royal Nightclub and the St. Paul Hotel are pointed out. The Castle Royal is now a historic street cave, adding a tangible layer to the gangster tales. The Hamm’s mansion kidnapping site and Dillinger’s gun battle site are presented with lively commentary, giving visitors a sense of the city’s criminal past.

Other significant sites include Summit Hill, the Governor’s Mansion, and the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald, offering a mix of literary and criminal history. The 45-minute tour gives ample time to absorb these stories without feeling rushed.

Stops in South and West Saint Paul: Crime Scenes and Famous Hotels

Moving beyond downtown, the tour continues with stops in South Saint Paul and West Saint Paul. In South Saint Paul, the site of a payroll robbery is visited, highlighting the city’s role in criminal activities.

In West Saint Paul, you’ll see the White House hotel, a known hangout for gangsters, and the Horseshoe Saloon, both of which carried their own stories of illicit activity. These stops, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, provide a deeper sense of the locations where the city’s criminal history unfolded firsthand.

Visiting Dillinger’s Escape and Gangster Hangouts

One of the tour’s most notable highlights is visiting the site where John Dillinger shot his way out of Saint Paul. This gun battle site remains a compelling piece of the city’s gangster lore. The stories about Dillinger’s daring escape are delivered with flair, making it a major attraction for fans of crime history.

Plus, the tour passes by bars and hotels where gangsters like Dillinger and Baby Face frequented. The HorseShoe Saloon and the White House hotel are among the spots that evoke the illicit nightlife of the era.

The Guide: Knowledge, Humor, and Engagement

Tour guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and entertaining style. Reviewers highlight the guide’s ability to blend historical facts with humor, making the stories memorable. One guide even takes on the persona of John Dillinger, adding a theatrical touch to the experience.

Guests appreciate the interactive approach, with some mentioning the inclusion of guest participation, which keeps the atmosphere lively. The bus driver is noted for their skillful handling, and the comfortable bus with onboard restrooms helps maintain a relaxed pace.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour begins at 215 Wabasha St S in Saint Paul, which is accessible near public transportation options. The group size is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The mobile ticket system simplifies entry, and the tour ends at the same location where it starts.

Confirmation is instant, and the tour is most suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. The weather-dependent nature means that tours can be canceled in bad weather, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

Customer Feedback: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ enthusiasm and expertise as a major strength. Guests love the stories about Dillinger, the humor, and the interesting sights along the route. Many mention how the tour feels like a fun, relaxed way to learn about Saint Paul’s criminal history, especially on a rainy or cold day.

Some minor suggestions from reviewers include providing character sheets or printed materials beforehand and offering more visual displays during the tour to enhance engagement.

Limitations and Considerations

While the majority of reviews are highly positive, a few note that the lecture-style presentation can become repetitive or less engaging without visual aids. The tour does not involve off-bus stops for extended periods, so those seeking more walking or museum visits should consider this.

Plus, cancellation policies are strict—this experience is non-refundable, and bad weather can lead to rescheduling. It’s best to book in advance, as the tour is popular and often booked 24 days ahead.

Who Will Enjoy the Saint Paul Gangster Tour?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, crime buffs, and those seeking a fun, storytelling experience. It appeals to visitors interested in local legends and early 20th-century gangster stories. The lively guides and well-chosen sites make it a good value for the price, especially for those who appreciate humor and engaging narration.

It suits those comfortable with bus touring and looking for an entertaining way to explore Saint Paul without extensive walking. Families with older children and groups of friends will find it a memorable way to spend a couple of hours learning about the city’s clandestine past.

Saint Paul Gangster Tour: Final Thoughts

The Saint Paul Gangster Tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s criminal history, driven by expert guides and set against the backdrop of historic sites. Its affordable price, interactive storytelling, and fascinating locations make it an appealing choice for a relaxed, informative outing.

While some may wish for more visual elements or off-bus stops, the engaging narratives and iconic sites compensate well. This tour provides a fun, educational experience suitable for a wide audience, especially those drawn to crime stories, local history, or simply looking for something different in Saint Paul.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Saint Paul Gangster Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $55 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 215 Wabasha St S, Saint Paul.

Is there any physical activity involved?
No, it is primarily a bus tour with no walking stops, making it accessible for most.

Are restrooms available during the tour?
Yes, the bus is equipped with restrooms.

What sites are covered during the tour?
Key sites include Dillinger’s gun battle site, Castle Royal Nightclub, Irish Syndicate locations, and sites of payroll robberies.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the reviews suggest it appeals to families as well.

What should I wear or bring?
Since the tour is on a bus, dress comfortably and prepare for the weather, as tours are weather-dependent.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
This experience is non-refundable, and cancellations cannot be changed. Bad weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

How many people can join the tour?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers.

Is booking in advance necessary?
Yes, the tour is typically booked 24 days in advance, and early booking is recommended.

Who provides this tour?
The Wabasha Street Caves facilitate this experience, contactable at +16512921220 or [email protected].