Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour

Discover the Mississippi River’s Stories with the Self-Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour

The Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour offers a compelling way to experience the river’s significance in Minnesota for just $8.99 per person. With an approximate duration of 45 minutes to 1 hour, this tour is perfect for those wanting a flexible and educational walk along the riverfront. The tour is led by award-winning storyteller Frank Bures, who shares engaging tales about the river’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped its course.

Starting from 95 Merriam St, the tour takes you from Nicollet Island to Gold Medal Park, passing iconic sights like the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, Stone Arch Bridge, and the Guthrie Theater. It’s a self-guided experience, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with access to unlimited virtual use before and after your booking. This flexibility makes it ideal for those who prefer independent exploration without sacrificing the depth of storytelling.

While this tour is generally praised for its engaging narration and insightful stories, it does focus primarily on the waterway’s history. As it’s a self-guided experience, it’s suitable for curious travelers comfortable with walking and navigating on their own. No entrance fees or tickets are included for attractions, so plan accordingly if you want to visit specific sites.

Key Points

• Affordable self-guided experience for just $8.99 per person
• Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour walking tour along the Mississippi River
• Led by Frank Bures, an award-winning storyteller known for engaging historical tales
• Includes unlimited virtual access before and after the tour
• Covers major landmarks such as Nicollet Island, Stone Arch Bridge, and Gold Medal Park
• Focuses on 12,000 years of river history, native connections, and local stories

Starting Point at Nicollet Island

The tour begins at 95 Merriam St, situated on Nicollet Island. Named after Joseph Nicollet, this spot sets the scene for a journey through Minnesota’s river history. Here, the narration introduces the river’s importance and introduces the landscape you will explore throughout the walk.

The island itself is a lively location that hints at the river’s deep roots in local life. As you move forward, you’ll encounter the Bell of Two Friends, a landmark symbolizing camaraderie along the river. The stories told here touch on relationships and community ties fostered in the area over the years.

The Rescued Grain Belt Sign and Its Significance

One of the tour’s memorable stops is the Grain Belt Sign, a well-known beer billboard. The story behind its rescue after two decades in darkness highlights the resilience of Minneapolis’s landmarks. This site symbolizes local pride and the city’s ability to restore and preserve its iconic symbols, adding a layer of history that viewers appreciate.

Crossing the Hennepin Avenue Bridge

The Hennepin Avenue Bridge offers a striking view of the Mississippi and serves as a visual anchor for the tour. Frank Bures shares fascinating facts about the river’s flowing course and the bridge’s role in connecting neighborhoods. Travelers will find this spot provides a good vantage point for photos and a chance to absorb the river’s bustling activity.

Natural Beauty at First Bridge Park

Next, the tour takes you to First Bridge Park, along the river’s west bank. Here, the natural scenery complements stories of resilient local figures and the ongoing relationship between the city and the river. This stop offers a peaceful pause in the walk, with scenic views and historical tales.

Architectural Marvels at the Minneapolis Post Office

Passing the Minneapolis Post Office, housed in an Art Deco building designed by Léon Arnal, adds an architectural dimension to the tour. The story behind this historic building highlights its significance along the riverfront and its role in the city’s development.

Exploring St. Anthony Falls and Spirit Island

The St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center is a highlight, revealing stories about the waterfall’s upstream journey and its importance to both the natural environment and Native communities. Spirit Island, a sacred Dakota site located below the falls, is also featured, emphasizing the river’s cultural significance. The stories shed light on the indigenous connections and the natural forces that shaped the river’s course over thousands of years.

The Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park

The Stone Arch Bridge impresses as an engineering marvel and a historic gateway to the city. The tour shares stories of the people who built and maintained it and its ongoing role in the river’s story.

Following that, the Mill Ruins Park offers insights into the industrial past of Minneapolis, highlighting the importance of the river in manufacturing and commerce. The tales include references to the 450-mile canoe race from Bemidji to Minneapolis, tying the city’s history to active river pursuits.

The Mill City Museum and Artistic Landmarks

The Mill City Museum brings to life the city’s industrial boom, telling stories of grain milling and the river’s vital role in the area’s growth. The tour concludes at the Guthrie Theater, a symbol of the city’s artistic spirit and cultural history related to the river.

Memorials and Final Views at Gold Medal Park

The 35W Bridge Memorial offers a reflective moment, honoring those impacted by tragedy, and underscores the resilience of Minneapolis communities. The tour ends at Gold Medal Park, where the river’s influence on local life is celebrated through art and open space, leaving visitors with a greater appreciation for how the Mississippi continues to shape Minneapolis’s identity.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This self-guided tour is delivered via the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS, providing offline access to audio, maps, and geodata. The meeting point is at 95 Merriam St, and the tour concludes at Gold Medal Park, located at Second Street and 11th Avenue South. While the experience is private, it does not include tickets or entrance fees for attractions, so visitors should budget accordingly if they wish to explore additional sites.

Worth Considering for Your Visit

The tour is best suited for independent explorers comfortable with walking and using a smartphone. Its focus on the river’s history, landmarks, and native stories makes it ideal for those interested in local culture and geography. The inclusion of personal stories, like Frank Bures’s near-death experience, adds a human touch that resonates with many.

While some reviewers note that the narration contains more general information at times, the overall storytelling remains engaging and educational. The $8.99 price and unlimited access make this experience a good value for anyone looking to learn more about Minneapolis’s riverfront at their own pace.

The Sum Up: An Insightful and Accessible Riverside Walk

The Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour offers a practical, affordable way to explore the river’s influence on the city. With Frank Bures’s storytelling, you gain perspectives on both natural and cultural history, from Native sites to industrial landmarks.

This tour caters best to independent travelers who enjoy self-paced walks and storytelling. It combines scenic views, historical insights, and local legends, making it a well-rounded exploration of Minneapolis’s relationship with the Mississippi River. The ease of access and flexibility ensure a memorable experience, suitable for a broad range of visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Since it is a self-guided walk with no age restrictions, families comfortable with walking and exploring independently will find it suitable. However, it’s best for children who can follow directions and appreciate historical stories.

Do I need to pay additional fees at the stops?
Yes, tickets for museums or attractions, such as the Mill City Museum or the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center, are not included and may require separate admission.

How do I access the tour on the day of my visit?
Once booked, you receive instructions and a unique code to download the VoiceMap app, which provides offline access to the audio guides, maps, and geodata.

Is the tour physically demanding?
The tour is approximately an hour of walking, mostly along flat paths, making it accessible for most physical levels. Be prepared for outdoor weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear.