Lost Souls Tour

The Lost Souls Tour in Minneapolis-Saint Paul offers a one-hour walking journey into one of Minnesota’s most haunted spots—the historic Wabasha Street Caves. For just $20 per person, you’ll explore a site famous for gangster lore, ghost stories, and eerie happenings. Led by engaging guides, this tour blends local history with ghostly tales, making it a memorable experience for those curious about the supernatural or simply looking for an entertaining night out.

What we love about this tour is how accessible and intimate it feels, thanks to the small-group setting of no more than 15 travelers. The guide’s stories are lively and well-researched, and the ambiance of the caves adds a real sense of mystery. Two highlights stand out: the engaging storytelling, including a humorous portrayal of characters like Nannette, the French maid, and the chance to see haunting images that bring the stories to life.

A potential consideration is the lighting conditions—the tour is intentionally dark, which might make it difficult for some to see details if they’re toward the back of the group, especially if they’re shorter. Also, the tour leans heavily into storytelling, so if you’re expecting a scare-heavy experience, be prepared for a more narrative-driven journey rather than outright frights.

This experience is best suited for adults or older teens who love ghost stories and local legends. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, curious skeptics, or anyone interested in Minnesota’s gangster past and haunted lore. If you’re looking for a unique, slightly spooky outing that combines history with entertainment, this tour offers good value and plenty of engaging stories.

Key Points

• Small-group format ensures you can hear and engage with the guide easily.
• Authentic storytelling brings to life the caves’ haunted reputation with vivid stories and images.
• Historical context connects the ghost tales to real events from the 1930s gangster era.
• Engaging guides make the stories fun and memorable, often blending humor with spookiness.
• Not suitable for children under 12 due to dark, spooky themes.
• Price point offers great value for a themed walking tour with memorable stories.

A Detailed Look at the Lost Souls Tour

The Lost Souls Tour in Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a compact, one-hour adventure that takes you into the famous Wabasha Street Caves, a site often dubbed Minnesota’s most haunted. For just $20, you gain access to an experience that combines local history, ghost stories, and a dash of Minnesotan gangster lore. It’s important to note that booking well in advance—on average 231 days ahead—is recommended, which shows how popular this tour has become.

The Setting: Wabasha Street Caves

The caves themselves are a key part of the appeal. Carved from sandstone, they have served many purposes over the years: a casino during the Prohibition era, a nightclub, and now a historical site with a reputation for paranormal activity. The caves’ mysterious ambiance enhances the storytelling, making it easier for visitors to imagine the past and the spirits that are said to still linger.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at the meeting point at 215 Wabasha St S in Saint Paul. From there, the guide leads you through the caves, focusing on stories of haunted events that continue to occur today. The highlight for many is learning about the 1930s gangland murder at the casino, which remains unsolved and contributes to the ghostly reputation. Some believe mobsters’ spirits are still trapped in the caves, and the stories of ghostly sightings and strange happenings are numerous enough that the tour organizers had to cherry-pick their best tales to fit into just an hour.

Stories and Visuals

One of the tour’s strengths is its use of images and narratives to connect the past to the present. Our guide, Lois, was praised for her charismatic presentation, full of bad puns and humor, which kept the mood lively even as she described ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena. An especially memorable part was the portrayal of Nannette, a dead French maid, who was played with humor and insight by an actor, adding a theatrical touch that many found delightful.

The Haunted Lore

The stories told during the tour are rooted in local history and legend. The haunted happenings are said to include sightings of ghostly figures, unexplained noises, and even physical sensations reported by visitors. According to reviews, some of the tales are quite compelling, leaving even skeptics feeling a little creeped out. The tour concludes with a slide show that visually recounts some of the legends, adding a multimedia element that makes the experience more immersive.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

The tour is designed for ease: mobile tickets eliminate paper hassles, and the entire walk is relatively short and manageable. Because it’s a small-group tour, it’s intimate enough for questions and personal engagement. However, the darkness and standing during the tour may pose challenges for shorter or less mobile visitors. One reviewer mentioned difficulty seeing some points if they were toward the back of the group, a good reminder that standing for about an hour can be tiring.

Visitor Experiences

Most guests have walked away satisfied, citing knowledgeable guides and good value as key positives. Jessica K, for example, appreciated the way the stories were delivered—”the actor playing Nannette was humorous and knowledgeable.” Jessica W enjoyed feeling “creeped out” despite being a skeptic. However, a couple of reviewers found the tour a bit slow or overly theatrical, with one describing it as “annoying and boring” due to the dark environment and perceived sales pitches for other tours.

Final Thoughts on Value

At $20, the Lost Souls Tour is an affordable way to experience Minnesota’s haunted side, especially given the personalized storytelling and historic setting. It’s ideal for those interested in ghost lore, local mob history, or just a fun, spooky night out. For history buffs, the combination of legend and fact makes it a meaningful glimpse into the caves’ colorful past.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adults and older teens who enjoy ghost stories and are comfortable in low-light environments. It’s great for history lovers, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a unique, local experience that’s both informative and fun. Because of its small-group format, it’s also suitable for those who prefer more personal attention and interaction during their outings.

FAQs

How long is the Lost Souls Tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick but engaging experience perfect for fitting into a larger day of sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for kids under 12 due to dark, spooky themes and the nature of the ghost stories.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Wabasha Street Caves, specifically at 215 Wabasha St S in Saint Paul.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because this tour is popular and usually booked about 231 days in advance, making early reservations highly recommended.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the guided walk, storytelling, and visual slideshow—there are no extra charges for admission.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour, providing accessibility for those with disabilities.

The Lost Souls Tour offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Minnesota’s haunted history, blending storytelling, history, and a dash of theatrical fun. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, it’s a well-priced, engaging experience that keeps you thinking long after the tour ends. For those curious about local legends and ghostly tales, this tour provides just enough spookiness and insight to satisfy, all within a cozy, historic setting.