Saint Paul Gangster Tour

A lively glimpse into Saint Paul’s gangster era, this two-hour bus tour offers a fascinating look at organized crime in Minnesota’s capital. For $55 per person, you’ll travel through the city’s neighborhoods, visiting sites linked to notorious gangsters like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson, while learning about the Prohibition-era underworld with a guide who’s both knowledgeable and entertaining. The tour is designed for those who love history, crime stories, or simply want a different way to explore Saint Paul—without the long walks or heavy museum visits.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how comfortably it combines education with humor. The guide, often praised for their storytelling skills, keeps things lively, making the past come alive. Plus, the onboard restrooms and beautifully appointed bus ensure a relaxed outing, even if you’re not used to long walks or standing. The stops at iconic sites like the Castle Royal Gangsters Nightclub, the Dillinger escape site, and the F. Scott Fitzgerald home give you a tangible connection to history, while also offering plenty of photo opportunities.

One potential consideration is that, as a sightseeing tour, it’s mostly a bus ride with stops rather than a walk-in experience. If you’re craving extensive exploration on foot or detailed inside visits, this might feel a bit light. However, it’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a structured, entertaining overview of Saint Paul’s criminal past, especially on a cold or rainy day. This tour suits history enthusiasts, crime story lovers, and travelers who enjoy storytelling in a relaxed setting, with many reviews highlighting the guide’s humor and expertise as a highlight.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling brings Saint Paul’s gangster history vividly to life.
• Comfortable bus ride with onboard restrooms ensures a relaxed experience.
• Interesting stops at iconic crime sites and historic landmarks.
• Knowledgeable guides, often praised for humor and facts, enhance the experience.
• Good value for a two-hour tour, with many travelers feeling they learned a lot.
• Ideal for rainy days or those who prefer a guided overview over walking tours.

A Detailed Look at the Saint Paul Gangster Tour

When you’re considering a tour that explores the criminal underbelly of Saint Paul, it’s important to understand what makes this experience stand out—and what it might lack. This tour, priced at $55, is fairly accessible and offers a neat package: a two-hour ride through the city’s gangster hot spots, with lively commentary from guides who know their stuff. Based at the Wabasha Street Caves starting point, the tour covers South, West, and Central Saint Paul, touching on some of the most notorious sites linked to gangsters from the 1930s.

What’s Included and How It Runs

The itinerary is structured with three main stops, each packed with stories and sights. The first stop, in Saint Paul, offers a broad sweep of the city’s gangster sites, including the historic Castle Royal Nightclub (now street caves), the site of Dillinger’s gunfight escape, and the F. Scott Fitzgerald home—a fitting nod to the city’s literary connection and its colorful past. The tour then heads to South Saint Paul, stopping at a payroll robbery site, a testament to the city’s rough-and-tumble history. Lastly, it moves to West Saint Paul, where you’ll see the White House hotel, a favorite for gangsters, and the Horseshoe Saloon.

Each stop isn’t just a quick look; most stops last about 20 to 45 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the atmosphere and listen to stories. The bus itself is well-equipped, with restrooms onboard, making it easier to relax and focus on the storytelling rather than worrying about bathroom breaks. Many reviews note the comfortable ride and the informative, humorous guides—particularly one reviewer who described the guide as “John Dillinger,” a playful nod to the guide’s engaging character.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the main attractions of this experience is the storytelling. We loved how guides blend historical facts with lively anecdotes, making the past accessible and memorable. For example, the guide’s detailed account of Dillinger’s escape or the Irish Syndicate’s influence paints a vivid picture of a turbulent era. Many reviews praise guides like Sally or Brett for their entertaining and knowledge-packed commentary, which keeps the tour lively even on a cold day.

Another highlight is the sites visited. Seeing where Dillinger shot his way out of town or standing near the historic street caves that once hosted gangsters gives a visceral sense of history. It’s one thing to read about these events in a book; it’s quite another to stand at the actual locations or see the exteriors of buildings that once bustled with crime.

Possible Drawbacks

The main limitation is that this tour is primarily a bus ride with occasional stops, so if you’re expecting a walk-through of historic buildings or inside visits, it might fall short. Some reviewers mentioned that the tour relies heavily on narration, which can become a bit lecture-like, especially if you’re not a big fan of hearing stories while passing by houses or facades. Plus, no inside access or detailed exhibits are included, so if you want to step inside museums or historic homes, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy storytelling, history, and a lively atmosphere. It’s also good for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a relaxed, guided format over walking-heavy excursions. If you’re interested in the Prohibition Era or organized crime, this tour offers a fun, factual overview. Families or groups looking for an entertaining activity that caters to varied ages often find this a hit, especially with its humor and interactive elements.

The Experience in Detail

The first leg of the tour begins in Saint Paul, where you get a broad overview of the city’s gangster history. Here, landmarks like the Historic Castle Royal nightclub (now street caves) instantly evoke the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition’s wild nightlife. The guide’s storytelling shines when describing the Irish Syndicate or the kidnapping sites, painting a picture of a city with a surprisingly rowdy past.

The second stop takes you to South Saint Paul, focusing on a payroll robbery site. This short pause allows us to connect the crime stories to real places, making history tangible. Many reviews point out that these stops are free of charge, so the value here is mainly in the stories and the scenic views.

The third stop in West Saint Paul features a few iconic landmarks: the White House hotel, known for gangster hangouts, and the Horseshoe Saloon. These stops help you visualize where the crime took place and add a flavor of local color.

Throughout, the guides are praised for their extensive knowledge and humor, which transform what could be a dry lecture into a lively storytelling session. “Our guide was John Dillinger. Very knowledgeable and quite the character,” one reviewer noted, highlighting how personality adds to the overall experience.

The Value and Practicality

At $55 for two hours, this tour offers good value, especially considering the quality of storytelling and the comfort. Many reviewers mention that they learned a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The group size, capped at 25, ensures interaction, and the mobile ticket system adds convenience.

While it’s mostly a visual and auditory experience, the stops allow for some photo opportunities and a brief walk, which many find enough to sustain interest. The onboard restroom is a thoughtful touch, preventing discomfort during the ride.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to uncover Saint Paul’s lesser-known history and enjoy a lively, humorous guide, this gangster bus tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate storytelling over exhaustive museum tours, and for anyone who enjoys a touch of crime drama in their sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love history with a colorful twist, and enjoy entertaining guides, this tour offers a relaxed yet informative peek into Saint Paul’s criminal past. It’s perfect for cold or rainy days when outdoor walking tours aren’t appealing. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a fun, informative activity will find plenty to enjoy here. Keep in mind, if you’re craving inside access or longer walks, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most of the experience is on a bus, so it’s suitable for travelers who can sit comfortably during the ride. However, specific accessibility details aren’t provided, so it’s best to check directly with the provider if necessary.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, including all stops and narration.

What’s the cost?
It’s priced at $55 per person, which is reasonable considering the storytelling, stops, and overall experience.

Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, the bus includes onboard restrooms, which many reviews appreciate for comfort during the ride.

Can I cancel or change the reservation?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. Be sure of your schedule before confirming.

What sites will I see?
You’ll visit landmarks like Dillinger’s gun battle site, the Irish Syndicate locations, the historic street caves, and sites linked to famous gangsters and kidnappings.

Is there a guide included?
Yes, the guide is a key part of the experience, often praised for being knowledgeable and funny.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring a camera for photos and perhaps some cash tips—although some reviews suggested adding a Venmo option for tips.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if it’s cold or rainy, as most of the tour is outdoors or on the bus.

In all, the Saint Paul Gangster Tour offers a well-balanced mix of entertainment, education, and sightseeing. It’s a straightforward, fun way to experience the city’s crime history without heavy walking or expensive admissions. Whether you’re a history buff, a crime story enthusiast, or looking for a unique group activity, this tour provides a memorable, engaging snapshot of Saint Paul’s colorful past.