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

An Engaging Peek into St. Paul’s Hidden Past with the Historic Cave & Gangster Tour

Imagine walking through underground tunnels and historic sites while learning about 1930s crime, corruption, and the gangster era. This same-day tour package in Minneapolis-Saint Paul offers a rare chance to explore St. Paul’s gangster history and its secret caves for around three hours, with a friendly guide leading the way. For just $69 per person, you’ll visit notable locations like the Wabasha Street Caves (the former Castle Royal Nightclub) and key gangster sites around South and West Saint Paul.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the small group size—limited to just 15 travelers—which means you get a more personalized and engaging tour. The guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling flair, making history feel alive and entertaining. We especially like the photo opportunity with a 1930 Hudson Essex Gangster Car (seasonal), and the chance to go beneath the city to uncover hidden passages and secret histories most visitors miss.

A potential consideration is that the pace can be fast, and the caves are relatively short — if you’re expecting long underground tunnels, this might not be a full spelunking adventure. Also, some reviews mention that the guide’s rapid-fire narration might be overwhelming for travelers with anxiety or autism, so it’s worth considering your comfort with energetic storytelling.

This tour suits those with an interest in American history, crime stories, or small-group adventures. It’s particularly good for history buffs, families, or curious travelers looking for an entertaining, educational, and photo-worthy experience that reveals a more colorful side of St. Paul.

Key Points

• Authentic Underground Experience: Discover the city’s hidden caves and tunnels linked to gangster history.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal, engaging experience.
• Seasonal Photo Opportunity: Capture a shot with a vintage gangster car.
• Educational & Entertaining Guides: Guides are praised for storytelling, making history accessible and fun.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines walking, bus stops, and underground exploration for a varied experience.
• Value for Money: For $69, you get a well-rounded, immersive adventure with plenty of photo-ops and storytelling.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Duration

Your adventure begins at Wabasha Street Caves, located at 215 Wabasha St S in St. Paul. This historic site was once a nightclub and gangster hideout, now transformed into a lively setting for your tour. Expect to spend about three hours exploring the underground caves, gangster sites, and some key historical locations, all while riding in a small, intimate group.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Saint Paul – Visiting the Wabasha Street Caves is the highlight here. This site, once the Castle Royal Nightclub, offers a fascinating glimpse into organized crime’s influence on the city. The guide will take you through the caves and share stories about their notorious past, giving you a sense of what crime looked like during the 1930s. Many visitors appreciate the free admission, which offers good value for an engaging history lesson.

Stop 2: South Saint Paul – Traveling by bus, you’ll visit various gangster sites like safehouses, banks, and shootout locations. The 30-minute stop includes stories about how crime and law enforcement clashed in these neighborhoods, with some reviews noting the guide’s detailed knowledge. One reviewer said, “The historic information was the most interesting,” highlighting how insightful this segment can be.

Stop 3: West Saint Paul – The final part takes you to more shootout sites, police stations, and safehouses. These stops deepen your understanding of gangster-era law enforcement challenges, with your guide recounting stories of famous criminals like John Dillinger. The fast-paced nature of these stops keeps the energy up, but some may find it a bit rushed.

Underground Cave Exploration

The highlight for many is the underground cave network beneath the city, often linked to organized crime activities. Although the caves are not particularly long, their atmosphere—dimly lit, narrow passageways—adds a sense of mystery and adventure. According to reviews, the caves are shorter than expected, but still cool and atmospheric.

Photo Opportunities and Seasonal Extras

A notable perk is the photo op with an authentic 1930 Hudson Essex Gangster Car — a seasonal offering that allows you to snap memorable photos in full gangster attire or just soak in the vintage vibe. This adds a fun element and a perfect keepsake from your trip.

Guides and Storytelling

The guides are widely praised, especially for their enthusiasm, storytelling skills, and depth of knowledge. One reviewer mentioned Lois, describing her as “amazing,” with a knack for making history come alive. Another highlighted Brett’s role as a perfect Dillinger impersonator, suggesting that the theatrical element adds to the authenticity and fun of the tour.

Practical Aspects

• Price: At $69, this tour offers good value considering the small-group setting and variety of sites visited.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 people, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.
• Booking & Accessibility: Most travelers book about 24 days in advance; the tour is near public transportation and service animals are permitted.
• Duration & Flexibility: The 3-hour itinerary is well-paced for most, but keep in mind that the caves are relatively short, and guide delivery can be fast, so it may not suit everyone with sensory sensitivities.

Why This Tour Works for Many Travelers

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy history, crime stories, or underground adventures. Families with curious kids, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun, educational outing will find this small-group tour a memorable way to learn about St. Paul’s colorful gangster past. The storytelling guides, combined with photo opportunities, make the tour more than just a walk; it’s a lively, interactive journey.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re looking for an entertaining historical overview with a small-group feel, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate interactive storytelling and don’t mind a fast-paced narration. Those with a love for vintage cars, underground tunnels, or crime history will find this tour a perfect fit.

However, if you prefer longer underground explorations or are sensitive to rapid talking, you might want to consider other options or prepare for a quick-paced experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3 hours, covering underground caves and several gangster sites around Saint Paul.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket price includes all stops and access to the caves; the photo with a vintage gangster car is seasonal but often available.

Is transportation provided?
The tour begins at the Wabasha Street Caves, and transportation between stops is via bus or walking. It’s designed to be easy to access with public transit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially with younger history buffs, but be aware of the fast narration pace—might be overwhelming for very young children or those with sensory sensitivities.

Are the caves safe and accessible?
The caves are short and atmospheric, but they are narrow and dimly lit, so sturdy shoes and caution are advised. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
No; this tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for the underground portions.

Is this tour good for history buffs?
Absolutely; guides are known for their knowledge and storytelling, making it a rich educational experience.

Final Thoughts

This same-day gangster and cave tour in Saint Paul offers a unique blend of underground adventure, history, and storytelling in an intimate setting. It’s a fantastic way to see a different side of the city, especially if you’re interested in 1930s crime, vintage cars, or just want a fun, engaging afternoon.

The small-group size, knowledgeable guides, and photo opportunities make it stand out as a value-packed experience. While the pace may be quick and the caves aren’t the longest, the entertainment and insights more than compensate.

If you’re visiting Minneapolis-Saint Paul and want to add some local flavor to your trip, this tour is a surefire way to get a glimpse of the city’s mischievous past and enjoy some lively storytelling. It’s perfect for history lovers, families, or curious adventurers who want a small-group, memorable experience.

Enjoy uncovering the secrets beneath Saint Paul and walking in the footsteps of gangsters. This tour offers fun, history, and a dash of vintage glamour—all at an accessible price.