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Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour: Explore Unique Architecture
5.0
19 Ratings
Minneapolis
Discover the unique architecture of Minneapolis on a walking tour of the city’s expansive skyway system. Explore 80 city blocks and over 9 miles of interconnected walkways, offering a year-round way to experience the city’s treasures and escape the elements.
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Foshay Tower - We’ll ascend into the second-story walkway from inside the Foshay Tower to begin the tour. We’ll walk through original department stores, new department stores, old banks turned modern restaurants, the widest skyway, the shortest skyway, the double skyway, buildings showcasing impressive collections of public art, sports venues - home to the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, as well as some of the most historical buildings still standing, with memorabilia on display, in the skyway, of course. We’ll return to the Foshay Tower where you can take advantage of the opportunity to check out the city from the 31st floor of the only outdoor observation deck in the city!
- IDS Building - Crystal Court in the IDS is the heart of the Minneapolis skyway system.
- Nicollet - This mile-long, pedestrian oasis is lined by bars and restaurants overflowing onto the sidewalks, art, bountiful greenery, and many shopping options.
- The Westin Minneapolis - Historical
- Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel - Architecture
- Capella Tower - Artwork
- Minneapolis Public Service Building - Large public art collection
- Metro Transit Office & Police - We’ll take the light rail across town.
- Target Field - The light rail will bring us to the other side of town where Target Field and Target Stadium are located.
- Target Center - The light rail will bring us to the other side of town where Target Field and Target Stadium are located.
- The Dayton’s Project - Rebranded Dayton’s
What's Included
- Enjoy a 2.5-hour skyway walking tour.
- Includes a light rail ticket.
Additional Information
Minneapolis boasts the world’s largest continuous skyway system! Initially created to combat the 1950s post-war suburban expansion by rejuvenating the city’s retail hub, these second-story walkways now link 80 city blocks and stretch over 9 miles. It’s an excellent way to explore the city—indoors and outdoors—throughout the year, whether it’s cool, hot, rainy, or during Minnesota’s famously long winter. Downtown’s unique architectural gems are often best seen via the skyway system. The skyway is so integral to our city’s identity that The Replacements even penned a song about it, fittingly titled “Skyway.”
By choosing Mpls City & Skyway Tours, you’re supporting a local, woman-owned small business with a big heart.
(Note: This is a walking tour. We will cover up to two miles, with breaks. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)
Location
W Minneapolis - The Foshay
South Marquette Avenue
We will meet at the big "W" in the W Hotel lobby in the Foshay Tower.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(19 Ratings)
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Stevejebbia
Jul 25, 2024
Must See Tour of Minneapolis. - The views were amazing and Jessica did a fabulous job of explaning much of the history behind each building and skyways.
We would strongly recommend Jessica’s tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xtremegardener
Jul 6, 2024
Don't Miss It! - Jessica was everything I like a guide to be: fun, knowledgeable, personable, and accommodating. She had those little "extras" that make a tour memorable, such as photos on her tablet to illustrate certain places/events. My husband and I had a great time and would love to try one of her other tours if we come back to Minneapolis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adolph_g
Jul 4, 2024
Skyway system - This tour is an absolute must. I learned the Skyway system from Jessica so I could navigate between buildings. Easy to get to shops n restaurants without street noise n traffic.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_e
Jun 29, 2024
THE tour to see downtown Minneapolis! - We had a wonderful time exploring this unique aspect of downtown Minneapolis, which had so much more art, architecture and beauty than could be seen from street level. Jessica was the perfect tour guide - personable and knowledgeable without the kitsch or performance feel some tour guides sometimes rely upon. Like getting to go for a really cool walk with that fun, smart friend.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_l
Jun 15, 2024
Amazing Minneapolis Skyways - Our tour with Jessica was outstanding. Her knowledge of the Minneapolis skyways was first rate. She walked us through the various interconnected buildings, stopping along the way to point out places of interest and sharing the buildings history. She also shared photos on her tablet of how things looked during previous decades. The tour was well paced and we experienced a short ride on the light rail system.
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_h
Jun 10, 2024
Minneapolis Skyway Tour - The tour was great! Jessica was very knowledgeable and had many interesting tidbits to share along the way. She was very personable and had a real interest in the area. We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Hamdiconnie
Jun 1, 2024
FAB tour of the Minneapolis skyways - Jessica was our guide.. very personable, friendly and knowledgeable about her city! Plus she modified to accommodate our love of Prince.. so Bonus!! Very highly recommended.. Thank you Jessica
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kingkang_g
May 14, 2024
First experience - Good experience tour guide and able to provide a very clear informations. Useful tips provided for first visitor like myself.
Review provided by Viator
Phillip_s
Apr 20, 2024
Skyway Tour w/Jessica - Jessica was great!! Super knowledgeable and fun. Very informative (and warm on a cold April day) Don’t miss Cardigan Donuts!
Review provided by Viator
N366umrhondab
Mar 30, 2024
Spring break skyways - Jessica was a fantastic tour guide and the skyways were very cool to experience and learn more about the history. Lots of unique foodie places and shops along the way, though it looks like even more to come back. My daughter and I had a great time! We would never have thought you could see so much of Minneapolis via skyways.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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