Explore St. Paul's Historic Caves: Book Your Tour from Downtown West, Minneapolis
Explore the only fully restored Gangster Era site set within extensive caves carved into the hillside-once 1800s mining tunnels, later a mushroom farm, and famously transformed into a restaurant casino and mob hotspot during Prohibition-on this evocative tour in Downtown West, Minneapolis. You’ll walk through dimly lit passageways where guides point out original bullet holes and recount newspaper reports of an unsolved gangland murder; some guests are captivated by stories that the caves might be haunted by the mobsters whose bodies were never found. The tour highlights the fully restored original 1930s bar, a then-record 60 feet long, offering a rare, tangible connection to the era. Suitable for a wide range of interests-from history and culture to family-friendly sightseeing-you’ll find this experience particularly appealing if you’re planning Events or activities through Varoom in Downtown West, Minneapolis; note that while all ages are welcome, we recommend ages 5 and up for comfort and engagement.
About this activity in Downtown West
Highlights
- Explore the only restored Gangster Era site in Downtown West, Minneapolis - extensive caves hewn from 1800s mining operations that later became a 1930s casino and restaurant.
- See the fully restored 1930s bar, once a record-breaking 60 feet long, preserved to showcase period detail and atmosphere.
- Hear stories of a reported unsolved gangland murder and spot bullet-marked walls as guides point out historic evidence from the Prohibition era.
- Experience a unique blend of history and legend - from mining and mushroom farming to organized-crime lore - in an atmospheric underground setting.
Important Information
- This is a one-hour guided cave tour best suited for guests aged 5 and up due to pacing and confined spaces; families are welcome.
- The tour includes narrative on 19th-century mining, the site's mushroom farm period, and its 1930s transformation into a restaurant-casino hotspot.
- Guides will point out preserved features such as bullet holes and the original restored bar while sharing local historical context for Minneapolis and the surrounding area.
- Wear comfortable shoes for uneven cave surfaces; arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start to check in and ensure a prompt departure.
Meeting Point
Includes
- Join a 1-hour cave tour departing from Varoom in Downtown West, Minneapolis - a concise, guided experience that fits easily into your day here
- Use on-site restrooms for quick convenience before or after your activity in the area
- Stay connected with complimentary Wi‑Fi during the experience to share photos and check local transit options
Other
- Wheelchair accessible: the experience and routes are wheelchair friendly to accommodate a range of mobility needs in Downtown West
- Infant- and stroller-friendly: infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, making it a family-ready option for visitors here
- Service animals allowed: you may bring service animals to support accessibility throughout the activity
- Nearby public transportation: public transit options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point from across the region
- Accessible transport options: transportation options near the venue are wheelchair accessible for seamless arrival and departure
- Fully accessible surfaces: all areas and surfaces involved in the activity are wheelchair accessible to ensure a comfortable experience
- Suitable for all fitness levels: the activity is designed to be approachable for participants of varying physical fitness in this destination
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