Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour

About this activity

A great tour year-round, especially if you're visiting in the winter months! Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world! Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. This is a great way to see the city - inside and out - during cool weather, hot weather, rainy days and the brutally long Minnesota winter, so pretty much year-round! There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them.

AFTERNOON TOUR ends at the historic Minneapolis Club, not typically open to the public.

Choosing Mpls City & Skyway Tours, you are supporting a local, woman-owned small business with a big heart.

(Please note, this is a walking tour. We will walk up to two miles, with breaks. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)

Itinerary

1. Foshay Tower · 15 min

   We'll ascend into the second-story walkway from the Foshay Tower to begin the tour. We come full circle, returning to the Foshay Tower at the end of the tour 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!

2. Minneapolis Skyway System · pass by

   Walk into one of the original skyways, where it all began.

3. Stop 3 · 15 min

   Artwork by light sculptor, Jason Krugman, and glasswork by Chihuly.

4. Stop 4 · 15 min

   Large public art collection

5. Minneapolis City Hall · 15 min

   This extraordinary City Hall took nearly 20 years to build and while not connected to the skyway system, it is connected to an underground tunnel which we will use to visit the Federal Courthouse. Inside the rotunda you'll have the chance to rub the big toe of the Father of Waters statue for good luck.

6. Stop 6 · 15 min

   Historical bank building turned modern hotel. Elements of the original lobby are still in place.

7. Nicollet · pass by

   This mile-long transit mall (street) running through the center of downtown, and historically the city's shopping district, is now home to an impressive public art collection and lined by bars and restaurants overflowing onto the sidewalks during the summer months.

8. Mary Tyler Moore Statue · pass by

   Toss your hat with Mary. Who can turn the world on with her smile?

9. Stop 9 · 10 min

   Rebranded Dayton's

10. IDS Building · 15 min

    Crystal Court in the IDS Center is the heart of the Minneapolis skyway system. The IDS still holds the title of tallest, since 1972!

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: We will meet at the big "W" in the W Hotel lobby in the Foshay Tower.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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