Minneapolis was a historic milling town, with lumber travelling down the Mississippi as well as mills grinding grain with the river’s power. Several notable people made fortunes in Minneapolis in the 19th century off those industries. With fortune often comes misfortune as residents of some of the most famous mansions were met with some suspicious and notable deaths.
The Minneapolis Trolley Tours hosts weekend candlelit ghost tours. Hop into the old-school trolley and get a tour of the town, stopping at notable mansions, buildings, and structures to learn about some untimely deaths and murders that occurred in the city.
The Tour
Your tour starts at the historic 300 Clifton Mansion B&B. When you check in, you will be given your ghost glasses and a battery-powered candle (no fires on board). The driver doubles as your tour guide, taking you throughout notable neighborhoods in Minneapolis and sharing history and stories of the people of the past and spirits of the present. This tour, though not “jump scary” does feature details of some gruesome deaths so it is not suitable for young kids.
Enjoy learning some known and lesser-known history of famous locations. For some reason, many of them now double as wedding venues, interestingly. You will have opportunities to get out and stretch at a couple of stops and get a closer look at the locations. The tour lasts about two hours with the option to add on Gertrude’s After Hours to extend your visit, if you dare.
Gertrude’s After Hours
As a bonus for the tour, you can book the Gertrude’s After Hours, which is an add-on to the Trolley Tour. The trolley will return visitors to 300 Clifton Mansion. For those who are sticking around for the second part of the tour, you are welcomed into the renovated mansion, now bed and breakfast. You will be able to tour the building and learn about its many secrets. Finish the evening in the basement of the carriage house which will make for the perfect spooky nightcap.
The Review
The ghost glasses and candle were a great touch to add some festive accessories for the tour. It is a great experience for the ghost hunters or history buffs in your life. This makes a great date night, tourist idea, or group outing. For even more fun, you can bring your own beverages to enjoy throughout the ride. The base price is $55 pp or $70 with Getrude’s After Hours. For the history, the accessories, and the transportation through the city, I think it is worth the money.