Minneapolis-St Paul tours and excursions

Padelford Packet Boat Company floats visitors down the Mississippi River in restored riverboats, with commentary on historic sites along the way. The 90 minute cruises depart from Harriet Island in St Paul. Lunch and dinner journeys are also available..

On Thursday between mid-June and mid-August, Metro Connections highlights Minneapolis attractions and combines it with a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. On Fridays during July and August, they visit historic Stillwater on the St. Croix River followed by a lunch cruise on the river.

This popular route through the Hiawatha Valley, south of the Twin Cities, loops around Lake Pepin, a beautiful 42km (26 mile) stretch of water, bordered by scenic bluffs, which forms the widest part of the Mississippi River. The entire loop is 137km (85 miles) and starts from the I-494 (just east of St Paul). Highway 61, turning south, goes to the old river town of Red Wing. From here, the route travels south through the delightful historic town of Frontenac and Lake City, with its scenic river vistas. Highlights on the return journey include tiny Stockholm, with its antiques and gift shops, and the picturesque town of Maiden Rock.