Explore a unique and fascinating experience at the Wabasha Street Caves, an event hall in the sandstone caves on the south shore of the Mississippi River. This historic site has a rich history dating back to the 1800s as a mining site. Later, it converted into a mushroom farm and eventually became a Restaurant Casino and Gangster Hotspot during the prohibition era of the 1930s. Today, Wabasha Street Caves is the only restored Gangster Era site in Saint Paul. The Historic Cave Tour allows you to explore the extensive caves carved into the hillside. You will uncover the site's history, including an unsolved gangland murder at the casino, as you see bullet holes and hear stories of ghostly activity. Wabasha Street Caves offers weekly "Down in History" Tours and seasonal themes throughout the year, such as The Original Saint Paul Gangster Tour, Haunted Halloween, Ghosts & Graves, and special group tours.
Experience a unique transportation journey with the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. The Como-Harriet and Excelsior Streetcar Lines are living history museums that offer a ride on the city's streetcar system, taking you back in time. Explore the historic displays, shop for unique souvenirs, and take a nostalgic ride on one of the landmark streetcars along the picturesque route between the lakes. Enjoy a remarkable trip through historic Excelsior along a half-mile track built on the former right-of-way of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway, where the car stops at our barn. You can view a photo gallery of hotels, trains, paddlewheel boats, and landmarks from the 1800s. The Museum also provides an opportunity to learn about the history of Twin Cities Rapid Transit as it ran in Minneapolis and St. Paul, other streetcars in the collection, and the work in progress of restoring a vintage streetcar.
Located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, overlooking beautiful Rice Park, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is widely recognized as the premier performing arts venue in the Midwest. The Ordway offers diverse events, from Broadway hits to inspirational multi-cultural performances, including drama, dance, and music. It is Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space and attracts regional audiences. The Ordway is also home to a unique Arts Partnership, joining forces with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, and The Schubert Club. The Ordway hosts yearly performances as one of the U.S.'s leading not-for-profit performing arts centers.