St Paul: Historic Cave Tour & Gangster Era Sites

Summary

St Paul’s caves echo with gangster tales and secret histories

You’ll walk through St Paul’s historic caves with a local guide, see real bullet holes and a restored 1930s bar, and hear stories of gangsters and unsolved mysteries. The cool air, echoes off stone walls, and little details will stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the air to feel so cool and damp the second we stepped inside the hillside. Our guide, Mark, flicked his flashlight across these rough stone walls — you could still smell earth and something like old mushrooms (apparently that’s not my imagination; they really farmed them here). We shuffled in behind a family with two kids who kept trying to spook each other, which honestly set the mood better than any ghost story.

The stories started quick — Mark pointed to a spot where he claimed a bullet hole was still visible from some mobster shootout in the 1930s. I squinted at it for ages (it’s there, but you have to look close). He told us about how this place went from mining tunnels to a casino where gangsters hung out during Prohibition. There was this weird moment when he talked about an unsolved murder here — people say the caves are haunted by those guys whose bodies were never found. It gave me goosebumps, but maybe that was just the chill down there.

We ended up at this bar that stretched forever — sixty feet, which Mark said was some kind of record back then. The wood felt smooth and cold under my hand. I tried to picture what it sounded like in the 1930s with glasses clinking and laughter echoing off stone instead of just our group’s footsteps. Honestly, I still think about that strange mix of history and silence you get down there. It’s not flashy or anything, but it sticks with you for reasons I can’t totally explain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour historic gangster era caves

• Visit restored gangster era site
• Explore extensive hillside caves
• Learn about 1800s mining ventures
• Discover 1930s gangster hotspot history
• See bullet holes and hear stories
• View fully restored original 30s bar

Top questions

Is the St Paul historic cave tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the cave tour last?

The guided tour lasts approximately one hour.

Are children allowed on the cave tour?

Yes, children are welcome but it’s recommended for ages 5 and up due to attention span.

Is there restroom access during the tour?

Yes, restrooms are available on site.

Does the tour include WiFi access?

Yes, WiFi is included during your visit.

Can infants join the tour in a stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the cave tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the starting point.

What’s included

Your day includes a one-hour guided cave tour through St Paul’s historic underground sites with full wheelchair accessibility throughout all areas. Restrooms and WiFi are available onsite for your convenience; infants in strollers or prams and service animals are welcome too.