F. Scott Fitzgerald's Saint Paul Walking Tour
F. Scott Fitzgerald's Saint Paul Walking Tour
Estimated Time
Distance
Works Offline
Tours & Maps Included
Tour Highlights
- Fitzgerald's Birthplace
Start at 481 Laurel Avenue, where Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896.
- W.A. Frost & Company
Stop by the old pharmacy building where young Scott ran errands and later took breaks from writing his first novel.
- Cathedral of Saint Paul
See the grand cathedral and hear how faith and family shaped Fitzgerald's early years.
- James J. Hill House
Stand outside the Gilded Age mansion of the railroad tycoon who was one of the richest men in America.
- The Commodore Bar & Restaurant
Visit the Art Deco bar in the old hotel where Scott and Zelda were living when their daughter, Scottie, was born.
- Summit Lookout Park
Take in the views from a park built to give everyone access to the city's best vistas.
- 599 Summit Avenue
End at the brownstone where Fitzgerald rewrote This Side of Paradise and finally became a published author.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Perfect if you:
Love history and fascinating stories
What To explore at your own pace
prefer a private experience
What to avoid expensive group tours
Maybe not if you:
Don't have a phone
Like to follow the tour guide
Don't like stories
Don't like to go at your own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the Fitzgerald walking tour take?
The walk takes a little over an hour. Plan extra time if you want to stop at W.A. Frost, the Commodore, or the James J. Hill House.
- Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS.
- Can I pause the tour or explore at my own pace?
Yes. This is a fully self-guided tour—pause anytime to step into the Cathedral, grab a drink at the Commodore, or take photos on Summit Avenue, and press play when you're ready to keep going.
- Can I go inside Fitzgerald's homes?
No. His birthplace, childhood home, and the house at 599 Summit Avenue are private residences, so please enjoy them from the sidewalk.
- Are there admission fees at any of the stops?
Most stops are free to see from outside. The James J. Hill House was about $12 for adults, with a guided tour, at the time this tour was made. Check current prices before you go.
- Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Fitzgerald's birthplace at 481 Laurel Avenue and ends at 599 Summit Avenue.
- Do I need to have read The Great Gatsby?
Not at all. The tour tells Fitzgerald's story from the beginning, so it works for big fans and newcomers alike.
- Is the walk easy?
Yes. The route follows sidewalks through historic neighborhoods, with a few gentle hills.
- Is this tour appropriate for kids?
It's a history walk best for teens and adults. Some stops are bars, and the tour talks about drinking and hard times late in Fitzgerald's life.
- When is the best time to take the tour?
Late spring through fall, when the leafy streets of Summit Avenue are at their prettiest. Winters in Saint Paul are cold and snowy.
Why You'll Love ThisTour
Do It Anytime
Start when you’re ready.
Pause Anytime
Take a break and pick up right where you left off.
Professional Narration
Engaging stories from expert guides.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Discover places and stories with WalknTours self-guided walking and driving audio tours. Download your tour before you go, then explore on your schedule.
