Walking in the footsteps of Prince; making a pilgrimage to Prince’s hometown. Whatever level of Prince fan you are, you could make a whole weekend of seeing Minneapolis through his eyes. Born Prince Rogers, he was named after his musician father’s stage name—and what better name for a future prince of the music industry? This music prodigy started writing songs and playing multiple instruments as a teen, and learning about the artist is fascinating whether you bought every album or only know his most famous hits. I was so excited to see all the Prince-themed sites on my Explore Minnesota sponsored trip. Here’s how to make the most of Minneapolis’ Prince tour.
Explore Local Art Centered on Prince’s Career
Begin at the house from Purple Rain—no, this was not his home, but it’s well known from the movie. Make sure you download the SoundAround Audio tour, which will give anecdotes about each site along the way. Next up, I highly recommend visiting the numerous Prince-themed murals throughout downtown and Chanhassen. My first stop was the Schmitt Music mural, an iconic site where Prince took a picture as a teen in 1977 and foreshadowed his success in the music industry. The side of the old Schmitt Music Company building has been painted to look like it might be a giant’s sheet music! This is a fun photo op for a mother/daughter trip, as well as solo travel.
There are three more must-see murals dedicated to Prince downtown. The North Loop hosts a mural with Prince of the Purple Rain era. Check out the vibrant comic book style of the “Baby I’m a Star” mural by Greg Gossel, inspired by Prince’s lyrics to the song of the same name. A couple blocks from “Baby I’m a Star” is First Avenue—a popular club where music artists of all genres have performed (including Prince of course). The stars painted on the side are akin to the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Finally, quite possibly one of the most visually exceptional murals that I have ever seen, is the Crown Our Prince Initiative mural. It’s just a couple blocks from Baby I’m a Star and First Avenue murals. With paintings of the artist at various stages in his career, the pinks and purples (obviously) that make up the vast majority of the scene dazzle the eye.
Find the Music in Minneapolis
As you continue your day retracing Prince’s life, you simply have to stop at the Electric Fetus. This uniquely named record shop boasts a vast collection of records of all genres, as well as a fun collection of toys, books and other trinkets and music-based apparel. The children’s Golden Books about Lady Gaga and Beyonce were our favorites! Prince used to hang out here and we could definitely see why!
After the Electric Fetus, make a jaunt out to Chanhassen to see a mural depicting Prince in purple with doves. The look is reminiscent of his Emancipation album days. While in Chanhassen, visit Paisley Park, and get ready to become a true fan if you have been on the fence.
Paisley Park is Prince’s recording studio, a live music venue turned museum, event space and educational organization. At one point, it was also his residence! Photos aren’t allowed here, and in fact, as soon as we got in the doors and I snapped a pic, the security guard asked me to delete it and watched to make sure I did! The “no photography” rule helps preserve Prince’s legacy and creates an air of mystique about Paisley Park (many of the rooms remain as they were upon his death in 2016). I think it forces you to be present in the space. My daughter and I agreed we took in much more by listening to our informed tour guide talk about Prince and his studio’s history. We never realized that his studios at Paisley Park had been used for album recordings for many other artists like Madonna, REM, and Ice Cube.
At the end of the tour, upon entering the live music area, you are permitted to get your cameras back out to take pictures there. This last space you visit on the tour is reminiscent of a night club, and here, Prince was known to have his personal chef make things like pancakes for his guests.
One Last Stop on the Prince Tour
To really get the full Prince experience, you’ll need to venture a little outside Minneapolis. We made a stop in the town of Excelsior, where, in the words of Prince, you can “purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka” and take a dip! The temps being a brisk 44 degrees during our stop kept our purification to a quick rinsing of our hands in the chilly water!
Minneapolis is a must-see for any traveler, Prince fan or not. Following his footsteps through the area will bring you to beautiful natural spaces, exquisite artwork, a thriving music scene, and a storied museum. You’re sure to leave the city a fan of both Prince and Minneapolis! Follow me on Instagram for more details about my Minneapolis vacation.