In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis

If you’re a Prince fan or just curious about Minneapolis’s musical soul, the “In the Footsteps of Prince” self-guided audio tour offers a unique way to explore the city at your own pace. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews suggest it’s a well-designed experience that balances history, music, and city sights with the freedom of wandering on your own.

What we love about this tour is that it provides a personalized, crowd-free experience — perfect if you prefer to avoid busy tours and want to soak in the city’s vibe quietly. Plus, the affordable price of $11.99 makes it an accessible option for most travelers. On the flip side, some mention issues like technical glitches or difficulty starting the tour, so it’s worth being prepared.

This experience is especially suited for music lovers, Prince enthusiasts, or anyone interested in Minneapolis’s cultural scene. If you’re okay with walking around for about 75 minutes and enjoy discovering places at your own rhythm, this tour can be a memorable part of your trip.

Key Points

• Self-guided freedom: You control the pace, pausing or exploring longer at your favorite spots.
• Rich local landmarks: From murals to theaters, the stops highlight Prince’s Minneapolis roots.
• Offline accessibility: No WiFi needed once downloaded, which is handy for some city areas.
• Personalized experience: Only your group participates, avoiding crowded tours.
• Cost-effective: At under $12, it offers a deep dive into Prince’s world without breaking the bank.
• Limited interaction: No live guide, so you miss out on spontaneous questions or extra storytelling.

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

The audio tour is accessed via the VoiceMap app, which you download to your smartphone. It’s designed to be a completely self-guided experience, allowing you to start whenever you’re ready, with lifetime access in English. The tour’s offline maps and geodata mean you don’t need WiFi once it’s downloaded, making it flexible to explore without worrying about connectivity.

You begin at 700 Nicollet Mall and finish at 400 N 1st Ave, with the route covering prominent Prince-related sites downtown. The total walking distance is manageable, roughly 2.4 km, and is estimated to take about 75 minutes, though you can stretch or shorten as you please.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s stops offer a compelling look into Prince’s Minneapolis story, blending sights, history, and local lore.

Starting Point: Nicollet Avenue

This bustling street marks the beginning of your journey, immersing you in the lively downtown scene where Prince was born and raised. Walking through this area, you’ll get your first sense of the city that shaped him.

The Crystal Court Balcony in Purple Rain

A highlight for many fans is seeing the Crystal Court balcony, famously featured in the movie Purple Rain. It’s a classic visual and a fun photo opportunity, connecting the film’s iconic scenes to real-world locations.

Schmitt Music Wall Mural

Next, you’ll pass by the Schmitt Music Wall mural, where Prince had his first photo shoot. This spot holds significance as the origin of his rise in the music scene. From reviews, folks appreciated the chance to stand near a piece of his history and learn about his early career.

The Dakota Club

A little more exclusive, the tour takes you past the Dakota club, where Prince visited just days before his death. While not an inside tour, seeing the venue offers context about his late-life haunts and the local music scene.

The Orpheum Theatre

Music history buffs will enjoy the view of the Orpheum Theatre, one of the city’s historic venues where Prince performed as one of the first Black musicians. The theater’s exterior and its story add depth to understanding Minneapolis’s musical landscape.

Hiero Veiga Mural

A 100-foot tall mural by artist Hiero Veiga is a visual centerpiece. The artist was selected from over 60 applicants to commemorate Prince, making this mural a contemporary tribute that’s striking and symbolic.

The Mourning at First Avenue

The tour culminates near First Avenue, where a poignant gathering of 10,000 people mourned Prince’s passing. This emotional moment is a powerful reminder of his impact on the city and fans worldwide.

Experience Quality and Practicalities

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable narration and well-curated stops, emphasizing how it offers more than just sightseeing — it tells Prince’s story through Minneapolis landmarks. One reviewer called it the “great trip of Minneapolis in Prince’s footsteps,” appreciating the historical context woven into the experience.

However, some users experienced technical issues like sound not loading or the app freezing, especially if they didn’t start at the designated beginning point. It’s a reminder that following the instructions carefully—starting at the right spot—is key to a smooth experience.

Cost-wise, at $11.99, you’re paying for a personalized mini tour that combines history, music, and city culture without the crowds or guide fees. For fans wanting a flexible and intimate way to explore, it’s a solid deal.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for Prince fans eager to connect with his Minneapolis roots. If you’re someone who enjoys discovering city stories on your own time, you’ll appreciate the freedom it offers. It’s also suitable for those who like walking tours but prefer not to be part of a big group or guided by a live guide.

Travelers who enjoy a combination of music history and urban exploration will find this route engaging. Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a high-energy, guided experience, or want to explore museums or deeper exhibits, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In the end, this self-guided Prince-themed tour is a value-packed experience that offers a meaningful look into Minneapolis’s musical heritage from an intimate perspective. It’s especially suited for independent travelers, music lovers, or those visiting Minneapolis for the first time who want to get a sense of the city’s cultural significance without the hassle of large tour groups.

The ability to go at your own pace, combined with the chance to see iconic sites like the Purple Rain balcony and the Hiero Veiga mural, makes it a memorable addition to any Prince fan’s trip. Just be aware of potential technical hiccups and ensure you start at the correct point for a smooth experience.

If you’re prepared to walk around, enjoy some history, and soak in Minneapolis’s vibrant music scene, this tour can deliver a personalized, insightful adventure.

FAQ

How do I access the tour?
You download the VoiceMap app on your smartphone and purchase the tour. Once downloaded, you can listen offline and start it whenever you’re ready.

Is there a specific starting point?
Yes, the tour begins at 700 Nicollet Mall and should be started from there for the best experience and proper narration flow.

How long does the tour take?
It’s designed for about 75 minutes of walking, but you can take longer or shorter depending on how much you explore each stop.

Do I need WiFi during the tour?
No, once you download the tour, it’s fully accessible offline, so WiFi isn’t necessary.

What does the tour cover?
It covers key sites like the Purple Rain balcony, Schmitt Music mural, Dakota Club, Orpheum Theatre, Hiero Veiga mural, and the First Avenue memorial.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the ticket price covers the tour. However, you’ll need to pay for parking, food, or entrance fees if you choose to visit any other attractions along the route.

This self-guided Prince tour offers an accessible, flexible way to connect with Minneapolis’s musical soul while exploring the city on your own terms. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious traveler, it’s worth considering if you want a personalized, crowd-free experience rooted in the city’s cultural heartbeat.