George Floyd Square and Midtown Minneapolis: A Self-Guided Tour

If you’re considering a walk through Minneapolis that combines history, community, and a touch of reflection, this self-guided tour focusing on George Floyd Square and Midtown Minneapolis might be worth a look. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, reviewing the details and feedback from past travelers paints a clear picture of what to expect.

What we like about this tour is its affordability—at just $9.99 per person, it offers a substantial look into a significant and emotional chapter of recent American history. Plus, the fact that it’s self-guided and flexible means you can explore at your own pace, taking as much time as you wish at each stop. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that some parts of the tour, especially those in the area of unrest, might feel less safe at night, and the tour covers some difficult topics that could be emotionally heavy.

This experience appears best suited for travelers who are interested in understanding the local context of recent protests and social movements, or who simply want a meaningful walk through a neighborhood that has seen a lot of change and resilience. If you’re open to confronting emotionally charged scenes and want to hear local voices and stories, this tour may resonate with you.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Self-guided format allows flexibility and exploration at your own pace.
• Focused on meaningful stops such as George Floyd memorial, Powderhorn Park, and local cultural sites.
• Includes insightful audio featuring interviews and personal stories from the community.
• Difficult topics are covered with sensitivity, but some scenes might be upsetting.
• Mostly positive reviews highlight knowledgeable narration and emotional depth.

This walking tour offers a unique perspective on recent history, presented through a blend of interviews and personal reflections. It’s not your typical sightseeing walk; it’s a chance to connect with the stories of a community that has faced immense challenges but continues to push forward.

The tour’s price is quite reasonable, especially considering it provides offline access and lifetime availability, so you can revisit or explore at your leisure. And because it’s self-guided, you can take as long as you like at each location without feeling rushed. This flexibility is perfect if you prefer a more contemplative experience or want to spend extra time at particularly meaningful sites.

On the downside, some travelers have noted that parts of the neighborhood might not be ideal to visit at night, and the tour’s heavy topics might be emotionally draining. The area around the AutoZone building, for example, is a vivid reminder of the unrest’s intensity, which could be upsetting for some. Also, the smell of marijuana reported by a reviewer hints at the area’s current vibe, which might be noisy or less polished than typical tourist spots.

This tour is well-suited for those who seek an honest, unfiltered look at Minneapolis’s recent history, especially if you’re interested in understanding the community’s resilience and ongoing story. It may not be the right choice if you’re looking for light-hearted sightseeing, but for those wanting depth and authenticity, it could be a powerful experience.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: The George Floyd Memorial at 38th and Chicago

This is the emotional heart of the tour. The intersection is a powerful symbol, marked with a memorial honoring Floyd’s life and the catalyst for the national conversation about racial justice. Here, you’ll get a sense of the significance of this location and the collective grief and hope it represents.

Powderhorn Park

Next, the tour takes you to Powderhorn Park, a peaceful oasis amid the city’s hustle. Here, expect open green spaces and a tranquil lake, but also hear poet Ed Bok Lee’s heartfelt words—adding depth and perspective. This stop underscores the community’s resilience and the importance of gathering and healing.

Midtown Global Market

Wandering past this vibrant market, you’ll absorb the cultural diversity that defines Minneapolis. The market showcases shops and eateries representing various immigrant communities, symbolizing the city’s multicultural fabric. It’s a lively contrast to the somber tone of the previous stop, emphasizing resilience through community and commerce.

The Somali Museum

Here, you’ll find artifacts and stories that highlight the Somali community’s contributions to the city. This stop encourages understanding the cultural tapestry of Minneapolis, making it clear that this neighborhood is more than just the site of recent tragedy—it’s an evolving mosaic of identities.

Pioneers & Soldiers Memorial Cemetery

Walking through this historic cemetery, you’ll connect with over 27,000 souls—including Civil War veterans—anchoring the tour in a broader historical context. It’s a reminder that Minneapolis has long been a place of stories, sacrifices, and resilience.

MIGIZI Native American Cultural Organization

This part of the tour showcases Native American heritage, with stories of preservation and community action—like how they narrowly saved their radio archives during the unrest. It emphasizes the ongoing efforts to maintain cultural identity amidst adversity.

The AutoZone Building

This site starkly illustrates the intensity of the unrest, as it was one of the first buildings to burn during the riots. It serves as a visual reminder of how quickly events escalated and the lasting impacts on local businesses and neighborhoods.

Minneapolis Third Police Precinct

The tour concludes at this site, now a symbol of community calls for justice. It encapsulates the spontaneous protests and the ongoing push for systemic change. This emotionally charged spot leaves visitors contemplating the broader implications of the events.

Practical Details and Value

The tour’s approximate duration of 75 to 105 minutes allows for a leisurely pace, giving you time to reflect and explore each location fully. Since it’s self-guided via an app, you won’t be bound by group schedules, which is great if you prefer a more personal experience or want to linger at specific spots.

The pricing—just under $10—is quite reasonable considering the depth of stories and community insights included. You get offline access, so no worries about spotty cell service, and the lifetime access means you can revisit the material anytime afterward.

However, you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones to enjoy the tour, and it’s worth noting that some reviewers have mentioned the neighborhood’s current atmosphere might feel less safe or inviting, especially at night. The tour’s focus on difficult topics like Floyd’s death and the unrest means it might not be suitable for very sensitive travelers or children.

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

One reviewer appreciated that the tour provided a perspective “we didn’t live in Minneapolis at the time,” which helped them understand what the community experienced. They called it a “great tour,” highlighting its educational value.

Another reviewer expressed concerns about safety, mentioning that the neighborhood isn’t “in a safe section of town,” and noted the overpowering smell of marijuana. They strongly recommended daytime visits to avoid these issues—advice that travelers should heed if they choose to explore locally.

A third reviewer appreciated the depth of storytelling and said the tour was “great for that,” especially with the anniversary of Floyd’s death approaching. They emphasized the importance of remembering these events with reverence and understanding.

Final Verdict: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re curious about the community’s journey through recent upheaval, appreciate meaningful storytelling, and want to explore Minneapolis with an open mind, this tour offers a compelling experience. It’s especially suitable for those who value authentic voices and are comfortable confronting emotional and complex topics.

The cost-effectiveness, combined with the self-guided format, makes this a flexible option for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience. While it might not be for everyone—particularly those wary of emotionally charged content or visiting neighborhoods that may feel less safe at night—it’s a meaningful way to learn about a city’s resilience and ongoing story.

For anyone interested in social issues, community activism, or simply understanding a pivotal moment in recent history, this tour can provide valuable insights that go beyond typical sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour covers difficult topics like George Floyd’s death and the unrest, it might be more appropriate for older teens or adults. The emotional weight and sensitive scenes may not be suitable for young children.

Can I do this tour at night?
While technically available 24/7, it’s best to consider doing the tour during daylight hours for safety reasons and to fully appreciate the sites. Some areas might feel less safe or less welcoming after dark.

Do I need a specific device to take this tour?
You’ll need a smartphone compatible with the app and headphones to listen to the audio. The app offers offline access, so no need for constant internet connection once downloaded.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on how long you spend at each site and your walking pace.

Is this tour only for people familiar with the events?
Not at all. It’s designed to inform and share local perspectives, making it accessible for those new to the history or wanting to understand the context behind the events.

What if I want to revisit the tour later?
You get lifetime access to the tour in English, so you can revisit the stories and sites anytime, even after your initial experience.

What about safety and neighborhood environment?
Some reviewers have noted that parts of the neighborhood may not be the safest at night and that there’s a noticeable smell of marijuana. It’s advisable to do the tour during daytime and be mindful of your surroundings.

Exploring Minneapolis’s recent history through this self-guided tour offers a thoughtful, authentic way to connect with the city’s ongoing journey. Whether you’re deeply interested in social issues or simply want to understand the community’s resilience, this experience provides a compelling and meaningful walk. Just remember to plan accordingly, stay safe, and be open to the stories that these sites hold.