Celebrate the Life of Prince on This Self-Guided Tour
Celebrate the Life of Prince on This Self-Guided Tour
By Caitlin Hannah
Every Minnesotan remembers where they were on April 21, 2016, when they learned about the untimely passing of the state’s most iconic artist. Admired by music critics and beloved by his millions of fans around the world, Prince was born, grew up and decided to stay in Minnesota for the majority of his 57 years.
From his residence and recording studio in Chanhassen to the Minneapolis nightclub he immortalized in Purple Rain, these places played a big role in the much-too-short life of Prince. Plan a self-guided tour to visit them all, or take a bus tour to select sites with The Tour MSP.
Formerly a Greyhound bus depot, First Avenue is now Minnesota's premier live music venue / First Avenue, courtesy Meet Minneapolis
First Avenue
This ex-Greyhound depot is now the hub of Minneapolis’ live music scene. Featuring more than 500 stars with names of the acts who have performed there, First Avenue was one of Prince’s main stages to try out his new eccentric sounds. In 1983, the album version of the song "Purple Rain" was recorded here live. One year later, the venue set the backdrop for the concert footage in the movie of the same name. Prince's star was painted gold after his death.
Step into the Prince-themed atrium on a tour of Paisley Park / Paisley Park & NPG Records
Studio A in Paisley Park is where many of Prince's biggest hits were recorded / Paisley Park & NPG Records
See the motorcycles and outfits featured in Prince's movies on your tour of Paisley Park / Leslie Anderson
Fan art adorns the memorial fence exhibit inside Paisley Park / Leslie Anderson
Paisley Park was Prince's recording studio, residence and performance venue / Paisley Park & NPG Records
Paisley Park
Paisley Park, Prince's recording studio/residence/performance venue in the western suburb of Chanhassen, has become a destination for his fans to pay tribute to the late star. Daily public tours are available and include access to Prince's recording and mixing studios, rehearsal rooms, sound stage and private music club, plus his iconic outfits, awards, instruments and other memorabilia. Self-guided and VIP options are available, as well as special events throughout the year. Discover how one Prince fan experienced the pilgrimage to Paisley Park.
Glam Slam
Even though Glam Slam is no longer in existence, the building and the downtown Minneapolis vibes still remain. Epic Entertainment inhabited the former nightclub until recently. In 1990, the Glam Slam nightclub premiered in Prince’s movie “Graffiti Bridge.”
Sound 80
The studio, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, has a long history of musical firsts. In fact, they engineered and released the first digital recording. Prince recorded multiple tracks at Sound 80 in the late ’70s with his then-manager David Z.
House from Purple Rain
You’ll find yourself at the house where Prince’s character from Purple Rain lived. Located on the 3400 block of Snelling Avenue South. This is a private residence, so please be respectful.
Catch a set at one of Minneapolis's most notable music venues, the Dakota Jazz Club / Jeffrey Newcomer, courtesy Dakota Jazz Club
The Dakota
Just a short walk from First Avenue you will find the Dakota. Prince was known to frequent the intimate club to support local musicians and would often show up unexpectedly. In 2013, he performed a set of shows that sold out a half hour after they were announced.
Lake Minnetonka
Fans of Purple Rain will remember the scene where Apollonia is asked to “purify herself in Lake Minnetonka.” Though the scene was actually filmed along the Minnesota River south of the Twin Cities near Henderson, the real Lake Minnetonka is about 30 minutes west of Minneapolis.
The Electric Fetus
Prince often frequented the popular Minneapolis record store. He would be joined by a few members of his entourage and security and leave with a handful of new CDs and records. The Electric Fetus opened in 1968 and also has a location in Duluth.
Capri Theater
The only remaining movie house in North Minneapolis, the Capri was the site of Prince's first concerts as a solo artist in January 1979. The theater still hosts films, open mic nights, and other programming for youth and adults.
Prince mural and bench, Henderson / Joel King
An homage to Prince in Uptown by artist Rock 'Cyfi' Martinez / Courtesy Meet Minneapolis
One of many Prince murals can be found in Chanhassen
Public Murals
Artist Rock "Cyfi" Martinez painted a mural of Prince a few days after his passing as "a present to the city of Minneapolis." You can find this mural at 26th and Hennepin in the Uptown neighborhood, behind the Sencha Tea building.
There is also a purple Prince mural on the wall of the Chanhassen Cinema; one in Minneapolis' North Loop that was commissioned by Floyd's 99 Barbershop; and a towering piece near the Target Center by street artist Hiero Veiga, which was unveiled as part of a weekend celebrating what would have been Prince's 64th birthday.
The town of Henderson was featured in Purple Rain when a scene was filmed along the Minnesota River. There's now a mural downtown featuring Prince, First Avenue and 7th Street Entry and a little red Corvette. Fans can also pay their respects at a memorial bench surrounded by purple flowers.
Other Prince Memorabilia
Visit Mall of America's Hard Rock Cafe to see a costume he wore on his 1987 Sign o' the Times tour showcasing his Minneapolis pride. At the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, a special exhibit about First Avenue features Prince's famous purple suit from Purple Rain and other items left at First Avenue after his passing.
Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's social media strategist and resident Disney expert. She grew up spending summer weekends at her family's lake cabin in Detroit Lakes, and brings that "up north" attitude to everything she does. When traveling around the state, she likes trying new restaurants and taprooms, or watching Minnesota hockey.