Who is Prince and How to Celebrate Him in Minnesota
Between the "Purple Rain" musical premiering at Minneapolis' State Theatre this fall (get your tickets here!), the movie's recent 40th anniversary run, and the ever-present icon status of Paisley Park, we thought it would be a nice time to break down everything you need to know about Prince, starting with a simple question: Who was the Purple One, really? Outside of one of the world's greatest pop cultural presences, of course.
Who was Prince?
Born Prince Rogers Nelson, Prince was born in Minneapolis and spent most of his 57 years in the Twin Cities. During a rare interview with Oprah, he was famously quoted as saying he would "always live in Minneapolis" because winter "keeps the bad people out."
He built his massive estate and recording studio, Paisley Park, in Chanhassen, about 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
Prince is often regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. He won seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award for the music of "Purple Rain," was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and gave an unforgettable halftime performance at the 2007 Super Bowl.
Where did Prince live in Minnesota?
Prince was born in North Minneapolis, the son of local musicians John L. Nelson and Mattie Della Shaw. After his parents separated, he spent his formative years as a musician in South Minneapolis’ Central neighborhood, where he met longtime friends and collaborators like bassist André Cymone.
He graduated in 1976 from Central High School, which closed in 1982. He spent most of his life in Minneapolis and built Paisley Park, a massive home, recording studio, and performance space in Chanhassen in 1987.
Although he never lived there, Prince purchased “the Kid’s home” from Purple Rain (3420 Snelling Avenue South, Minneapolis) in 2015. It was later converted into a special Airbnb property managed by Prince's former Revolution bandmates Wendy & Lisa.
According to this guide from local radio station The Current, Prince owned at least 16 properties across Minnesota at the time of his death.
What is Paisley Park?
Paisley Park is one of Minnesota’s most popular museums, a state-of-the-art recording studio, and a live music venue in the southwestern Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen. The 65,000-square-foot structure sits on roughly nine acres and has become a destination for fans to pay tribute to the late star.
Public tours are available throughout the week and include access to Prince's recording and mixing studios, rehearsal rooms, sound stage, and private music club — plus a closer look at his iconic outfits, awards, instruments, and other memorabilia.
Self-guided and VIP options are available, as well as special events throughout the year, including the annual Celebration festival featuring exclusive panel discussions, concerts, and Paisley Park experiences.
Prince sang about his beloved home in 1985’s “Paisley Park,” with the lyrics: “Admission is easy, just say U Believe, and come 2 this Place in your heart, Paisley Park is in your heart.”
Learn more about Paisley Park and how to visit it with our guide to Prince’s purple palace.
Where can I celebrate Prince in Minnesota?
You can celebrate Prince and his iconic music at his favorite local record store, Electric Fetus, and the beloved clubs he frequently performed at: Dakota, First Avenue, and its smaller counterpart 7th Street Entry.
Prince murals are scattered throughout the Twin Cities, including one by artist Rock “Cyfi” Martinez at 26th and Hennepin in Uptown, behind the Sencha Tea building. Another mural is in the North Loop and one near the Target Center by Hiero Veiga, unveiled during Prince’s 64th birthday celebration weekend.
Prince’s favorite baker, Cheesecake Funk, opened a brick-and-mortar spot in Excelsior in 2025. Owner Vanessa Drew, who once worked at Paisley Park, shared her signature turtle cheesecake with Prince himself — and since then, her desserts have become famous worldwide.
Looking for a Prince tour that isn't self-guided? Go sightseeing with The Tour MSP or download the SoundAround app for a museum-style audio tour.
Read our complete guide to Prince in Minnesota.
Where was "Purple Rain" filmed?
The iconic 1984 film was shot across Minnesota, including “The Kid’s House” in South Minneapolis, the IDS Building downtown, the Minnesota River, and First Avenue and 7th Street Entry.
Fans can also visit Henderson, which features a downtown mural and memorial bench. In New Ulm, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame holds the largest collection of Prince memorabilia outside Paisley Park, including a replica motorcycle from "Purple Rain" and a 15-foot Prince guitar.
Want to “purify yourself in Lake Minnetonka”? Plan a trip to Excelsior, Wayzata, or Minnetonka to find numerous public beaches. Spend an afternoon exploring Excelsior’s charming downtown — filled with shops, restaurants, a brewery, and coffee shops just steps from the water.
Find more Purple Rain filming locations with our self-guided Prince tour of Minneapolis.
Where did Prince like to go in Minnesota?
Prince was a private person, but he loved living in Minnesota. He was such a big Minnesota Lynx fan that he invited the team to Paisley Park for a late-night performance after their WNBA championship win. He also frequented the Dakota jazz club and Bunker’s Bar & Grill in Minneapolis, jammed at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and shopped for records at Electric Fetus.
Another food connection: Darling, a South Minneapolis café run by Prince's former personal chefs, Juell and Ray Roberts. We can totally picture the vocal proponent of veganism (see: the song "Animal Kingdom") trying one of its maitake or sweet pea tartines — minus the cheese, of course.
Learn more about Prince and celebrate his life across Minneapolis.
