The Twin Cities offer practical, well-designed self-guided tours that tell the real story of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Two standouts deserve special mention: The expertly crafted Prince audio tour through downtown Minneapolis brings the musical legend’s story to life through key locations and memorable sites.
At Minnehaha Falls, a straightforward walking route reveals one of America’s most impressive urban waterfalls, complete with historical markers and geological insights.
Both tours work perfectly for independent travelers who prefer exploring at their own speed.
Let’s examine our favorite self-guided tours across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Key Points
- The “In the Footsteps of Prince” tour in downtown Minneapolis offers a self-guided audio experience highlighting notable sites associated with the musician.
- The Minnehaha Falls tour provides a self-guided audio exploration of the natural beauty and history of this landmark in the Twin Cities.
- These self-guided tours offer flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to explore at one’s own pace through the use of smartphone apps.
- While the tours generally receive positive feedback, some users have reported technical issues with the audio and app functionality.
- The tours aim to enhance the visitor experience by providing engaging content and allowing for personalized discovery of the local history and attractions.
In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis
This self-guided audio tour, titled “In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis,” invites visitors to explore the iconic sites and stories associated with the legendary musician Prince.
Offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours, the tour covers a 2.4 km route through downtown Minneapolis, designed to be completed in approximately 75 minutes at the visitor’s own pace.
The tour starts at the Mary Tyler Moore Statue and ends at 400 N 1st Ave, allowing participants to enjoy Prince’s life and legacy.
The audio content provides engaging details about notable sites, including a 100-foot mural and the Music Wall. Reviewers praise the tour’s informative and captivating nature, though some have encountered technical issues with the audio and app access.
To make the most of the experience, visitors should download the VoiceMap app, enter the provided code, and start the tour at the designated starting point.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with a cancellation policy that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Read our full review: In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis Review
Book now: Check availability
Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis
Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls beckons visitors with its captivating natural beauty. Offering a self-guided audio tour, travelers can explore the stories behind this iconic landmark, delving into the tales of hermits, presidents, nature, and geology.
The tour is conveniently accessible via smartphone, allowing users to download and explore at their own pace. With offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata, the experience is seamless and flexible. Travelers can stop, start, and pause the tour as desired, enhancing their personal discovery of the falls.
The meeting point is at Godfrey Parkway in Minneapolis, and the tour concludes at the Song of Hiawatha Garden, 4801 S Minnehaha Dr. Priced at $9.99 per person, the tour provides lifetime access and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
With mixed reviews and a host response addressing the cost, the tour appears to enhance the free park visit for most visitors.
Read our full review: Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a wealth of opportunities for self-guided exploration. From tracing the legacy of Prince in downtown Minneapolis to discovering the natural beauty of Minnehaha Falls, these audio tours provide an immersive and convenient way to experience the Twin Cities at your own pace. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these self-guided experiences are a great way to uncover the hidden gems of this vibrant metropolitan area.