When Prince died in April 2016, we lost an icon, and music lost one of its most creative and dynamic talents. Prince Rogers Nelson was utterly unique, and his death at the (way too young) age of 57 left a void in the lives of his legions of fans and fellow musicians. However, he left behind a sensational back catalog and archive that is still referenced and celebrated within the industry. His legacy also extends to numerous sites throughout his native and beloved Minneapolis, from places he called home to venues where he left his considerable mark.
Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to explore the ultimate sightseeing tour for Prince fans everywhere—grab your raspberry beret, and let’s go.
1. Paisley Park, Minneapolis
The ultimate pilgrimage point for any self-respecting Prince fan, this is quite literally the house that Prince built: a sprawling $10 million recording complex in suburban Minneapolis that opened its doors in 1987. Here he recorded some of his most iconic records: Sign O’ The Times, Diamonds and Pearls, and, of course, the 1989 Batman soundtrack. It contains a recording studio and two rehearsal spaces that double as live venues.
Prince saw Paisley Park as his answer to Elvis’s Graceland. Since his death, it has been converted into a museum and shrine. Visitors can sense his presence as they wander through its corridors on a tour. Each April, to mark the anniversary of the singer’s passing, Paisley Park hosts an annual Prince “Celebration,” which includes performances by musicians who played with him, talks, and other events.
2. The Capri, Minneapolis
Located in North Minneapolis, The Capri opened its doors for the first time in 1927. However, it was not until 1979 that this historic venue carved its place in rock history when Prince played his first solo show there. Choose one of the many exciting events and imagine what it must have felt like when music fans gathered over 40 years ago, curious about the young local man shortly to make his first foray into rock ’n’ roll.
3. First Avenue, Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis venue First Avenue achieved rock immortality when Prince filmed several key sequences at the club for his 1984 movie Purple Rain. Consequently, it became an iconic location that is intimately bound up in the Prince story. First Avenue was paid $100,000 for the use of its space and closed for 25 days to accommodate filming. A silver star bearing Prince’s name is emblazoned on the wall outside, which was painted gold following his death. First Avenue continues to host live music events.
4. The Purple Rain House, Minneapolis
The home of Prince’s alter-ego, The Kid, in the movie Purple Rain. Although only the exterior of the building features in the film, it made such an impression on Prince that he bought it for himself, just a year before his passing. The house has recently been refurbished and is set to become available for fans to stay in as part of a unique promotion.
5. Schmitt Music Mural, Minneapolis
Prince began to create waves across the United States in the late Seventies when he posed for a photo shoot with legendary rock photographer Robert Whitman. The backdrop was this enormous mural in downtown Minneapolis, commissioned by Schmitt Music. This mural resembles a giant sheet of music, with notes recreating the score from Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit. It remains today and is a perfect selfie spot for fans.
6. The RP Funding Center, Florida
The video accompanying Prince’s massive 1983 hit, “Little Red Corvette,” was filmed at this venue in Florida. During rehearsals for their upcoming 1999 tour, Prince and his band shot the video at the venue, delivering an incredible performance full of energy and charisma.
7. Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis
Prince was a regular at this Minneapolis institution right up to his death. You can sit at his favorite table, where a placard reads “Rest in peace.” He often snuck into the club through a side entrance, making his way to table 299, which overlooks the stage. The venue continues to host live shows by touring jazz bands.
8. Electric Fetus, Minneapolis
Prince was, of course, a huge music fan and a regular at this Minneapolis record store. On Record Store Day 2016, he purchased several CDs. This love for music extended beyond his career and was a key aspect of his life.
9. Las Vegas Rio, Las Vegas
Prince’s final years were characterized by a burst of activity, as if he sensed he had limited time left. In November 2006, he began a six-month residency at the Rio Las Vegas hotel, performing nightly. Each night brought an electrifying show, blending his classic hits with an engaging stage presence.
10. Minnesota River
Another location for Purple Rain enthusiasts. In a key scene from the film, The Kid invites Apollonia to purify herself in the “crystal clear waters” near Lake Minnetonka; however, they are actually at the banks of the Minnesota River. This beautiful 332-mile tributary is worth a visit for anyone wanting to connect with the legacy of Prince.
This article was first published on August 4, 2019, and updated on September 13, 2024.
