In 1996, Prince Rogers Nelson famously told Oprah that he would “always live in Minneapolis.” Prince could have lived anywhere in the world, but there was nowhere he loved more than his home. Despite the running joke around the city that “everyone knows at least one person around here fired by Prince,” the truth is that Minneapolis loved him right back.
It was the mutual love that made Minneapolis the only acceptable option to debut the stage adaptation of his film, Purple Rain. The film premiered over 40 years ago, but the songs, characters, Prince’s legacy, and the film’s love letter to Minneapolis remain just as electric today.
In 2026, Broadway will be home to an exhilarating musical show inspired by “Purple Rain,” honoring the High Priest of Pop, the city that shaped him, and the community he loved.
To understand why he never left, here’s your roadmap to experiencing Minneapolis the way Prince did, through the places, sounds, streets, and eats that defined his world.
Capri Theater
While most people are familiar with the venue First Avenue (thanks to the film), Capri Theater is a special place for Prince and his fans. Located on the city’s north side, Prince’s first live performance as a solo artist was right here on January 5, 1979, at age 19.
Tickets were $4.00 in advance and $4.75 at the door. A picture of the flyer and the ticket cost, which seems unimaginable today, is on display in the lobby.
First Avenue & 7th Street Entry Tour
Of course, there’s nothing better than stepping into the very place featured in the film Purple Rain. Schedule a tour for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the longest-running independently owned and operated venues in the United States.
The tour will allow you to step on stage, witness the “set list wall,” and go backstage to learn more about how the venue has hosted other artists, including Tina Turner, B.B. King, Run-D.M.C., OutKast, James Brown, and The Fugees.
Some hidden nuggets pay homage to Prince, including a purple motorcycle replica (from the film) in the parking garage, photos in the green room, and a Prince star on the second floor. Each tour lasts anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour.
Next to the historic First Avenue is the smaller venue, 7th Street Entry. It was an intimate space where Prince also performed.
Prince Legacy Bus Tour
One of the most eye-opening experiences was a two-hour bus tour with Twin Cities Sightseeing Tours. Our adventure took us to places that defined Prince’s journey, including his childhood home, where he wrote his first song, “Funk Machine,” at the age of 7. We saw where he lived with his childhood friend and bandmate André Cymone, the stages that gave the young artist a chance, the church where he was married, and Orfield Labs, where Prince recorded his first demos when it was known as Sound 80 Studios.
Along the way, you will also see the Purple Rain house and gain a better understanding of why he never left Minneapolis behind.
Electric Fetus
This is a special treat for Prince fans. The record store has been around since 1968. It is a fixture of the community for everyone: neighbors, up-and-coming musicians, politicians, and sports stars. Prince frequented the record store and gift shop where he purchased physical albums.
Unfortunately, it was also his final known public outing just five days before his untimely death. He purchased six albums right before he died. “Talking Book” by Stevie Wonder; “Time Has Come” by the Chambers Brothers, “Hejira” by Joni Mitchell, “Inspirational Gospel Classics” from the Swan Silverstones, “Best of” by Missing Persons, and “IV” by Santana.
While most tours will take you through here on what is regarded as an “unofficial Prince stop,” it’s not enough time. Plan to spend at least one hour in the record shop.
Lake Minnetonka
The water Apollonia “purified” herself in the film was actually the Minnesota River, not Lake Minnetonka, but it’s very much a real place. While the state is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is home to more than 11,000 lakes that are 10 acres or larger. Lake Minnetonka is the ninth-largest.
Prince reportedly had a deep personal connection to the lake, influencing both his music and art. He rented a house near the lake and set up a studio to record the album Dirty Mind. The lake is excellent for biking, walking, and other outdoor activities.
Paisley Park
Located about 20 minutes from Minneapolis, Paisley Park is Prince’s private estate and creative sanctuary. Located in Chanhassen, this guided tour takes you inside his recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and soundstage, while also showcasing his iconic fashion, awards, and personal archives.
It’s a surreal experience that gives visitors insight into Prince’s creative process, rehearsal spaces, and the editing suites where he made his iconic music. Prince was notably private about his personal life. A visit to Paisley Park, however, also gives people a rare glimpse into who he was behind his public persona.
For instance, inside the home are white doves, homage to his song, “When Doves Cry.” There’s also incredible insight about his stint when he was known as an unpronounceable symbol.
Lookout For Prince Mural and Street Art
There are numerous murals throughout the city featuring the hometown icon. There’s one on the southwest corner of 1st Avenue and 8th Street and on the side of the 424 building on Washington Avenue in the city’s North Loop neighborhood.
Visit The ‘Remembering The Purple One’ Exhibit In LaSalle Plaza
Fans can celebrate Prince’s legacy at this exhibit featuring seven windows of Prince artifacts, a mirrored wall with 39 enlarged album covers, and displays from music journalists Jon Bream and Andrea Swensson. The latest additions include a replica of the Purple Rain motorcycle and the iconic “cloud guitar.”
As Purple Rain prepares for its Broadway debut in the Big Apple, there’s always a celebration of Prince and his legacy in the mini-apple.
