George Floyd Square and Midtown Minneapolis: A Self-Guided Tour

Minneapolis-Saint Paul , United States

George Floyd Square and Midtown Minneapolis: A Self-Guided Tour

Active

(3 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience a pivotal moment in American history on this 75-minute self-guided walking tour. As you walk, you’ll relive the events of the week of May 25, 2020 – and the moments when it felt like things were spiraling out of control – by hearing a combination of interviews and the author’s personal experience. The story begins on Memorial Day with the tragic events at the 38th and Chicago. You’ll then find out how the unrest began, and what it entailed. You’ll hear from local business owners who watched as gas stations and small businesses around them were looted and defaced during the riots. You'll also explore Powderhorn Park, and uncover the deeper history of the 38th St. Cultural District. Sensitive listeners should be aware that this tour covers difficult topics and scenes, such as the murder of George Floyd and the death of two others who passed away during the unrest, as well as the loss of many people’s businesses and livelihoods.

Available options

George Floyd Square and Midtown Minneapolis: A Self-Guided Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

You'll stand at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where a memorial honors George Floyd's life and legacy. This powerful starting point sets the tone for the tour, immersing you in the pivotal moments that unfolded here.

Wander through the serene landscape of Powderhorn Park, featuring open green spaces, a peaceful lake, and community gathering spots. Here, you'll hear poet Ed Bok Lee's poignant love letter to the neighborhood, capturing its spirit and resilience.

Stroll past the vibrant Midtown Global Market, a hub of cultural diversity with shops and eateries representing Minneapolis’s immigrant communities. You'll experience the resilience and vibrancy of local businesses that have weathered storms together.

Discover The Somali Museum, a cultural treasure showcasing artifacts and stories of Minneapolis’s Somali population. This stop celebrates the rich contributions of the Somali community to the city’s identity.

Stroll by the historic Pioneers & Soldiers Memorial Cemetery, where over 27,000 souls rest, including Civil War veterans. As you walk, we'll reflect on the area's deep historical roots, connecting the past to the present.

Stop by MIGIZI, a Native American cultural organization that narrowly saved its historical radio archive during the unrest. This story highlights the preservation of heritage and the role of community action in times of crisis.

See the former AutoZone building, one of the first to burn during the riots, serving as a vivid reminder of the unrest’s intensity. This location symbolizes the escalation of events and their lasting impact on the area.

Visit the site of the former Minneapolis Third Police Precinct, now a symbol of the unrest and the community's calls for justice. This emotionally charged location marks the conclusion of your journey through the events of May 2020.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at the corner of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, now known as George Floyd Square. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, known as the Twin Cities, is a vibrant metropolitan area in Minnesota, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With its renowned arts scene, extensive park system, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that appeals to both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.

Top Attractions

Mall of America

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and numerous dining options.

Shopping/Entertainment Half day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A premier art museum with over 90,000 works of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of creativity.

Museum 2-3 hours Free admission

Minnehaha Falls

A stunning 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Stone Arch Bridge

A historic bridge offering beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Juicy Lucy

A cheese-stuffed hamburger, a local specialty.

Dinner Contains dairy and gluten

Wild Rice Soup

A creamy soup made with wild rice, a staple in Minnesota cuisine.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Hot Dish

A comforting casserole made with a variety of ingredients, often including tater tots.

Dinner Varies by recipe, can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Pizza with lutefisk

A unique pizza topped with lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried fish.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking Rock climbing Picnicking Reading Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and activities. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Hmong, Somali
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time, CST), GMT-5 (Central Daylight Time, CDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Twin Cities are generally safe for visitors, but as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services

Getting there

By air

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Minneapolis

By train

Union Depot (St. Paul), Minneapolis Depot

By bus

Union Depot (St. Paul), Greyhound Station (Minneapolis)

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro system includes the Blue Line (airport to Mall of America), Green Line (downtowns to University of Minnesota), and Green Line Extension (under construction).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Minneapolis Uptown Saint Anthony Main Grand Avenue

Day trips

Stillwater

35 km (22 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day to full day

A charming river town with historic buildings, antique shops, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

6 km (4 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day

A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

25 km (16 miles) from downtown Minneapolis • Half day to full day

A beautiful arboretum featuring gardens, trails, and a variety of plant species.

Festivals

Minneapolis Aquatennial • Late July Saint Paul Winter Carnival • Late January to early February Minneapolis Mill City Farmers Market • May to October

Pro tips

Visit the Mall of America for a unique shopping and entertainment experience
Explore the extensive park system and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking
Attend a theater performance or concert at one of the many venues in the Twin Cities
Try local specialties, such as the Juicy Lucy and wild rice soup
Take a day trip to Stillwater for a charming river town experience