Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

The Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant history and culture. With engaging stories about local legends, this tour guides visitors along the picturesque Mississippi River, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge. Available through the VoiceMap app, the tour provides offline access to immersive audio, maps, and geodata, allowing participants to discover the city’s hidden gems at their own pace. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this tour promises to reveal the remarkable tales that have shaped the heart of Minneapolis.

Key Points

• Explore Minneapolis history and attractions through a self-guided audio tour accessible via the VoiceMap app, with offline audio, maps, and geodata.
• The tour starts at the Open Book Literary Center and ends at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, covering topics like Prince, "Funkytown," and Nerf Balls.
• The tour allows users to experience the scenic Minneapolis River Walk, highlighting St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge, and vibrant public art.
• The tour is available daily from May to September and costs $8.99 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• While the tour is a popular choice due to its informative and entertaining content, some users have reported technical issues with the app functionality and GPS accuracy.

Overview and Features

The Minneapolis River Walk Tour is a self-guided audio tour that allows visitors to explore the rich history and attractions of Minneapolis at their own pace.

Featuring 61 reviews with an average rating of 4.1, the tour covers topics like Prince, "Funkytown," Zubaz pants, and Nerf Balls.

Accessible via smartphone using the VoiceMap app, the tour provides offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.

Lasting from May to September, the tour starts at the Open Book Literary Center and ends at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, costing $8.99 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Details

The Minneapolis River Walk Tour begins at the Open Book Literary Center, located at 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

The tour ends at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

It’s available daily from May 18, 2021, to September 13, 2025, 24 hours a day.

The tour costs $8.99 per person with a lowest price guarantee, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The self-guided audio tour includes lifetime access and offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, but doesn’t cover tickets, food, or transportation.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Minneapolis River Walk Tour includes lifetime access to the tour in English.

However, it doesn’t include:

1. Tickets or entrance fees to museums or attractions
2. Food and drink
3. Transportation

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

User Experience and Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the ease of use, interesting content, and quality audio of the Minneapolis River Walk Tour. Users appreciated the humor and historical anecdotes that brought the city’s history to life.

However, some technical issues were reported with app functionality and GPS accuracy. Suggestions for improvement include making the tour a complete loop and providing clearer directions for starting the tour.

Exploring the Minneapolis River Walk

Embarking on the Minneapolis River Walk tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich history and captivating landmarks.

The self-guided audio experience leads explorers along the banks of the Mississippi River, unveiling:

1. The iconic St. Anthony Falls, the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River.
2. The historic Stone Arch Bridge, a stunning 19th-century engineering marvel.
3. Vibrant murals and public art that celebrate Minneapolis’ cultural diversity.

With the freedom to start, pause, and restart the tour at any time, travelers can discover the city’s past and present at their own pace, creating a personalized and memorable journey.

Historical Highlights Along the Tour

As visitors embark on the Minneapolis River Walk tour, they’ll uncover a rich tapestry of the city’s history.

The tour highlights Prince’s enduring legacy, sharing how the artist’s "Funkytown" put Minneapolis on the map. Visitors also learn about the iconic Zubaz pants, the Nerf Ball, and the importance of St. Anthony Falls.

Through engaging anecdotes, the tour brings the city’s past to life, offering a unique perspective on Minneapolis’ transformation from a milling hub to a vibrant cultural center.

This self-guided experience immerses guests in the city’s storied history as they explore its scenic riverfront.

Getting the Most From the Audio Experience

How can visitors make the most of the Minneapolis River Walk audio tour? To enhance your experience, consider these tips:

1. Download the VoiceMap app before arriving to ensure a smooth start. The tour is available offline, allowing you to explore at your own pace without worrying about cellular coverage.

2. Use headphones or earbuds to fully immerse yourself in the narration and sound effects, which bring the history and culture of the area to life.

3. Pause the tour whenever you want to linger and take in the sights, then easily resume when you’re ready to continue your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Entire Tour Take to Complete?

The tour doesn’t have a fixed duration, as users can explore it at their own pace. However, the company estimates it takes around 1-2 hours to complete the full self-guided audio tour experience.

Are There Any Guided Tour Options Available Besides Self-Guided?

No, this tour is only available as a self-guided audio experience. There are no guided tour options offered. Visitors explore the route at their own pace using the VoiceMap app on their smartphones.

Can I Access the Tour in Languages Other Than English?

Unfortunately, the audio tour is only available in English. It does not offer any other language options. The tour provides lifetime access to the English version through the VoiceMap app on your smartphone.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or group rates according to the information provided. It’s priced at $8.99 per person with a lowest price guarantee, but there are no special offers mentioned.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Enjoy the Minneapolis River Walk?

The best time to enjoy the Minneapolis River Walk is during the afternoon hours, when the weather is mild and the crowds are typically smaller. Visitors can take advantage of the scenic views and explore the area at a leisurely pace.

The Sum Up

The Minneapolis River Walk audio tour offers an immersive way to discover the city’s vibrant culture and captivating history. With offline access to engaging stories, maps, and GPS guidance, it provides a personalized journey through iconic landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this self-guided experience is an excellent way to explore the Minneapolis riverfront and uncover its most fascinating tales.