George Floyd Square and Midtown Minneapolis: A Self-Guided Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
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
Reviews(4)
We really appreciated this tour and its perspective on the time after George Floyd's death. Very informative and with lots of thoughtful commentary. It was a hard time but hopefully some good came out of it.
We didn’t live in Minneapolis at the time of these events, so it was fascinating to hear what it was like to live through the uprising. I hope we’ve learned some lessons since then! Great tour.
Waste of time…not in a safe section of town and the smell of Marijuana was overwhelming the entire time there. Definitely don’t go in evening or night.
Hi there, I'm sorry that you were unhappy with your experience. We do recommend taking this tour during the day, as with most of our tours, especially if it's an area you don't know well. Unfortunately, the smell of marijuana isn't something we can control as this is a walking tour in a public space. Regards, Helene
With the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder coming up, we wanted to know a little more about the times. This tour was great for that. It was a difficult period, but it’s best to remember. Highly recommended.
