In Minneapolis — the home of Nerf Balls, the singer and songwriter Prince, and, yes, Zubaz pants — this self‑guided audio tour leads you along the Mississippi River and through the city’s surprising stories. As you stroll, you’ll hear about the rise of the milling industry and the massive Washburn A Mill explosion of 1878, the 35W Bridge collapse of 2007, and the secret history of “Funkytown.” Along the way you will encounter tales of an ugly mansion with 86 TVs, reports of cougar attacks, the untimely death of Tiny Tim, and even the hiring of a hitman in St. Paul. The commentary also touches on a colourful group of German artists — “untalented but adventurous,” in the words of Jonathan Raban — and compares how long it takes a single drop of water to travel down the Mississippi with how long a person takes to make the same journey.
You can enjoy this walking tour on location or listen virtually at home. VoiceMap’s Continuous Play function disables GPS playback so you may follow the narrative without moving through the city.
Why Visit
- Self-guided audio tour along the Mississippi River with full narration
- VoiceMap Continuous Play virtual option for GPS-free at-home listening
- Historic milling industry focus including the Washburn A Mill explosion of 1878
- Dramatic true-event narratives including the 35W Bridge collapse of 2007
- Cultural oddities and celebrity tales from Prince to the 86‑TV mansion
What's included
- VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
- Lifetime access to this tour
- Offline access to audio, maps and geodata
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Smartphone
- Headphones
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Accessibility
- Infants must sit on an adult's lap
Audio guide available in multiple languages
Additional information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not wheelchair accessible
Bring your ticket with you to the attraction.
Be aware that operators may cancel for unforeseen reasons.
You must be 18 years or older to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.