Journey to the Majestic Purple Paisley Park of Prince

Visiting Prince’s iconic home and studio, Paisley Park, was never on my radar until recently. A trip to Minnesota didn’t seem likely in 2025, but the thought struck me: you only live once! As a casual yet appreciative Prince fan, I decided to embark on a summer journey to Minneapolis to immerse myself in the legacy of one of America’s greatest musical and visual artists. Opting for a $75 ninety-minute tour, I discovered that there are VIP packages available for an extended experience.

Located in Chanhassen, about 20 miles outside Minneapolis, Paisley Park spans an impressive 65,000 square feet and was built by Prince for over $10 million in 1986. Navigating public transportation to get there can be challenging, so I recommend renting a car or using a rideshare service, which costs about $50 each way. The drive was tranquil, surrounded by beautiful trees, foliage, and lakes, leading to the iconic entrance at 7801 Audubon Road marked by an open gate displaying Prince’s signature purple love symbol. The photo opportunity begins right outside with a large statue of the love symbol.

Upon entering, I signed in and received a Yondr locking bag for my phone, which meant no photography during the tour, but my phone remained accessible. [Yondr Website]

The first stop was the atrium, a stunning space filled with natural light, featuring a glass roof and elegant chandeliers. A large birdcage housing doves greeted us—reflecting Prince’s fondness for them. Purple was indeed the predominant color throughout the estate, adorned with walls of gold and platinum records. As we moved deeper into the house, we visited ‘The Little Kitchen,’ reminiscent of a classic diner, complete with vintage snack machines and booths. Here, Prince leisurely enjoyed pancakes, his favorite dish, with friends.

A short video showcased Prince’s early life, transitioning us into his office and a dedicated room for the ‘Diamonds & Pearls’ album and tour. The highlight was Studio A, Prince’s favorite among the four studios (A, B, C, & D). There, we saw “Mad Cat,” the guitar he played during his memorable 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance. An unforgettable moment indeed!

Stepping into the ‘Purple Rain’ room was like stepping back into 1984. This vibrant tribute featured costumes from the movie, the iconic motorcycle Prince rode, and even the Oscar he won for Best Original Song Score. Video clips of the film played alongside his timeless music, conjuring nostalgia for those familiar with the era.

We then moved into the N.P.G. Club, Prince’s private gathering space, part of a 12,500-square-foot soundstage used for concerts and film screenings. Coincidentally, ‘Sign O’ the Times,’ a film entirely created by Prince in 1987, is being screened in IMAX theaters as of this weekend, August 29th. It’s celebrated by both fans and critics.

The tour concluded at a speakeasy snack bar, offering coffee, tea, and turtle cheesecake, Prince’s favorite dessert crafted by his personal chef, Vanessa Drews. The cheesecake was utterly delectable! Explore her story at [Cheesecake Funk].

A gift shop awaited for those looking to take home Prince memorabilia. While the journey provided a fascinating look into Prince’s life and creativity, his enigmatic persona remains, as he likely intended. For more details, visit [Paisley Park]. There’s also a towering 100-foot mural of Prince in downtown Minneapolis, unveiled in 2022, created by Florida street artist Hiero Viega, chosen by a committee of his family and friends.

Vicky Sullivan Photos for The Suncoast Post

Key Information

• Location: 7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, MN (20 miles from Minneapolis)
• Tour Cost: $75 for a ninety-minute tour
• Paisley Park Size: 65,000 square feet; built for over $10 million in 1986
• Phone Policy: No photos allowed during the tour (locking bags provided)
• Gift Shop: Offers Prince merchandise
• Chef: Vanessa Drews; known for turtle cheesecake, Prince’s favorite
• Mural: 100-foot mural of Prince near Target Field, unveiled in 2022