Prince Honored with Dedicated Seven-Mile Highway Stretch in Minnesota

Prince performing on stage. (Michael Ochs/Getty Images)

By: Adonis Armstrong

In a remarkable tribute to the late pop superstar, Prince, the state of Minnesota has taken a heartfelt step to honor the musical icon. On May 9, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill using purple ink, designating a seven-mile section of highway to pay tribute to the renowned singer. The highway leads through the Minneapolis suburbs of Eden Prairie and Prince's hometown of Chanhassen, passing by his famed Paisley Park estate. This extraordinary gesture serves as a lasting tribute to the indelible impact Prince made on the world of music. The purple-clad signs that dot the expressway serve as a constant reminder of his unparalleled talent and enduring legacy.

A 7-mile stretch of Highway 5 in Chanhassen, Minnesota will be renamed the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. This morning Minnesota @GovTimWalz visited @PaisleyPark to sign the bill into law. The road signs will be purple in Prince’s honor. 💜

Photo by Alex Kormann, Star… pic.twitter.com/cQpaJ7fK19

— Prince (@prince) May 10, 2023

Previously identified as Minnesota Highway 5, the local drivers will now have the privilege of cruising along the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. In a unique twist, instead of ordinary road signs, the expressway will be adorned with purple signs, financed by Prince's devoted friends and fans, as reported by The Associated Press.

Last Thursday May 4th, the legislation was successfully passed by the Minnesota Senate with a vote of 55-5, after which it was forwarded to the governor for his signature. The bill had previously received unanimous approval from the state House on April 21, coinciding with the seventh anniversary of the artist's passing.

One of the most striking aspects of this dedicated highway is that it passes by Paisley Park, Prince's iconic residence and creative sanctuary. Situated in Chanhassen, this sprawling estate served as a central hub for Prince's musical explorations and innovations. It is where he recorded numerous albums and hosted legendary parties and concerts. Now, as drivers cruise along the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway, they will have the privilege of passing by this iconic symbol of his artistic journey.

Annually, Paisley Park commemorates Prince's life by organizing a celebration on his birthday in June, which has been a tradition since his demise. The upcoming celebration, scheduled for June 8-11, will showcase unreleased music from the legendary artist, along with live performances by both local talents and renowned figures such as Chaka Khan and Chuck D.

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