How to Visit George Floyd Square

George Floyd Square is a place to remember, to learn, and to get to know the community that calls this neighborhood home.

At 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, people came together after George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020. They brought flowers, painted murals, left messages, and turned the intersection into a place of mourning, protest, and collective action. The world paid attention. The people who live, work, create, and care for this neighborhood are still here.

If you’re planning a visit, make time for more than the memorial. Learn our history. Look closely at the art. Meet the local businesses. There is a whole neighborhood here, and getting to know it is part of understanding our Square community.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Do not miss out our events and tips to experience the Square.

Start at Mystic Healing Stones

The memorial contains rocks and offerings that people from all over the world have left to honor George Floyd. If you'd like to leave an offering of your own, swing by Mystic Healing Stones first and find a piece to bring with you to the memorial. And after spending time at the Square, stop by to slow down, collect your mind, and take a moment for yourself before going on about your day. Stop by Mystic Healing Stones before you head to the memorial and take a little piece of our shop with you as you visit the Square.

Now you’re ready to Head to the Memorial

Take your time at the intersection. Read the messages. Look at the murals and the memorials. Notice the names, flowers, signs, and artwork left by people who wanted the world to remember.

George Floyd Square honors George Floyd and holds space for others whose lives were taken by police violence and racism. The memorial carries grief, love, anger, and a call for change. It is not simply a landmark or a backdrop for photographs. It is a place with deep meaning for the people who gather here.

Come with an open mind. You don’t need to have all the answers. Start by listening, paying attention, and treating the space with respect and care.

Take a Tour and Hear More of the George Floyd Square Story

A visit can raise questions that a quick walk around the intersection cannot answer. A guided tour offers more context about the history of George Floyd Square, its public art, and the people who helped shape the space.

Tours introduce visitors to local artists, business owners, and community efforts connected to racial justice. Have a group? We can curate meaningful experiences that can include sound baths, Racial Justice Roundtables, and more.

Meet the Businesses Keeping George Floyd Square Alive

Source: Minneapolis.org

Our community is home to coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, artists, independent media, and community organizations. These places give visitors another way to connect with the people and work around the Square.

Make room in your visit for a coffee or a meal. George Floyd Square is home to local businesses, artists, and community spaces with stories worth learning. You can start with a place where art, culture, and healing come together.

Mystic Healing Stones

Take home more than a souvenir from George Floyd Square. Mystic Healing Stones is a Black-owned crystal boutique filled with ethically sourced stones, handmade jewelry, and art from local makers. Look for the signature Black Lives Matter Obsidian Fist, a powerful symbol of protection for Black lives.

What you’ll find: Art, Crystals, handmade jewelry gifts, video shopping, and community events centered on healing and reflection.

Location: 3805 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Meet the Places That Will Feed Your Soul

Bichota Coffee

Black and Brown communities grow coffee around the world, yet their cultures are rarely represented in specialty coffee shops across the U.S. Bichota Coffee is changing that, bringing Black, Brown, and Afro-Latino identities into the coffee experience at George Floyd Square.

What you’ll find: Specialty coffee, tea, café drinks, light bites, retail coffee bags, and goods from small producers. Pro-Tip: Order from their seasonal drink menu!

Location: 3740 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

Big L’s Soul Food

Big L’s Soul Food went from a food truck to a full-service restaurant, bringing owner Larry Robinson’s vision to 38th and Chicago. Come hungry for soul food classics like smothered chicken, catfish, pork chops, collard greens, and mac and cheese.

What you’ll find: Soul food favorites, steakhouse plates, all-you-can-eat breakfast, daily specials, and catering.

Location: 805 E. 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Smoke in the Pit

Since 1998, Smoke in the Pit has been bringing the flavors of Southern-style barbecue to Minneapolis. This neighborhood restaurant serves up the kind of comfort food that brings people to the table: smoked meats, hearty sides, and barbecue made for sharing.

What you’ll find: Ribs, brisket, rib tips, wings, catfish, pulled pork, smoked turkey legs, Southern-style sides, and catering for gatherings and events.

Location: 3733 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Just Turkey Restaurant

Who says barbecue needs pork or beef? Founded by Chicago brothers Brian and Greg Morton, Just Turkey puts a different spin on BBQ with a menu built entirely around turkey. From turkey ribs and smoked turkey legs to turkey lasagna and tacos, this spot turns a familiar comfort-food favorite into something all its own.

What you’ll find: Turkey tips, turkey ribs, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, pasta, classic sides, takeout, and delivery.

Location: 3731 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407

City Food Studio

Ever wondered how a food idea becomes a real business? Since 2014, Chef Lachelle Cunningham and City Food Studio have helped more than 70 food businesses get their start, with some growing into storefronts and reaching national markets. This community-rooted kitchen brings food, culture, and entrepreneurship together and gives local food makers room to grow.

What you’ll find: Cooking classes, hands-on food workshops, fermentation and gut health programs, community food events, and a shared commercial kitchen supporting food entrepreneurs.

Location: 3722 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

You Cannot Miss The Art That Speaks To You

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center

Did you know you can explore blacksmithing, welding, and glass art at George Floyd Square? Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center started with six neighbors who wanted to bring more creativity to their community. Today, this former 1915 movie theater is where people learn to work with fire, metal, and glass and where local artists get room to make something of their own. Stop by and see what catches your eye!

What you’ll find: Local art, gallery exhibits, blacksmithing, welding, glasswork, jewelry making, neon art, and hands-on classes.

Location: 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN.

Plot Art Gallery

Come see what local artists are creating at Plot Art Gallery! Founded by Asa-Azriel Rice, Plot opened its doors in 2015 to give emerging and underserved artists the space and recognition they deserve. Take your time, look around, and see what speaks to you.

What you’ll find: Original artwork, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, mixed media, artist events, and creative workshops.

Location: 3730 Chicago Avenue S., Studio A, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Listen 2 Us Studios

Some stories need to be seen to be understood. Founded by award-winning Minneapolis photojournalist and activist KingDemetrius Pendleton, Listen To Us Studios documents the protests, people, and community movements that shape George Floyd Square and the fight for justice. Step inside to see the Square through the lens of the only photojournalist present in the court room every day of the Chauvin trial.

What you’ll find: Powerful photography, a George Floyd Square exhibit, photo-guided tours, livestreams, and community education through independent media.

Location: 3730 Chicago Avenue, Studio C, Minneapolis, MN 55407

CANDO is Helping Our Square Community Move Forward

A neighborhood is only as strong as the people who make it home. CANDO works with residents around George Floyd Square to protect what makes the Central neighborhood special and help its people shape what comes next. From community gardens and youth programs to eviction support and resources for small businesses, CANDO helps neighbors get the support they need to keep their community going.

What you’ll find: Neighborhood resources, community events, gardening programs, youth environmental opportunities, resident support, and small-business resources.

Location: 3400 Park Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Visit With Our Community With Respect

If you look closer, you’ll realize that there’s a story behind what you see.

The murals, flowers, messages, and artwork at George Floyd Square are more than things to look at. They hold memories, carry messages, and reflect what our community has lived through and continues to build. Take a moment to read the messages, look at the murals, and leave the flowers and other offerings where they are. If you want to take someone’s photo, ask first. And when you stop by a gallery, meet a business owner, or join a tour, take the time to hear their stories. You’ll get to know George Floyd Square like someone who calls the Square community home.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Do not miss out our events and tips to experience the Square.