Let’s start with your Hidden Cedar Lake walking tour. What is The World Walks Free initiative all about?
The World Walks Free is about authentic hospitality. It’s my way of saying: you’re welcome here. The Hidden Cedar Lake tour is open to all — but here's the twist: If you're visiting from another country and have a non-U.S. passport, your walk is free. No strings. I did that because I’ve heard from travelers that America feels unwelcoming these days, and I want to break that stereotype. Minneapolis is actually more like a European city than people realize: world-class bike trails, beautiful walking paths, quiet urban nature. It’s a place for reflection, art, culture and conversation. The World Walks Free is about opening that space up — showing visitors from around the world that this city — and this country — still has heart. And to make that experience truly meaningful, I limit each Hidden Cedar tour to just six people. It keeps things intimate, easy to communicate, and allows for real conversation. We’re not just walking — we’re connecting.
What makes the Hidden Cedar Lake tour different from a typical nature walk?
It’s more than a stroll by a lake or through the woods. It’s a guided journey through forgotten stories, natural beauty, and sometimes, your own thoughts. I bring in the hidden history of the land — Indigenous roots, local legends, bohemian artists who lived here — and blend it with moments of silence and reflection. It’s not about rushing or checking things off. It’s about slowing down and remembering that freedom and beauty can be right under our noses.
And the name — “Hidden Cedar” — what does it signify?
Cedar Lake has always been a kind of quiet gem in the city. Not as flashy as Lake of the Isles or Lake Harriet, but maybe more soulful. “Hidden” refers not just to the geography but to the stories we uncover — things most people walk right by without knowing the history under their feet. It’s that sense of discovery, like opening a time capsule just beneath the surface.
Let’s pivot to Hidden MPLS. What is Hidden MPLS, and how did it come to be?
Hidden MPLS started as a storytelling experiment. I’ve been collecting oddball facts, secret places and almost-forgotten people that shaped this city. It’s a private, customizable tour where I take you into the real Minneapolis — jazz-era hideouts, old speakeasies, literary landmarks, murals in back alleys. The kind of stuff the brochures don't tend to tell you. It’s a living, breathing story of the city.
Each Hidden MPLS tour is private and fully tailored to the participants’ interests?
Yes, whether you’re into art, music, architecture, history, politics, or a mix of everything, I’ll build the experience around what lights you up. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s you sized!
What kind of things can people expect to see on a Hidden MPLS tour?
Expect the unexpected. You might find yourself inside a historic freight elevator or sipping coffee in a place where Prince once performed unannounced. One tour might focus on Minneapolis’ radical political roots, another on its unsung artists. It all depends on what you're curious about. It's part improv, part archaeology and totally local.
Why do you say it’s the coolest tour going in Minneapolis?
Because it’s not a lecture — it’s an experience. I don’t hand you a script or guidebook. I hand you access. You’re hearing stories from people who have seen the city evolve from the inside. I’ve been telling stories professionally for over 40 years, and I tailor the tour for each group or individual. Locals end up seeing their own city in ways they hadn't before. Tourists walk away feeling like insiders. Plus, it’s fun! And sometimes a little weird. That’s the best combo.
How do you see Hidden MPLS and Hidden Cedar working together?
They’re like city and soul. Hidden MPLS is the heartbeat—the jazz, the rebellion, the secret staircases. Hidden Cedar is the breath — the stillness, the green space, the deep roots. Together, they show you both the grit and the grace of Minneapolis.
What do you hope people take away from your tours?
I hope they leave with their eyes wider and their hearts a little lighter. I want people — especially international guests — to feel that this city welcomed them, that it has depth, and that it’s more than just what’s on the headlines. Whether you’re walking a quiet trail by the lake or ducking into a hidden downtown passageway, I want you to think: That was unforgettable.
Last question, where can people find out more information or sign up for these tours?
All the information can be found on the website: HiddenMPLS.com
