What began as a lighthearted joke has blossomed into a beloved community tradition—and it’s spreading.
MINNEAPOLIS — In 2017, local resident John Edwards hatched a playful idea: a walking tour celebrating the feline residents of Minneapolis’ historic Wedge neighborhood. Seven years later, the Minnesota Cat Tour has become a viral sensation, drawing hundreds of attendees annually and inspiring similar events across the country.
“It started as a way to poke fun at historic home tours,” Edwards tells PEOPLE. “I thought, ‘Why not a cat tour?’”
From Twitter Joke to Community Phenomenon
Edwards, an avid walker, noticed the neighborhood’s abundance of cats perched in windows of 19th-century homes. He launched the hashtag #CatsOfTheWedge and organized the first informal tour, expecting just a handful of participants.
“The first few years, maybe 20 people showed up,” he recalls. “It was just about spotting whichever cats happened to be in windows that day.”
But in 2019, the event exploded. Hundreds flocked to the tour, sharing photos on social media and catching the attention of local media. By June 2024, over 500 attendees visited 20 designated “cat stops,” with owners proudly showcasing their pets.
More Than Just Cats
Beyond its whimsical premise, the tour has fostered community connection. “There’s something magical about walking together through the neighborhood,” Edwards says. It’s also become a platform for local advocacy, drawing attention to street safety and infrastructure improvements.
A Movement Goes National
The tour’s success has sparked interest nationwide. Edwards says he’s fielded inquiries from other cities eager to replicate the idea. “I hope none steal Minneapolis’ glory,” he jokes. “This is where it started.”
Looking Ahead
Plans are already underway for the 2025 tour, complete with a grand marshal and early cat registrations. Edwards’ only worry? “Will the cats show up?” he laughs. “But so far, they haven’t let us down.”
For now, Minneapolis’ feline celebrities—and their fans—show no signs of slowing their stride.
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