Exploring Minnesota’s architectural legacy is like sifting through a treasure trove of stories etched in stone and wood.
This chilly northern state, often praised for its lakes, harbors a less-known but equally captivating asset: its centuries-old homes. These historic dwellings reflect the spirit of bygone eras, showcasing styles and stories that are both unique and evocative.
Let’s go on a delightful journey through 21 of these enchanting residences, where history and charm meet in perfect harmony.
1. James J. Hill House, St. Paul
Ever wondered what living like a railroad tycoon felt like? The James J. Hill House in St. Paul might just give you a glimpse. Built by the “Empire Builder” himself, this massive stone mansion mesmerizes with its Romanesque architecture.
Venture inside, and you’re greeted by intricate woodwork and stained-glass windows that sing tales of opulent gatherings from the Gilded Age. The grandeur doesn’t stop indoors; step out to enjoy meticulously landscaped gardens.
2. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth
Imagine losing yourself in a coastal fairytale. Glensheen Mansion in Duluth offers just that with its magnificent Jacobean architecture. Perched by the lake, its striking facade stands as a testament to early 20th-century opulence.
Lavish furnishings and rich mahogany paneling whisper secrets of the Congdon family’s grandeur. Each room unveiling a new chapter, from the opulent dining hall to the cozy library.
While the enchanting gardens invite you to wander amidst towering trees and serene pathways, highlighting the mansion’s blend of natural beauty and artistry.
3. Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul
Taking a step back to the Victorian era, the Alexander Ramsey House promises a rich tapestry of history. Nestled in St. Paul, this stone marvel captures the essence of its time with intricate woodwork and period decor.
Visitors are transported to a bygone era, with rooms adorned with antiques and textiles that echo the elegance of yesteryears. The house, once home to Minnesota’s first territorial governor, is a living museum.
4. Mayowood Mansion, Rochester
Picture yourself in a storybook setting, where history meets nature. Mayowood Mansion in Rochester is that story come to life. Built by Dr. Charles Mayo, its pillared entrance welcomes you to explore its grandeur.
The mansion reveals rich interiors and an art collection that speaks of refined tastes and cultural pursuits. Each room offering a glimpse into the Mayo family’s life and legacy.
5. Comstock House, Moorhead
Have you ever dreamt of living in a dollhouse? The Comstock House in Moorhead comes pretty close! This Victorian gem, complete with a turret and wrap-around porch, oozes charm from every corner.
As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by artifacts and antique furnishings that transport you to the late 19th century. While on the outside, lush gardens and stately trees create a serene backdrop, perfect for pondering life’s big questions or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon in a historic setting.
6. Lindbergh House, Little Falls
What was it like growing up in a farm famous for flying? I wouldn’t know, but the Lindbergh House in Little Falls holds the answer! This modest farmhouse, where Charles Lindbergh spent his boyhood, is brimming with rustic charm.
Over here, the simplicity of early 20th-century farm life unfolds, with personal artifacts that hint at the young Lindbergh’s adventurous spirit. The home offers a glimpse into the formative years of the famous aviator.
7. The William G. LeDuc House
Located in Hastings, the William G. LeDuc House stands as a testament to the Gothic Revival style popular in the 19th century. With its steeply pitched roof and ornate windows, the house captures the essence of the era.
As you could guess from its name, the house belonged to William LeDuc, a prominent figure in Minnesota’s history. But what you wouldn’t guess is that you can explore the lush gardens that surround the home, providing a tranquil escape along the banks of the Mississippi River.
8. LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings
Step into a fairytale with a Gothic twist at the LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings. This stone house, with its steep roof and pointed arches, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
What awaits us inside is an ambiance as dramatic as its exterior, with richly decorated rooms and Victorian furnishings that tell tales of the LeDuc family’s prominence. It’s a place where history and drama unfold at every turn. Now that’s something I’d like to visit!
9. The Jonathan Child House
Tucked in Saint Anthony, the Jonathan Child House is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture. Built in the mid-1800s, its large white columns and pedimented gable make it a true standout.
Back in the day, Jonathan Child, an influential entrepreneur, originally owned the home. And today, you can learn all about the rich history of the home and its previous inhabitants by paying a visit!
10. Gibbs Farm, Falcon Heights
Fancy a trip to the pioneer days? Gibbs Farm in Falcon Heights offers a glimpse into early settler life. This restored farmhouse tells the story of Jane and Heman Gibbs, early Minnesota pioneers.
Rustic and vintage, its interior and the farming equipment showcase the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life. It’s a hands-on experience that brings history alive.
11. Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion, Minneapolis
Have you ever dreamed of living like royalty? Who hasn’t! Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion in Minneapolis offers a taste of neoclassical grandeur. This 19th-century mansion, with its towering columns and ornate details, is a celebration of elegance.
Reflecting the affluence of the Washburn family, opulent rooms adorned with antiques and luxurious decor invite admiration, with each corner telling a tale of sophistication and style.
12. Sibley House Historic Site, Mendota
If you’re craving a journey through Minnesota’s early history, The Sibley House Historic Site in Mendota is here to deliver. This collection of limestone buildings offers a peek into early 19th-century life.
Preserved rooms and artifacts illuminate the stories of Henry Sibley and the region’s fur trade legacy. Each building tells a chapter of Minnesota’s founding history.
13. Cedarhurst Mansion, Cottage Grove
Elegant and effortlessly timeless, Cedarhurst Mansion in Cottage Grove is the kind of place that makes you want to waltz across a ballroom floor in full Downton Abbey fashion.
This neoclassical beauty, with its graceful wrap-around porch, feels like a love letter to a more refined era—where garden parties were the norm and elegance was in the air (and the architecture).
Beyond the front doors, spacious rooms and sweeping staircases whisper stories of glittering soirées and dignified living.
14. The Wright-Prendergast House
What makes the Wright-Prendergast House in Stillwater so special? For starters, it’s a cozy stone charmer from the late 1800s that feels like it was plucked straight out of a historical novel. Surrounded by towering oak trees, it’s got that rustic, storybook appeal that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.
Why should you step onto that inviting front porch? Because it’s easy to imagine spending a slow summer evening there, lemonade in hand, watching the world go by like they did back in the day.
A small fun fact about this house is that the distinctive stone facade showcases building techniques that were all the rage in the 19th century—talk about timeless curb appeal.
15. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior
Dreaming of Victorian opulence? Fairlawn Mansion in Superior offers a vivid glimpse into the past. This Queen Anne masterpiece is a celebration of ornate design and craftsmanship.
Behind the walls, lavishly decorated rooms with intricate woodwork and period furnishings create an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. Each room is a true story in itself.
16. The Ard Godfrey House
Standing proud in the heart of Minneapolis, the Ard Godfrey House isn’t just old—it’s historic with flair. As the city’s oldest surviving wood-frame house, this bright yellow beauty has been turning heads since the mid-1800s. With its cheerful exterior and storybook garden, it’s no wonder locals consider it a true vintage gem.
Built by Ard Godfrey, a millwright and early settler with a knack for laying down roots (literally), the home offers a peek into the pioneer days—when houses had character and people churned butter like pros.
Touring the home is like flipping through Minneapolis’s baby photos, complete with charming décor and some seriously well-aged woodwork.
17. Gunderson House, Kenyon
Fancy a trip to the countryside? Gunderson House in Kenyon offers a delightful escape with its 19th-century charm. This brick house is a classic example of rural architecture.
Its beautiful gardens and rural landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquility of a bygone era.
18. Plummer House, Rochester
If you’ve ever imagined living in a castle, Plummer House in Rochester offers a modern twist on that fantasy. This Tudor-style mansion is a marvel of early 20th-century architecture.
Behind these walls, grand halls and intricate details create an atmosphere of sophistication, reflecting Dr. Henry Plummer’s vision and legacy.
19. Alexander Faribault House, Faribault
Humble and historic, the Alexander Faribault House is a quiet reminder of Minnesota’s early days. Built in the mid-1800s, this charming wood-frame home captures the spirit of pioneer life—simple, sturdy, and full of stories.
Step through the door and you’ll find furnishings that are all about function over frills—proof that life back then was more about practicality than Pinterest boards. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, take a breath, and imagine a time when a quiet afternoon and a patch of sunlight were all you really needed.
20. Turnblad Mansion, Minneapolis
Searching for a true palace of culture? Look no further than the Turnblad Mansion in Minneapolis—a chateau-style stunner that brings early 20th-century elegance to life. With its striking architecture and rich history, this cultural gem is more than just a mansion—it’s a love letter to Swedish-American heritage.
Step through its grand doors and you’re greeted by lavish interiors bursting with ornate woodwork, stained glass, and enough detail to make your jaw drop. Each room feels like a page from a beautifully illustrated history book.
Wander the grounds and you’ll find peaceful urban gardens and artful sculptures that tie it all together, blending nature, culture, and creativity in the most inspiring way.
21. Fillebrown House, White Bear Lake
What’s not to love about a lakeside Victorian with serious storybook vibes? The Fillebrown House in White Bear Lake is the kind of place that makes you want to sip lemonade on a porch swing and forget what century it is.
Built in the late 19th century, this charming home is all intricate woodwork, cozy details, and timeless character. It’s where charm, calm, and a touch of nostalgia come together in perfect harmony.