For 2 hours during a private, guided tour, you and your group will walk along charming and historic Summit Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota, past stately homes built during the Gilded Age that are nearly perfectly preserved today. You'll hear stories about the famous or infamous barons who built these homes and how their houses have survived 120 or more years of change. You'll also wind through a former back alley now transformed into a hidden city street that features modern residences in historic structures.
Residential architecture buffs will spot nearly every type of home style popular during the gilded Victorian era - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, Tudor and more.
You’ll meet your guide - Douglas Kline - in front of the historic James J. Hill House in St. Paul for a brief orientation, then stroll from there. You will:
- Amble the wide sidewalk while seeing the magnificent mansions along a leafy boulevard, while hearing about the homes’ checkered histories and the colorful owners who built them
- Gaze at breathtaking views from Overlook Park
- Hear the interesting history behind Cochran Park
- Discover several locales that have been homes to notable celebrities, including famous authors F. Scott Fitzgerald and Garrison Keillor
- Meander a former, lowly alleyway with "behind-the-scenes" views of homes both vintage and modern
The 2-hour outdoor walking loop will end back at the tour starting point, a total distance of about 1 mile.
Love grand, old homes that are pristinely preserved as active residences for today? Enjoy meandering outdoor sidewalks among mature trees, parks, fine landscapes and beautiful buildings? This tour is for you.
IMPORTANT:
Restrooms are not available before or during the tour.
Tour does not include home interiors.
SUGGESTED OPTION:
To complete your Summit Ave. experience, consider adding a 1-hour guided interior tour of the historic James J. Hill house before or after your private outdoor walking tour. Public house tours are operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Entry times and admission prices vary. Inquire with the Hill House for details and to purchase advance tickets. (This tour experience is not operated by or affiliated with your private guide.)
Your private guide, Douglas Kline, is a professional, independent guide who has lead hundreds of memorable and inspiring tours in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Stillwater, Minnesota for many years. He is an outgoing communicator and born storyteller who has engaged all types of guests - singles, couples, families, groups of friends, relocating executives, corporate professionals, international and domestic students and more.
"Recommended for anyone! We learned so much." Holly K., California USA
"Our whole family, 3 generations from 9-70 years, had an amazing time! Bravo!!" Jen G., Minneapolis, USA
"Absolutely wonderful. A++ and 5 stars. Doug was exceptional. Extremely knowledgeable...." Genevieve R., Maryland USA
