Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
For 2 hours, take a private, guided stroll along charming and historic Summit Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota, past stately homes built during the Victorian era that are nearly perfectly preserved today. You'll hear stories about the barons and tycoons 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 charming city street that features modern residences in historic structures.
Residential architecture buffs will spot nearly every type of home style popular during the Victorian era - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, Tudor and more.
Love grand, old homes that are pristinely preserved as active residences? Enjoy meandering outdoor sidewalks among trees, parks, fine landscapes and beautiful buildings? This tour is for you.
"Informative & fun! A walking Wikipedia." David S., FL USA
"5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable." Thalia S., GA USA
Available options
Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)
What's included
Guided tour
Detailed itinerary
1
We'll meet in front of the historic James J. Hill House in St. Paul and get oriented with our private Summit Ave. walking tour route. From there, we'll amble along the sidewalk while seeing and hearing about each of the magnificent homes along the boulevard. Our private, 2-hour walking loop will take us back to our tour starting point.
NOTE: Admission and tour of the James J. Hill House is not included in this private walking tour. To complement your walking tour, consider booking a guided tour of the historic home before or after the walking tour. Tours are operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Hours and admission prices vary. Please ask for details.
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What's not included
Home interiors are not part of this tour.
Restrooms are not available during this tour.
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
16 reviews
5★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Meeting point
Meet on the sidewalk in front of the historic James J. Hill House museum, 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102. The start point will be confirmed upon engagement.
About Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, known as the Twin Cities, is a vibrant metropolitan area in Minnesota, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With its renowned arts scene, extensive park system, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that appeals to both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.
Top Attractions
Mall of America
One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and numerous dining options.
Shopping/Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Minneapolis Institute of Art
A premier art museum with over 90,000 works of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of creativity.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free admission
Minnehaha Falls
A stunning 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Stone Arch Bridge
A historic bridge offering beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River.
Historical/Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.
Nature/Entertainment
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Juicy Lucy
A cheese-stuffed hamburger, a local specialty.
Dinner
Contains dairy and gluten
Wild Rice Soup
A creamy soup made with wild rice, a staple in Minnesota cuisine.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free
Hot Dish
A comforting casserole made with a variety of ingredients, often including tater tots.
Dinner
Varies by recipe, can be made vegetarian or gluten-free
Pizza with lutefisk
A unique pizza topped with lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried fish.
Dinner
Contains fish and gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Picnicking
Reading
Yoga
Meditation
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and activities. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Hmong, Somali
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-6 (Central Standard Time, CST), GMT-5 (Central Daylight Time, CDT) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Twin Cities are generally safe for visitors, but as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable taxi services
Getting there
By air
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Minneapolis
By train
Union Depot (St. Paul), Minneapolis Depot
By bus
Union Depot (St. Paul), Greyhound Station (Minneapolis)
Getting around
Public transport
The Metro system includes the Blue Line (airport to Mall of America), Green Line (downtowns to University of Minnesota), and Green Line Extension (under construction).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Minneapolis
Uptown
Saint Anthony Main
Grand Avenue
Day trips
Stillwater
35 km (22 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day to full day
A charming river town with historic buildings, antique shops, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
6 km (4 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day
A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
25 km (16 miles) from downtown Minneapolis • Half day to full day
A beautiful arboretum featuring gardens, trails, and a variety of plant species.
Festivals
Minneapolis Aquatennial • Late July
Saint Paul Winter Carnival • Late January to early February
Minneapolis Mill City Farmers Market • May to October
Pro tips
- Visit the Mall of America for a unique shopping and entertainment experience
- Explore the extensive park system and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking
- Attend a theater performance or concert at one of the many venues in the Twin Cities
- Try local specialties, such as the Juicy Lucy and wild rice soup
- Take a day trip to Stillwater for a charming river town experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
