The Gilded Age mansion of "The Empire Builder"
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James J. Hill House
The Gilded Age mansion of
"The Empire Builder"
| Day | First Tour | Last Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | Closed | |
| Thursday | 10:00 am | 3:30 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am | 3:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am | 3:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:00 am | 3:30 pm |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Adults | $12 |
| Seniors (65+) Veterans Active military College students |
$10 |
| Children ages 5–17 | $8 |
| Children ages 4 and under | Free |
| MNHS Members | Free |
| Blue Star Families (Armed Forces Day–Labor Day) |
Free (On-site only) |
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History-Connects (Reduced Admission)
Explore upstairs and downstairs life in Minnesota's Downton Abbey — a 36,000-square-foot mansion built for railroad titan James J. Hill.
What to see and do
What to see and do
Explore the mansion
Thursdays through Sundays
Explore the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill. Learn about the life and times of the Hill family and their network of servants, workers, and guests. Admission includes self-guided access to the first floor of the mansion and a 60-minute guided tour of the entire house. Summit Avenue Walking Tour not included.
Summit Avenue Walking Tours
Saturdays and Sundays
St. Paul's Summit Avenue is the longest stretch of Victorian mansions remaining in the country. Learn about the architecture, social history, and preservation issues of the historic neighborhood during this 90-minute walking tour. James J. Hill House tour not included.
The largest house in St. Paul
The largest house in St. Paul
The rugged stone, massive scale, fine detail, and ingenious mechanical systems of this magnificent Gilded Age mansion recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway.
With 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, a reception hall nearly 100 feet long, sophisticated technical systems, and a two-story, skylit art gallery, it was once the largest private residence in the state.
The home served as the center for the public and private lives of the Hill family for 30 years. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
