The Gilded Age mansion of "The Empire Builder"
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)
Museums on Us
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
Guided house tours
Thursday–Sunday, January–November
(No tours Monday through Wednesday)
Learn about James J. Hill’s influence on the region and about his network of family members, servants, workers, and guests. Marvel at the impressive house details such as chandeliers, stained glass, and hand-carved woodwork sprawled throughout the home. Admission includes self-guided access to the first floor of the mansion and a 60-minute guided tour of the entire house. Last tour is at 3:30 pm.
Holidays on the Hill
November 24–December 31, 2023
Experience Christmas in 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.
Admission includes self-guided access to holiday-themed exhibits and a 60-minute guided tour highlighting holiday stories and memories from both the Hill family and their staff.
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.
Upcoming events
Easter Egg Hunt
Sensory Friendly Day