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)
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.
Guided house tours
Guided house tours
Thursday through Sunday (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 guided tour of the entire house.
- Designed for people of all ages.
- Tours are 60 minutes, starting every half-hour based on availability
- $8‑12; MNHS members and children ages 4 & under free
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.
