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James J. Hill House, Saint Paul, MN

Photo: McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

James J. Hill House

240 Summit Ave · Saint Paul, MN

Why you should go…

Completed in 1891 for railroad magnate James J. Hill, this 36,000-square-foot Summit Avenue mansion was once the largest private home in Minnesota. Guided tours from the Minnesota Historical Society take you past 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, hand-carved woodwork and stained glass. You also see a reception hall nearly 100 feet long and a two-story skylit art gallery that holds a pipe organ.

  • #historic mansion
  • #house tour
  • #gilded age
  • #national historic landmark
  • #summit avenue

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to James J. Hill House, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cathedral of Saint Paul

    Free

    One of America's grandest domed churches, crowning a hill with sweeping views over downtown St. Paul.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Minnesota History Center

    Under $25

    Explore exhibits on Native Minnesota and objects from the state's collections inside the Minnesota Historical Society's headquarters.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Science Museum of Minnesota

    $25–$50

    Hands-on science playground on the Mississippi bluff with dinosaurs, a giant Omnitheater and endlessly pushable buttons.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Padelford Riverboats

    Under $25

    Narrated paddlewheeler cruises on the Mississippi from Harriet Island, river lore, eagles and skyline views.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Minnesota State Capitol

    Free

    Cass Gilbert's 1905 marble statehouse with one of the world's largest self-supported marble domes, free guided tours leave hourly.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Free

    Schubert Club

    Free

    Free music museum at Landmark Center in Saint Paul with hands-on instrument galleries and a historic keyboard collection.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this