James J. Hill House
History museum · Downtown
240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Highlights
Explore a stunning 1891 stone mansion, where guided tours reveal breathtaking craftsmanship, rich history, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
Explore a stunning 1891 stone mansion, where guided tours reveal breathtaking craftsmanship, rich history, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
"Hosted by the James J. Hill House, the Summit Avenue walking tour features the longest stretch of Gilded Age mansions in the country. The beautiful gardens and impressive buildings are a relaxing and informative glimpse into the lives of the high society of St. Paul. The walking tour averages 1.5 miles and informs of the architecture, history and preservation of the neighborhood." - MOD
"Completed in 1891 for the Canadian-American railroad tycoon James J. Hill, one of the few transcontinental train owners not to go bankrupt and known as the “Empire Builder”. This was attributed to Hill’s aggressive business tactics such as keeping costs and wages low and building the straightest path through the mountains. Originally from Canada, James Hill moved to the St. Paul area when his collection of art crowded his previous home. After his death the house was donated the St. Paul Cathedral and later to the Minnesota Historical Society who now have it open to the public for tours." - MOD
"Summit Ave's Historic Victorian Homes Scattered with Victorian mansions, St. Paul's tree-lined Summit Ave. is one of the most beautiful residential streets in the Midwest, with famous former residents including author F. Scott Fitzgerald and early railroad entrepreneur James J. Hill. Guided tours are offered from the James J. Hill House Wed–Sun, but it is also a worthwhile independent stroll. Make sure to start or end at the gorgeous St. Paul Cathedral, overlooking downtown St. Paul."
"Summit Ave's Historic Victorian Homes Scattered with Victorian mansions, St. Paul's tree-lined Summit Ave. is one of the most beautiful residential streets in the Midwest, with famous former residents including author F. Scott Fitzgerald and early railroad entrepreneur James J. Hill. Guided tours are offered from the James J. Hill House Wed–Sun, but it is also a worthwhile independent stroll. Make sure to start or end at the gorgeous St. Paul Cathedral, overlooking downtown St. Paul."
"Summit Ave's Historic Victorian Homes Scattered with Victorian mansions, St. Paul's tree-lined Summit Ave. is one of the most beautiful residential streets in the Midwest, with famous former residents including author F. Scott Fitzgerald and early railroad entrepreneur James J. Hill. Guided tours are offered from the James J. Hill House Wed–Sun, but it is also a worthwhile independent stroll. Make sure to start or end at the gorgeous St. Paul Cathedral, overlooking downtown St. Paul."
