James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway, built a massive home of rugged stone--known as the James J. Hill House--to symbolize his great success on St. Paul’s historic Summit Avenue, named one of America's "Great Streets" in 2008. Completed in 1891, the mansion was the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota. It contained 36,000 square feet on five floors including 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 crystal chandeliers, a two-story skylit art gallery, a 100-foot reception hall, and a profusion of elaborately carved oak and mahogany woodwork. Sophisticated technical systems throughout the mansion provided central heating, gas and electric lighting, plumbing, ventilation, security, and communication. The final cost totaled $931,275.01 including construction, furnishings, and landscaping for the three-acre estate.
The home served as the center for the public and private lives of the Hill family for the next 30 years. In 1925, family members purchased the mansion from the estate and presented it to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul. The Cathedral of St. Paul is located within view of the home’s front door. In 1978, after serving as an office building, school, and residence for the church, was acquired by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in the Gilded Age mansion. Completed in 1891, the red sandstone residence was the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family. Only original furniture and furnishings are displayed in the home, with plans to open more rooms to the public in the future.
Tours: $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 3:30 p.m. Closed major holidays.
Location: One half block west of the Cathedral of St. Paul on Summit Ave. Map available online.
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