Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
For 2 hours, take a private, guided stroll along charming and historic Summit Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota, past stately homes built during the Gilded Age that are nearly perfectly preserved today. You'll hear stories about the barons and tycoons who built these homes and how their houses have survived 120 or more years of change. You'll also wind through a former back alley now transformed into a charming city street that features modern residences in historic structures.
Residential architecture buffs will spot nearly every type of home style popular during the Victorian era - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, Tudor and more.
Love grand, old homes that are pristinely preserved as active residences? Enjoy meandering outdoor sidewalks among trees, parks, fine landscapes and beautiful buildings? This tour is for you.
"Informative & fun! A walking Wikipedia." David S., FL USA
"5 stars! Personable...knowledgeable." Thalia S., GA USA
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
James J. Hill House
We'll meet in front of the historic James J. Hill House in St. Paul and get oriented with our private Summit Ave. walking tour route. From there, we'll amble along the sidewalk while seeing and hearing about each of the magnificent homes along the boulevard. Our private, 2-hour walking loop will take us back to our tour starting point. NOTE: Admission and tour of the James J. Hill House is not included in this private walking tour. To complement your walking tour, consider booking a guided tour of the historic home before or after the walking tour. Tours are operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Hours and admission prices vary. Please ask for details.
Summit Avenue
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Options
Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)
What‘s Included
Guided tour
Home interiors are not part of this tour.
Restrooms are not available during this tour.
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful day to learn...
Jennifer J,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful day to learn about the architecture of St. Paul homes and a little history too. Douglas was very knowledgeable.
Great tour for locals and out of town visitors!
F5750KTmaryd,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My visitors from California and I really enjoyed learning the history of early St Paul Summit Ave residents! Doug was very knowledgeable and had such fun stories of the history of the city, architecture of each mansion and families past and present. I highly recommend this tour and want to thank Doug for a great time!
Unique Immersion
Watsu Vancouver,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You will find out very interesting facts from Douglas on how these old houses evolved and adapted to modern living, yet with interesting history. Douglas is passionate with his work. It’s an experience that allows you to immerse not only in this unique neighborhood, but also fun facts and stories
Knowledgeable guide continuously learning while creating community connections
niallk415,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private tour around Summit Avenue introduced us to the in-demand styles of houses from some of St Paul's most wealthy families across multiple decades. Douglas was not only familiar with the buildings' architecture and historical residents but was also making new connections with current residents during our tour, always enhancing his knowledge. Our tour included a walk down Summit Avenue to Cochran Park then followed Maiden Lane towards the Cathedral of Saint Paul for a different view of the servants entrances, stables, boiler room, and other historical support functions now converted to other uses. After our tour ended my group entered the Cathedral of Saint Paul, extending our enjoyment of the area.
You won’t regret it!!
radmilad846,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took my parents on this tour this morning and it was such an enjoyable experience! Douglas was easy going and SO informative. Very fun, highly recommend!!
Very Engaging EXPERIENCE, not just a tour!
Cmiakenk,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were expecting a great tour based on his reviews, but Doug delivered a truly enjoyable and engaging overall EXPERIENCE for our group. He's knowledgeable and personable - which is kinda table stakes, right? What made the experience so engaging were the stories, the human interest angles to go along with the architecture and history. Doug gets that balance just right. So if you're a history or architecture nerd, this tour will be interesting - and if you're more into the stories behind the people who built or live in these beautiful homes, this tour is for you. Doug also did a great job reading our group and dialing in to our sense of humor and level of detail needs. Finally - he seems to know an awful lot of the homeowners along this route - if you're lucky you'll get to add those encounters to your tour experience.
Wonderful tour! Highly recommend!
Travel08475587138,Jun 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of St. Paul’s historic Summit Ave with Douglas was fantastic. He gave us a wonderful, customized tour of Summit Avenue’s architectural, social, and economic history. My wife and I do a lot of tours when we visit new cities—it’s our favorite way to learn about a new place in a short amount of time. And Douglas’ tour was one of the best we’ve ever taken. Douglas was also very helpful making recommendations. He gave us recommendations for places to eat/things to do in St. Paul before and after our tour. The next time we visit the Twin Cities, we will definitely book another tour with Douglas.
Fun, interesting, and will be back for another tour with Douglas Kline!
leannconrad,Aug 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Douglas is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. This is the 2nd time we had him as our tour guide. He made both tours fun and interesting. My husband and I highly recommend him. I know we will book a future tour with him.
Excellent!
Alspence,Jul 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed Doug’s walking tour. He is knowledgeable about architecture and shares interesting facts & trivia.
Excellent tour with knowledgeable guide
Annette M,Jul 16, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00We very much enjoyed how Doug intertwined the families' histories with the architecture of the homes. He was very organized and personable.
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Operated by Douglas Kline