Summit Avenue, Minneapolis (must see)

Stretching four and a half miles, Summit Avenue proudly hosts 373 of the 440 homes representing the Victorian era. Some even come with a ghostly side hustle—haunted reputations that add a dash of intrigue to the mix. The avenue’s story begins in 1855, when Reverend Edward Duffield Neill, a Pennsylvanian transplant, built the first house here. Civil War-era construction slowed things down, but by the late 1880s, the advent of cable cars and later streetcars re-ignited Summit’s development boom.

This stately boulevard quickly became a playground for the well-to-do, with railroads, dry goods, and lumber fortunes funding architectural showpieces. During the Victorian construction spree, houses sprung up in a medley of styles—Queen Anne, Romanesque, and Tudor Revival—and were arranged in elegant rows rather than compact blocks, creating the perfect stage for horse-drawn carriage rides. The avenue’s prestige also attracted institutions like Macalester College, Saint Paul Seminary, and the College of Saint Thomas, all established in the late 19th century.

Summit Avenue is more than just a residential street; it’s a living history lesson. National Historic Landmarks include the Frank B. Kellogg House, the F. Scott Fitzgerald House, and the James J. Hill House, while the National Register of Historic Places recognizes the Burbank–Livingston–Griggs House, Pierce and Walter Butler House, and Dr. Ward Beebe House. Not to be outdone, the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Minnesota Governor’s Residence add their own historic gravitas.

If you’re curious to peek inside, the James J. Hill House offers public tours Wednesday through Sunday. Otherwise, many of these architectural treasures are best admired from the sidewalk—ideal for photo ops or simply a leisurely stroll past some of the most storied homes in Saint Paul.