50-Year Twin Cities Tradition Continues: Historic Hills House Tour Unveils Access to St. Paul’s Most Iconic Neighborhoods
Tour Hosted by Summit Hill and Ramsey Hill Associations Features 15+ Historic Homes, Exclusive Landmark Access, and a Premier VIP Brunch Experience.
Building on a beloved Twin Cities historic preservation tradition spanning five decades, the Summit Hill Association and Ramsey Hill Association announce the return of the joint Historic Hills House Tour on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
After decades of alternating house tours in their respective neighborhoods, this year these two contiguous historic neighborhoods are combining their efforts.
In announcing the combined tours, organizers said, “What began decades ago as a showcase for unrenovated structures has transformed into a celebration of meticulous restoration and community stewardship.”
My brother and his family own a house in Ramsey Hill that was on the tour in the very early days of its restoration, after having been a multi-unit rooming house for several decades. My father heard someone complain “this one’s a rip off.” Although many of us enjoy seeing the houses in dilapidated condition, Nowadays, the “afters” greatly outnumber the “befores.”
One misconception is that the homeowners are paid to put their houses on the tour. This is most definitely not true. The homeowners volunteer their homes and bear all the work of cleaning and preparing their homes to be visited by thousands of curious architecture aficionados.
Ticket sales drive foot traffic to local businesses along Grand and Selby Avenues while funding vital neighborhood projects, including major upgrades to Linwood Park, park beautification, public programming, and community grants. Attending the tour is more than a day out; it is a direct investment in preserving the rich heritage and vibrant future of these historic districts.
A General Admission Advance Ticket of $45 Includes tour admission (12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) to 15+ locations, printed guidebook map and free shuttle service. Advance check-in located at Mitchell Hamline School of Law (corner of Summit Ave. & Victoria St.).
Day-of General Admission Ticket: $60 (Limited quantity available at check-in).
And keep on the lookout for Gatsby’s yellow Rolls-Royce.
Buy tickets and learn more at stpaulhistorichilltours.org.
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