JAMES J. HILL HOUSE

Built in 1891, this impressive house was considered the largest and most expensive in Minnesota. To this day, it remains a remarkable symbol of the wealth and power of America's Gilded Age. In fact, it's nicknamed the "Downtown Abbey of Minnesota", to give you an idea! James Hill became famous for its railroad, dubbed "The Great Northern Railway", which ran from Saint Paul to Seattle in the late ^19th century. Guided tours of the house are given every thirty minutes from Wednesday to Sunday. Tours last approximately 75 minutes. During the tour, you'll be struck by all the little "gadgets" the house is equipped with. In particular, the house features a security system that was revolutionary for its time. In the dining room, a bell was concealed under the table, allowing the servants to be called discreetly. In 1961, the house was listed as a historic monument. The testimony of one of the maids, who began her service with the Hill family at an early age, has provided historians with an insight into the lifestyle and customs of the house's inhabitants. Please note that the evening tour, offered after 6pm, is less interesting than the general tour. The house includes a two-storey art gallery featuring paintings, furniture and sculptures acquired by Hill. On Sundays, you can explore the house without taking a guided tour.