Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States

Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)

Outty Ranking 64 5.0 · 19 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $195

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$195
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) worth booking?

Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) is a 2-hour experience in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States, from $195 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
5/5 (19)
Duration
2 hours
From
$195 per person

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 abo

What you get

    About this experience

    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

    What's included

    Included

    • Guided tour

    Not included

    • Home interiors are not part of this tour.
    • Restrooms are not available during this tour.
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Summit Avenue

      .

      45 minutes here

    3. .

      15 minutes here

    4. .

      Pass by without stopping

    5. .

      Pass by without stopping

    6. .

      10 minutes here

    7. .

      20 minutes here

    8. Cathedral of Saint Paul

      .

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Minneapolis-Saint Paul

    Meet on the sidewalk in front of the historic James J. Hill House museum, 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102. The start point will be confirmed upon engagement.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet on the sidewalk in front of the historic James J. Hill House museum, 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102. The start point will be confirmed upon engagement.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Douglas Kline

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    You'll spot nearly every type of popular Victorian home style - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, and more during this private walking tour.OPTION: To complete your Summit Ave. experience, consider adding-on a 75-minute guided interior tour of the historic James J. Hill house before or after the walking tour. Please inquire.Hear lively stories describing how history's impact shapes life today in St. Paul.You'll spot nearly every type of popular Victorian home style - Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, and more during this private walking tour.Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, photo 6Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    19 verified traveler reviews for Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    19
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    I4249GTnancyd · August 2026

    Very good

    This walking tour was very informational and fun! Recommend booking the walking tour when the James J Hill house is open as well so you can experience both. Our tour guide was great!

    Response from the operator: Thank you. Your energy - both of you - was infectious. I was smiling for the rest of the day after two hours with you. Thanks for the fun. Aftter the tour, I'm sure you enjoyed looking around the Cathedral of St. Paul, too.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jennifer_J · May 2026

    Beautiful day to learn...

    Beautiful day to learn about the architecture of St. Paul homes and a little history too. Douglas was very knowledgeable.

    Response from the operator: Thank you. We had a beautiful day for our morning stroll, and you local group of friends was fun to be with. Local residents are often my most intrigued tour guests. I'm sure the following lunch was good, too. Hope to see you again!

    via Viator

    F5750KTmaryd · October 2025

    Great tour for locals and out of town visitors!

    My 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!

    Response from the operator: Thank you! Our walking adventure was a lot of fun and we had beautiful fall weather as a bonus. It was a treat to be with you. I’m glad you enjoyed the experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    Watsu_Vancouver · October 2025

    Unique Immersion

    You 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

    Response from the operator: Thank you. I think we both learned from each other as we toured Summit Ave. It is clear that you are as passionate about your vocation and interests as I am about mine. A good match!

    via Tripadvisor

    niallk415 · August 2025

    Knowledgeable guide continuously learning while creating community connections

    Our 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.

    Response from the operator: Thank you! We enjoyed an informative walk on a beautiful morning. I glad you both had a good time. You are right, encountering a Summit Ave. homeowner along our stroll, and hearing her fresh stories, was fascinating…made our tour even more memorable. Maybe you and I will meet again in the Twin Cities for a different tour during a future visit. Enjoy Minnesota!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 64

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)52
    Booking momentum (14% weight)44
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs): questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

    How much does Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) cost?

    +

    Prices start at $195 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Minneapolis-Saint Paul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Minneapolis-Saint Paul is not rushed.

    Is Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)?

    +

    Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Minneapolis-Saint Paul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs) start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Minneapolis-Saint Paul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

    +

    The Twin Cities cover Mississippi mill district history, chain of lakes bike and paddle tours, Mall of America trips, brewery crawls in Northeast and winter ice experiences. Seasonal swing is extreme, so honest weather guidance matters. On Outty we rank every Minneapolis-Saint Paul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at the Mall of America, Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley, St. Paul Historic Cave Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

    +

    June to September, with winter activities from December to February. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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