Discover the timeless charm of St. Paul’s historic Summit Avenue on a private walking tour. Explore the neighborhood’s stunning Victorian mansions, guided by expert Douglas Kline, who’ll share captivating stories about the diverse architectural styles. At a leisurely pace, you’ll learn about the grandeur of this renowned avenue, uncovering its rich history. With an accessible group price, this engaging tour offers a unique glimpse into St. Paul’s past – a must-see for anyone captivated by the city’s enduring elegance.
This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 2 Walking Tours In St Paul Minnesota.
Key Points
- Private guided walking tour along Summit Avenue in St. Paul showcasing the city’s historic Victorian mansions.
- Tour duration is 2 hours and covers approximately 1 mile of the iconic neighborhood.
- Highlights diverse architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Italianate, Beaux Arts, and Romanesque.
- Tour led by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the area’s notable figures and history.
- Optional one-hour guided tour of the James J. Hill House available for an additional fee.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The private walking tour of St. Paul’s Summit Avenue offers an intimate exploration of the city’s historic Victorian mansions.
Priced at £150.56 per group of up to 8 participants, the 2-hour excursion features a guided stroll along the iconic avenue.
The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
Covering approximately 1 mile, the outing highlights architectural styles ranging from Queen Anne to Beaux Arts, with stops at highlights like Summit Overlook Park and the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
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Tour Experience and Itinerary
As the tour begins, participants embark on a guided stroll along historic Summit Avenue, featuring an impressive display of Victorian mansions.
The tour covers key stops including:
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Summit Overlook Park, offering panoramic views
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Nathan Hale Park, named after the Revolutionary War hero
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Cochran Park, a tranquil green space
The total walking distance is approximately 1 mile, with a focus on diverse architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Italianate, and Beaux Arts.
Throughout the casual-paced tour, the knowledgeable guide shares stories about notable figures and the history behind the homes and their owners.
Guided Tour Details
A professional with extensive knowledge of the area, Douglas Kline leads the guided tour. He shares stories about notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Garrison Keillor, providing historical context about the homes and their owners.
The emphasis is on the architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Neo-classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, and Tudor. Kline’s casual pace allows guests to take in the detailed views and engage in conversation.
The tour showcases the grandeur of Summit Avenue’s Victorian mansions, bringing the neighborhood’s rich history to life through the guide’s engaging presentation.
Architectural Styles on Display
Along Summit Avenue, visitors marvel at the diverse array of architectural styles on display. From the elegant Queen Anne mansions with their ornate towers and turrets, to the stately Italianate homes with their decorative brackets and low-pitched roofs, the neighborhood showcases a wealth of architectural history.
Also prominent are:
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The grand Georgian Revival residences, characterized by their symmetrical facades and classical details
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The imposing Romanesque structures, with their heavy stone walls and rounded arches
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The refined Beaux Arts and Neo-classical designs, featuring grand columns and intricate ornamentation
This architectural diversity reflects the wealth and influence of the families who once called Summit Avenue home.
More Great Tours NearbyNotable Figures and Their Stories
The Summit Avenue neighborhood is known for its captivating stories of notable figures who once called these grand Victorian homes their own.
Among them is F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned American novelist, who grew up in a Summit Avenue mansion.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned American novelist, grew up in a grand Victorian mansion on Summit Avenue.
Garrison Keillor, the host of the acclaimed radio show "A Prairie Home Companion", also has deep roots in the area, often drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s rich history.
These iconic figures, along with many other prominent residents, have left an indelible mark on the neighborhood, making each stop along the tour a window into St. Paul’s storied past.
Accessibility and Amenities
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests of all mobility levels to fully participate.
However, restrooms aren’t available before or during the tour.
Plus, home interiors aren’t included, though an optional one-hour guided tour of the James J. Hill House is available for an additional fee.
For those interested in exploring the inside of these historic mansions, this extra experience provides a more in-depth look at the architecture and its notable occupants.
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Wheelchair accessible
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Restrooms not available
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Optional interior tour available
Traveler Reviews and Recommendations
A total of 4 reviews have been left for this private walking tour, resulting in an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Guests highlight the guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging presentation, praising the tour’s combination of outdoor stroll and rich historical context.
Guests praise the guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging presentation, highlighting the tour’s blend of outdoor stroll and rich historical context.
This experience is recommended for history buffs, architecture fans, families, and travelers of all ages.
Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to learn about notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Garrison Keillor, as well as the architectural styles of the Victorian mansions along Summit Avenue.
Booking and Reserving Your Tour
To reserve your private walking tour of St. Paul’s Victorian mansions along Summit Avenue, there are a few options:
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Choose the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option to secure your spot without an upfront payment.
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Book directly on the tour provider’s website, where you can select your preferred date and time.
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Contact the tour company by phone or email to inquire about availability and make your reservation.
The tour costs £150.56 per group of up to 8 participants and lasts for 2 hours.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Ask Away
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour. Guests are welcome to take photos along the walking route to capture the stunning Victorian architecture and scenery. The tour guide encourages participants to document their experience.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop?
The tour spends approximately 15-20 minutes at each key stop, allowing guests to admire the architecture and hear the guide’s historical stories. The pace is casual, providing ample time to view and discuss the highlights along the scenic 1-mile route.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?
If the weather is inclement, the tour will be rescheduled for another day, or a modified indoor option may be offered. Guests will be notified of any changes and given the choice to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Can We Purchase Souvenirs or Refreshments Along the Way?
Participants can’t purchase souvenirs or refreshments during the tour. There are no scheduled stops for shopping or dining, but the guide can provide recommendations for nearby eateries and shops after the tour concludes.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
While the tour doesn’t include any souvenir or refreshment stops, it’s generally suitable for families with young children. The leisurely pace and focus on architectural history can engage kids, though restrooms aren’t available during the tour.
Final Words
Enjoy the captivating history and stunning architecture of St. Paul’s Summit Avenue on this private walking tour. Expert guide Douglas Kline brings the neighborhood’s past to life, showcasing the diverse Victorian mansions that line the avenue. With a leisurely pace and accessible pricing, this tour offers an engaging glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the charm of this iconic Saint Paul destination.
📍 This experience made our list of the 2 best Walking Tours in St Paul Minnesota