James J. Hill House

The James J. Hill House covers roughly 36,500 square feet (3,400 square meters) across five floors and includes 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and 16 cut-glass chandeliers. The residence follows the Richardsonian Romanesque style with rounded arches and heavy red sandstone masonry.

Railroad magnate James J. Hill commissioned the residence starting in 1891, making it the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota at a construction cost exceeding 930,000 dollars. The family occupied it until 1925, when ownership changed hands following Hill's death.

The residence features a two-story gallery space beneath a skylight where Hill displayed works from the Barbizon School, protected behind iron grilles that could retract into the walls. This collection reflected his appreciation for European landscape painting during his era.

The Minnesota Historical Society runs guided tours from Thursday through Sunday between January and November, with the last tour each day starting at 3:30 PM. Visits involve walking through multiple floors, so comfortable footwear and allowing enough time for the full tour are recommended.

The basement level features inlaid marble flooring and houses the original kitchen with a dumbwaiter, along with laundry areas and servant quarters. These spaces offer insight into the working routines of household staff during the late 19th century.

Location: Saint Paul

Architects: Peabody and Stearns

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

Operator: Minnesota Historical Society

Address: Summit Avenue

Phone: +(651)2972555

Website: https://mnhs.org/hillhouse

GPS coordinates: 44.94500,-93.10889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:04