Longfellow House

The Longfellow House is a two-thirds scale replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's former Cambridge residence, featuring a yellow frame and porches at each end. Located in Minnehaha Park, the building now functions as an information center for the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway System.

Robert Jones constructed the house in 1907 near his Longfellow Zoological Gardens and maintained ownership until his death in 1930. His legacy shaped the development of the surrounding park and neighborhood for decades to come.

The building served as the Longfellow Community Library for the Minneapolis Public Library between 1937 and 1968, making it a gathering place for the southeast community. Visitors can observe how the space functioned as a center for local connection and resource sharing across multiple generations.

The house is easily accessible in the southern part of Minnehaha Park and provides information about the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the park and surrounding area involves considerable walking.

The building was relocated several hundred feet in 1994 during the Hiawatha Avenue expansion and required specialized moving equipment. This remarkable move demonstrates the city's commitment to preserving the historic structure amid major infrastructure changes.

Location: Minneapolis

Inception: 1907

Architects: Robert Jones

Architectural style: American colonial architecture

Floors above the ground: 3

GPS coordinates: 44.91610,-93.21410

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:29