Rand House

The Rand House is a wooden residential building with two full stories plus an attic level, distinguished by a polygonal corner tower and porches wrapping around multiple sides. The structure contains approximately 30 rooms and demonstrates the elaborate construction typical of grand summer homes from that period.

Built in 1884 as a wedding gift from state senator Tobias Mealey to his daughter Susan and her husband Rufus Rand, vice president of Minneapolis Gas Light Company, the house represents a significant family investment. The construction reflects the prominence and wealth of families involved in the city's business and political circles during that decade.

The house reflects how wealthy Minneapolis business families expressed their status through grand summer retreats built outside the city. These residences show the architectural tastes and lifestyle choices of the city's most successful merchants during that era.

The house features large windows designed for summer air circulation and exterior shutters that provided protection during Minnesota's harsh winters. When visiting, pay attention to how the building was designed to handle the region's dramatic seasonal shifts in temperature and weather.

Beyond the main residence, the property included an arboretum with trees arranged for study and enjoyment, a swimming pool, and expansive flower gardens ringed with lilac hedges. These grounds transformed the estate into a complete retreat where residents could engage with nature and recreation beyond the house itself.

Location: Minnesota

Architects: Susan Mealey

GPS coordinates: 45.29825,-93.78547

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00