Ard Godfrey House
Step back to 1849 at Minneapolis's oldest standing house, a free historical gem in Chute Square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free tours available
Ard Godfrey House
Best Time
Free tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back to 1849 at Minneapolis's oldest standing house, a free historical gem in Chute Square.
"A fun little park with a huge piece of history."
Check Tour Availability
Free 20-minute tours are offered on many weekends. Call ahead or check online!
Winter Closure Alert
The house is closed in winter and reopens in May. Plan your visit accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oldest Standing House
Experience Minneapolis's oldest wood-frame house, a tangible link to 1849 pioneer life.
Chute Square
Enjoy a picnic or a moment of reflection in the park surrounding this historic landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tour Availability
Free 20-minute tours are offered on many weekends. Call ahead or check online!
Winter Closure Alert
The house is closed in winter and reopens in May. Plan your visit accordingly.
Ard Godfrey House - About 1909 & Today. 110 years apart. In Chute Square, Minneapolis
Picnic Spot
Grab a bite across the street and enjoy it in the peaceful Chute Square.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tour Availability
Free 20-minute tours are offered on many weekends. Call ahead or check online!
Winter Closure Alert
The house is closed in winter and reopens in May. Plan your visit accordingly.
Picnic Spot
Grab a bite across the street and enjoy it in the peaceful Chute Square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Ard Godfrey House for its significant historical value as Minneapolis's oldest standing structure, offering a free glimpse into pioneer life. However, some find the house itself to be plain and note its limited operating hours, particularly the winter closure.
"If I could give half stars I'd give it three and a half.
it's pretty cool that it exists from before Minnesota became a territory.
But it is a plain unassuming home.
FYI, there are only eight buildings in existence from between Minnesota becoming a territory (1849) and the Louisiana purchase (1803)"
Anthony Bolin
"Fun little park with a huge piece of history. Caught a sandwich across the street and enjoyed it here."
Mike Mackintosh
"A landmark building in the Old Town neighborhood of Minneapolis. Free tours provided on many weekends by the Women's club of Minneapolis."
Scott Parkin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ard Godfrey House is located in Chute Square, within the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood of Minneapolis. Public transportation options are available, and driving is also feasible. Parking availability may vary, so consider ride-sharing or public transit if you're concerned about parking.
Yes, Minneapolis has a robust public transportation system. Check local transit routes and schedules for bus lines that serve the Marcy-Holmes area near Chute Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required. The Ard Godfrey House offers free 20-minute tours on many weekends, provided by the Women's Club of Minneapolis.
The house is typically open for tours on weekends during the warmer months. It is closed during winter and reopens in May. It's best to confirm specific hours before your visit.
Admission to the Ard Godfrey House and its tours is free. It's a great way to experience local history without any cost.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are usually around 20 minutes and provide insights into Minnesota pioneer life and the history of the house, which dates back to 1849. It's a simple, unassuming home with significant historical context.
While the house itself is a historical site, the surrounding Chute Square offers green space where children can play. The historical context might be more engaging for older children or those with an interest in history.
The Ard Godfrey House is the oldest standing house in Minneapolis, built in 1849, predating Minnesota's territorial status. It's one of only eight buildings remaining from before the Louisiana Purchase.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ard Godfrey House itself is a charming subject, especially with its historical architecture. The surrounding Chute Square provides a pleasant backdrop for photos, offering a mix of nature and history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park after your visit, making it a more complete outing. The free tours are short, which is ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged. Remember to check the seasonal opening hours, as it's closed in winter.
🏛️ History Buffs
Appreciate its architectural simplicity and the stories it holds of pioneer life. The fact that it's one of only eight buildings from before the Louisiana Purchase further solidifies its historical importance. Combine your visit with exploring the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood, Minneapolis's oldest, for a deeper dive into the city's origins.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 1849 Minneapolis
Visiting the Ard Godfrey House is like stepping back in time. The free tours, often available on weekends, provide a concise yet informative look into the domestic life of the mid-19th century. You'll learn about the challenges and realities of pioneer living, making it a valuable educational experience for all ages. Remember to check operating hours, as the house is typically closed during winter months and reopens in May.
Located in Chute Square, the house is nestled within a pleasant park setting. This makes it an ideal spot for a brief historical detour, perhaps combined with a picnic. The surrounding Marcy-Holmes neighborhood, being the oldest in Minneapolis, adds another layer of historical context to your visit.
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