The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Minnesota
The city of Minneapolis, just a stone’s throw from St. Paul in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, offers architecture lovers a treasure trove at the Walker Art Center and its adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Walker’s modern building, with its sleek, minimalist design by Edward Larrabee Barnes, contrasts beautifully with the playful, open-air sculptures outside, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. Strolling through the Sculpture Garden, especially in spring or summer when the flowers bloom vibrantly around the works, visitors witness a seamless blend of art and architectural space that invites contemplation and joy. The Walker’s rotating exhibits often showcase cutting-edge design and architecture themes, making it a hub for anyone intrigued by contemporary aesthetics.
Heading northeast about 90 minutes from Minneapolis, the city of Duluth along Lake Superior’s shore reveals another side of Minnesota’s architectural story at the Glensheen Historic Estate. This stunning mansion, perched on the edge of the lake, is a magnificent example of early 20th-century Jacobean Revival style. Visitors can tour the 39-room house, marveling at the intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and luxurious furnishings that tell the story of the Congdon family who built it. The estate’s setting on the bluffs overlooking the vast lake adds a dramatic natural backdrop, especially magical in autumn when the surrounding trees blaze with color.
Just across the river from downtown St. Paul lies the Cathedral of Saint Paul, an architectural gem roughly 15 minutes from Minneapolis by car. This grand cathedral, with its massive copper dome visible for miles, is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design. Walking inside, visitors experience soaring ceilings, elaborate mosaics, and marble altars that evoke a powerful sense of reverence and craftsmanship. The cathedral’s position atop a hill enhances its prominence in the city skyline. The late afternoon light streaming through stained glass windows adds a sacred glow, making that time of day particularly special for contemplative visits.
In southern Minnesota, near the city of Rochester about 80 miles southeast of Minneapolis, the Plummer Building on the Mayo Clinic campus stands as a testament to early 20th-century innovation and design. This Art Deco tower was once the heart of the world-renowned clinic and still impresses with its detailed terracotta facades and geometric motifs. Though the building’s function has evolved, guided tours reveal original architectural features and an early integration of form and function meant to promote healing and efficiency. Visiting in spring or fall, when the surrounding gardens are in bloom or rich with autumn hues, enhances the sense of calm that inspired the building’s design.
On the shores of Lake Minnetonka, west of Minneapolis and about a 30-minute drive, sits the historic Hotel Lafayette in the town of Excelsior. Originally built as a grand lakeside resort in the 1880s, it has seen several architectural transformations, blending Victorian charm with modern renovations. Exploring the downtown Excelsior district nearby, visitors find a collection of preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into Minnesota’s lakeside leisure culture. The summer months bring vibrant street life and lake reflections that highlight the architectural details of the hotel and surrounding structures, making it a perfect time to soak in the quaint, historic atmosphere.
In the heart of the North Shore, about two hours northeast of Duluth, the Split Rock Lighthouse on the rugged Lake Superior coastline presents a striking example of early 20th-century maritime architecture. Though small in scale, the lighthouse complex combines practical design with the dramatic natural beauty of cliffs and crashing waves. Visitors can walk the trail from the visitor center to the lighthouse, experiencing panoramic views of the lake’s vast expanse. This site is particularly breathtaking in late spring or early fall when the weather is crisp and the light softens, offering photographers and architecture enthusiasts alike an unforgettable blend of human craft and wild landscape.
Returning to the Twin Cities, the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis showcases the city’s industrial past through the ruins of the Washburn “A” Flour Mill, once the world’s largest flour mill. This massive stone building, partially left in its ruined state, is a powerful example of adaptive reuse architecture. Inside, exhibits integrate the mill’s structure with modern design elements that tell the story of Minneapolis’s rise as a milling powerhouse. Climbing to the observation deck in the warmer months offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the Stone Arch Bridge, both integral parts of the city’s architectural and industrial heritage.
In the small town of Fergus Falls, about two hours northwest of Minneapolis, the historic Prairie Wind Brewing Company occupies a grand early 20th-century building that once served as a bank. The building’s classic beaux-arts facade anchors the quaint downtown district, where several other preserved early-century commercial buildings create a cohesive historic streetscape. Sampling locally crafted brews inside this architecturally rich setting underscores how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into historic spaces. Visiting in the fall reveals a town alive with harvest colors and cozy charm, perfect for absorbing the region’s architectural character.
The University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis also offers an architectural mix worth exploring, especially at the Weisman Art Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum stands out with its sweeping stainless steel curves and bold forms that contrast with the more traditional collegiate gothic and modernist buildings nearby. The museum’s striking exterior reflects the Mississippi River’s flow and changes with the shifting light of day, making any time a good time to visit. Inside, the integration of art and architecture invites visitors to consider how buildings themselves can be expressive works of art.
Traveling southwest from Minneapolis, the town of Mankato along the Minnesota River features the historic Hubbard House, a beautifully preserved example of Greek Revival architecture from the mid-19th century. This stately home, set amidst rolling prairie and river bluffs, offers guided tours that reveal the craftsmanship and lifestyle of early settlers. The gentle river breezes and spring blooms enhance the experience, connecting visitors deeply with Minnesota’s pioneer architectural heritage.
Finally, the historic district of Stillwater, about 30 minutes northeast of St. Paul, is a delightful place to wander among Victorian-era homes and commercial buildings lining the St. Croix River. The charming downtown streets reveal brick facades, ornate cornices, and wrought-iron balconies, all preserved with care. The riverfront park provides stunning views of the bridge to Wisconsin and the town’s architectural treasures. Visiting on a bright, crisp fall day when the leaves are turning intensifies the sense of stepping back in time, making Stillwater a must-see for those who appreciate architectural history framed by natural beauty.