Alexander Ramsey House Reopens to the Public

Victorian home of Minnesota’s second state governor has been closed for public tours since 2020

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (June 16, 2023) – Visitors will soon get their first chance in more than three years to explore one of the most well-preserved Victorian mansions in the world. The Alexander Ramsey House will welcome guests with a reopening celebration on July 1.

The Ramsey House was built in 1872, and the St. Paul home features 14,000 original furnishings and artifacts. Following the reopening celebration, the historic home will resume guided tours on the first Saturday of each month (starting August 5).

More information on the reopening ceremony:

When:          July 1, 2023

                       10 am–4 pm

Where:         Alexander Ramsey House

                       265 Exchange St.

                       St. Paul, MN 55102

What:          Self-guided tours of first floor, limited tours of upper floors

                      Nelson’s ice-cream social hosted by MNHS (11 am–3 pm, or as supplies last)

                      Victorian yard games, crafts, activities, and cooking demonstrations

                      Bluegrass music from the Gritpickers Old-Time String Band (1:30 pm)

Cost:            $8 – $12, free for MNHS members 

After you visit Ramsey House, continue the fun with a stroll through nearby Historic Irvine Park. You can grab a bite to eat at food trucks, hear music, and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful 19th century New England-style park and historic homes, thanks to our partners at the Historic Irving Park Association. More information is available at mnhs.org/ramseyhouse.      

While Ramsey was one of Minnesota’s most prominent politicians – serving as Minnesota’s territorial governor, second state governor, mayor of St. Paul, a US Senator, and Secretary of War – he played a major role in removing Indigenous people – the Dakota and Ojibwe – from their homelands. Three generations of his family lived in the home prior to donating it to the Minnesota Historical Society in 1964.

The Ramsey House halted public tours in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves, and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.