Events
hat follows is a list of upcoming events of interest to members of the Twin Cities Bungalow Club. Some are sponsored by the Bungalow Club and some are not.
2026 Historic Hills House Tour
Homes and Public Spaces in St. Paul
General admission ticket $45
Limited Day-of-Tour General admission $60
Tour and VIP Brunch $175
stpaulhistorichilltours.org
This year’s tour features a mix of grand mansions; churches; historic family homes; and a new construction build that reflects both the rich history and future of these neighborhoods.
Hosted in partnership by the Summit Hill Association and Ramsey Hill Association, the tour is a one-day architectural event that offers a rare inside look at some of the most historic homes and public spaces in St. Paul. Tour goers receive a printed guide to all the spaces and can walk; take a shuttle; or drive between locations.
Tickets can be purchased online starting August 2026. (A limited quantity will also be available on the day of the event for an additional charge.)
To access the homes on the tour, you will need to first check in at the tent on the corner of Summit Avenue and Victoria Street (William Mitchell School of Law). You will receive a House Tour guidebook which will serve as your access pass for all the homes.
Beautiful house designed by architect Clarence H. Johnson and built in 1901 for retailer Charles Schuneman. The Schuneman small dry goods store would someday grow into Dayton’s Department Store.
Returning this year is a special VIP brunch experience. Purchase a ticket ahead of tour to start your day with mimosas and brunch at Summit Manor (designed by Clarence H. Johnson); then gain early access to the homes.
Get a glimpse of life in one of the best-preserved historic neighborhoods in the nation. Please join us and discover modern living in an historic setting. Visit website for more details, ticket purchases, and frequently asked questions.
The Wrecking Ball
Demolishing Barriers in Historic Preservation
Landmark Center
75 Fifth St. W., St. Paul
$90 early bird tickets available until August 31
651-293-9047
Check website for event details
Join Rethos for their annual gala—The Wrecking Ball—to celebrate nominees and winners of Places Reimagined Awards; enjoy live music; bid on silent auction experiences; and enjoy drinks and appetizers.
Attending The Wrecking Ball supports people and communities across Minnesota, from helping small businesses thrive through Rethos’ Main Street program; to creating hands-on volunteer opportunities at City Stories and Doors Open Minneapolis; to teaching practical skills in deconstruction and reuse that keep building materials out of landfills. Rethos also offers a variety of classes and workshops for old house owners.
Come to celebrate, connect, and invest in a future where historic places remain vital to the lives of generations to come.
Shadows & Spirits of the State Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
Admission: $12 to $16
651-296-2881
Buy tickets
Join a one-hour guided tour of the restored Minnesota State Capitol through the shadowy rotunda, corridors, and chambers lit with the original early-1900s lighting. History lingers round every corner. Along the way, visitors will encounter historical “spirits” who tell stories of the Capitol’s past. These hour-long tours are offered by the Minnesota Historical Society.
An Introduction to Hennepin County
An ongoing exhibit
Hennepin History Museum
2303 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis
Adults $8; students/seniors $5
Free for museum members
612-870-1329
hennepinhistory.org/avada_portfolio/an-introduction-to-hennepin-county/
This exhibit consists of six main panels, covering topics from Hennepin County’s pre-settlement home of the Dakota; the establishment of the County in 1852; the rise of local industry; and the diverse immigrant populations that moved here.
Classes Offered by Rethos
Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM) has a new name—Rethos—and a greatly expanded ambition. The organization has reinvented itself as a nationwide organization that strengthens communities within the context of historic spaces. Rethos is focused on finding new uses for historic buildings of all types by offering educational programs; coordinating Main Street programs in rural cities; advocating for public policies that bolster historic properties; and fostering investment partnerships to save historic buildings. For a full description of the new organization, visit: www.rethos.org/whynowhyrethos
Photo courtesy of Rethos.
One of Rethos’ goals is to build a community of homeowners, craftspeople, DIYers, realtors, and anyone who cares about (or cares for) old buildings. Hands-on workshops and classes connect you to the tools, skills, and experiences you need to take good care of the places you love.
Bungalow Club members will be especially interested in the Homeowner Workshops. Classes vary but typical topics are window repair including wood rot; leaking pipes and clogs; how furnaces and boilers work; and kitchen cabinets and countertops. Check the Rethos website for the listing of upcoming classes and workshops.
