How to Explore Longfellow Neighborhood Historic Homes

The Longfellow neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a living archive of architectural heritage, cultural evolution, and community resilience. Nestled just south of the Mississippi River, this historic district boasts an extraordinary collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century homes that reflect the tastes, technologies, and social dynamics of their time. From ornate Queen Anne Victorians to sturdy Craftsman bungalows and elegant Tudor Revivals, Longfellow’s streetscape offers a rare opportunity to experience American residential design in its most authentic form. Exploring these historic homes is more than a sightseeing activity—it’s an immersive journey into the past that deepens appreciation for urban preservation, architectural craftsmanship, and neighborhood identity. For residents, historians, architecture enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike, learning how to explore Longfellow’s historic homes with intention and respect unlocks a richer understanding of Minneapolis’s cultural fabric. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to navigating, appreciating, and documenting these homes while honoring their legacy and the communities that sustain them.

Step-by-Step Guide

Exploring historic homes in the Longfellow neighborhood requires more than casual walking—it demands preparation, observation, and contextual awareness. Follow this structured, seven-step guide to ensure a meaningful and respectful experience.

Step 1: Research the Neighborhood’s Historical Context

Before stepping onto the sidewalks of Longfellow, invest time in understanding its origins. The neighborhood developed primarily between 1880 and 1930, fueled by the expansion of streetcar lines and the influx of middle-class families seeking suburban living within city limits. Many homes were built by local builders who adapted national architectural trends to regional materials and climate. Key historical milestones include the incorporation of the Longfellow community into Minneapolis in 1872 and the designation of the Longfellow Historic District by the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission in 1976. Familiarize yourself with these dates and the socio-economic factors that shaped development—such as the influence of railroads, the rise of the middle class, and post-war housing demands. Resources like the Minneapolis Historical Society and the Longfellow Community Council’s archives offer detailed timelines and maps that will ground your exploration in fact, not folklore.

Step 2: Identify Key Streets and Architectural Zones

Longfellow is not uniform in style or scale. Certain streets are renowned for specific architectural concentrations. For example, 34th Street between Chicago Avenue and 40th Street features a high density of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival homes, many with wrap-around porches and turret towers. East of the Mississippi, along 38th Street and 39th Street, you’ll find an exceptional collection of Craftsman bungalows with exposed rafters, stone foundations, and handcrafted woodwork. The area around Franklin Avenue and 42nd Street includes early 20th-century Tudor Revivals with steeply pitched roofs and decorative half-timbering. Use a printed or digital map to mark these zones before your walk. This allows you to focus your attention, compare stylistic variations, and avoid missing key examples due to random wandering.

Step 3: Observe Architectural Details Systematically

Historic homes reveal their stories through details. Develop a consistent method of observation to avoid overlooking subtle features. Begin at ground level: examine foundation materials (stone, brick, or concrete), porch supports (turned posts, Doric columns, or decorative brackets), and entryways (stained glass, sidelights, or transoms). Move upward to rooflines—note gable shapes, dormers, chimneys, and flashing. Look at window configurations: double-hung, casement, or bay windows? Are the panes divided by muntins? Check for original hardware: doorknobs, hinges, and mail slots often retain period-specific designs. Don’t forget the rear of homes—many have original carriage houses, privies, or garden sheds that reflect daily life in the early 1900s. Take notes or photos (without trespassing) to compare features across multiple properties.

Step 4: Use Street Numbers and Property Records

Many Longfellow homes still bear their original street numbers, which can be cross-referenced with public records to uncover ownership history and construction dates. The Hennepin County Property Search portal allows you to enter an address and retrieve the year built, original owner, square footage, and previous assessments. For example, a home at 3510 38th Street S. may show a build date of 1912 and an original owner named Eleanor M. Johnson—a schoolteacher whose name may appear in digitized city directories from the era. This contextual layer transforms a house from a static structure into a narrative. If you’re unable to access digital records on-site, carry a printed list of notable addresses with known histories. Local libraries, including the Longfellow Branch, often have physical copies of old city directories and fire insurance maps that can help identify original occupants and renovations.

Step 5: Engage with the Community Respectfully

Longfellow is a lived-in neighborhood, not a museum. Many residents take great pride in maintaining their historic properties. If you encounter someone on their porch or in their yard, greet them politely. A simple, “I’m exploring the historic homes in the area—do you know anything about when this house was built?” can open doors to invaluable stories. Residents may share anecdotes about previous owners, renovations, or even original fixtures still in use. Never knock on doors uninvited or stand too close to windows. Always remain on public sidewalks and avoid blocking driveways or mailboxes. Your presence should enhance, not disrupt, the daily life of the neighborhood.

Step 6: Document Your Findings

Keep a dedicated journal or digital log of your explorations. Record each home’s address, architectural style, notable features, and any stories you hear. Include photos—wide shots of the entire facade, close-ups of decorative elements, and images of contextual details like landscaping or signage. Use GPS tagging if possible to map your route. Over time, this documentation becomes a personal archive and a potential resource for others. Consider contributing your findings to the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission’s online inventory or local history groups on social media. Your observations may help identify overlooked properties or verify undocumented renovations.

Step 7: Plan Revisits and Seasonal Observations

Historic homes reveal different aspects depending on the season. In spring and summer, original gardens, mature trees, and restored porches are fully visible. In autumn, the play of light through deciduous branches can highlight rooflines and dormers that are obscured in winter. In winter, snow accumulation can accentuate architectural contours and reveal original masonry work beneath overgrown shrubbery. Plan multiple visits throughout the year to capture the full character of each home. Return to favorite streets with a different focus each time—one visit for windows, another for trim work, a third for landscaping. This layered approach ensures depth and avoids superficial observation.

Best Practices

Exploring historic homes carries a responsibility beyond curiosity. These structures are not merely aesthetic objects—they are cultural artifacts embedded in living communities. Adhering to best practices ensures that your exploration contributes positively to preservation efforts and respects the rights of residents.

Respect Privacy and Property Boundaries

Always remain on public sidewalks and roadways. Do not enter private yards, gardens, or driveways without explicit permission. Even if a home appears abandoned or neglected, it is still privately owned. Trespassing, no matter how well-intentioned, undermines trust and can lead to restricted access for future visitors. If you wish to photograph a home up close, use a telephoto lens or wait for an open house event.

Do Not Disturb or Alter Anything

Never touch, remove, or move any part of a historic home’s exterior or landscape. This includes decorative stones, wrought iron railings, or even fallen leaves on a porch. These elements may be original or historically significant. Even minor alterations can degrade the integrity of the property. Similarly, avoid spray-painting, leaving markers, or attaching temporary signage. Preservation is about stewardship, not personal expression.

Use Non-Invasive Documentation Methods

Photography is encouraged, but flash photography should be avoided, especially during evening hours, as it can be disruptive. Use natural light and avoid climbing on fences or walls for better angles. If recording audio or video, ask permission from nearby residents. Many homeowners appreciate being informed about documentation efforts, especially if you intend to share your work publicly.

Support Local Preservation Efforts

Many Longfellow homes are protected under local historic ordinances that regulate exterior modifications. Supporting these regulations through education and advocacy helps ensure their longevity. Attend community meetings hosted by the Longfellow Community Council or the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission. Volunteer with local organizations that restore facades or maintain public green spaces adjacent to historic homes. Even small contributions, like donating to a neighborhood restoration fund, make a difference.

Learn and Share Architectural Terminology

Understanding terms like “gingerbread trim,” “dormer,” “quoining,” and “clapboard siding” allows you to describe what you see accurately and communicate effectively with others. Use this knowledge to educate friends, family, or online audiences. Avoid romanticized or inaccurate language like “old-fashioned” or “haunted”—these terms diminish the architectural significance. Instead, use precise, respectful descriptors: “1910 Craftsman bungalow with exposed rafter tails and hand-hewn porch columns.”

Recognize the Human Stories Behind the Bricks

Every historic home was once a place of laughter, grief, work, and daily routine. Behind each facade lived teachers, factory workers, immigrants, artists, and entrepreneurs. When documenting or sharing your experience, acknowledge the people who built, lived in, and cared for these homes. Avoid reducing them to “pretty houses.” Emphasize their role in shaping community identity and social history.

Tools and Resources

Effective exploration of Longfellow’s historic homes relies on a combination of digital tools, physical resources, and community networks. Here is a curated list of the most valuable tools available to the curious visitor.

Digital Tools

• Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Website – Offers downloadable maps of designated historic districts, including Longfellow, with property listings, architectural summaries, and preservation guidelines.
• Hennepin County Property Search – A free, searchable database providing construction dates, ownership history, tax assessments, and previous permits for every property in the county.
• Google Earth Historical Imagery – Allows you to view satellite images of Longfellow homes from as far back as 1990, helping identify changes in landscaping, additions, or rooflines over time.
• Minnesota Historical Society’s Digital Collections – Hosts thousands of photographs, postcards, and architectural drawings of Minneapolis homes from the late 1800s to mid-1900s.
• Historic Aerials – A subscription-based service offering high-resolution aerial photos from the 1930s to 1990s, useful for identifying original lot layouts and outbuildings.

Physical Resources

• Longfellow Community Council Archives – Located at the Longfellow Branch Library, these archives include neighborhood newsletters, meeting minutes, and oral histories from longtime residents.
• Minneapolis Public Library’s Special Collections – Houses original city directories, building permits, and contractor ledgers from the 1880s–1940s.
• “Longfellow: A History of Minneapolis’s South Side” by John L. Smith – A definitive text detailing the neighborhood’s development, key builders, and architectural trends. Available at local libraries and independent bookstores.
• Historic Homeowner’s Guidebook (Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission) – A free, printed guide explaining how to maintain historic exteriors, identify original materials, and navigate renovation regulations.

Community Networks

• Longfellow Historic Home Tour – An annual event (usually held in September) where residents open their homes to the public. Tickets are modestly priced, and proceeds support neighborhood preservation. This is the best opportunity to see interiors and speak directly with homeowners.
• Facebook Group: Longfellow Neighborhood History – An active community of residents, historians, and preservationists who share photos, stories, and research tips.
• Minneapolis Historical Society Walking Tours – Led by trained docents, these guided walks focus on Longfellow’s architectural evolution and include access to rarely seen properties.

Mobile Apps

• Historic Places (by National Trust) – Allows you to locate and learn about designated historic sites across the U.S., including those in Longfellow.
• ViewRanger – A GPS-based app that lets you create custom walking routes with photo and note markers. Ideal for documenting your own historic home tour.
• PictureThis – An AI-powered plant identification app that can help you recognize original landscaping species, such as lilacs or crabapple trees, common in early 20th-century Minneapolis yards.

Real Examples

Concrete examples bring theory to life. Below are three detailed case studies of Longfellow homes that exemplify different architectural styles, preservation challenges, and community engagement outcomes.

Example 1: 3510 38th Street S. – The Craftsman Bungalow

Constructed in 1912, this single-story bungalow features a low-pitched gable roof with wide, overhanging eaves, exposed rafter tails, and a full-width front porch supported by tapered square columns on stone piers. The original wood siding has been preserved with periodic refinishing, and the front door retains its original stained glass with a geometric pattern typical of the Arts and Crafts movement. In 2008, the homeowner discovered that the original foundation had settled unevenly. Rather than replacing it, they worked with a historic preservation contractor to underpin the structure using traditional methods and materials. The porch floor was refinished with heart pine salvaged from a nearby demolished barn. Today, the home is a model of sensitive restoration and was featured in the 2019 Longfellow Historic Home Tour. The owner, a retired architect, maintains a blog documenting the restoration process and hosts quarterly open houses for local students.

Example 2: 3415 Chicago Avenue S. – The Queen Anne Victorian

This 1895 residence stands out with its asymmetrical facade, prominent corner turret, decorative spindlework, and multicolored shingle patterns. The home was originally owned by a German immigrant who operated a local printing press. Over the decades, the property suffered from neglect: the turret roof leaked, original windows were replaced with aluminum, and the front porch was enclosed. In 2015, a new owner initiated a full restoration guided by the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission’s guidelines. They removed the aluminum windows, replicated the original double-hung sashes with energy-efficient glass, and restored the shingles using cedar cut to match the original profile. The spindlework was painstakingly recreated using a CNC router programmed with 19th-century templates. The home now hosts an annual “Victorian Tea” event, where visitors learn about period furnishings and gardening. It was awarded the 2020 Preservation Excellence Award by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Example 3: 4010 39th Street S. – The Tudor Revival

Completed in 1928, this two-and-a-half-story home features steeply pitched slate roofs, decorative half-timbering, and tall, narrow windows with leaded glass. Unlike many Tudor homes in Longfellow, this one retains its original carriage house, which was converted into a studio in the 1970s. The current owners, a pair of historians, discovered that the home was built by the same contractor who designed several buildings at the University of Minnesota. Through archival research, they identified the original blueprint and restored the interior’s oak wainscoting and built-in bookcases. The property is not open to the public, but the owners have donated copies of their research to the Minneapolis Public Library and collaborated with a local high school on a student-led documentary about 1920s suburban architecture. Their work illustrates how private homeowners can become vital contributors to public historical knowledge.

FAQs

Can I go inside Longfellow’s historic homes?

Most Longfellow historic homes are private residences and not open to the public. However, during the annual Longfellow Historic Home Tour, selected properties open their doors for guided visits. You may also contact homeowners directly if you’re part of a research group or educational institution—many are willing to share their stories with respectful, serious inquiries.

Are there restrictions on photographing these homes?

You may photograph historic homes from public sidewalks and streets without permission. However, avoid using drones, climbing fences, or taking photos through windows. If you plan to publish or commercially use your images, do not identify specific addresses unless you have the homeowner’s consent.

How do I know if a home is officially designated as historic?

Check the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission’s online map of designated historic districts. Properties in Longfellow that are part of the Longfellow Historic District are marked with a blue plaque on the front of the home. You can also search the address on the Hennepin County Property Search portal to see if it’s listed as “Historic Designated.”

What should I do if I notice damage or neglect to a historic home?

If you observe significant deterioration—such as missing shingles, broken windows, or structural sagging—contact the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission. They can assess whether the property is under protection and may reach out to the owner. Do not confront homeowners directly; preservation is most effective through collaboration, not confrontation.

Are there walking tours available?

Yes. The Minneapolis Historical Society offers guided walking tours of Longfellow seasonally. The Longfellow Community Council also hosts self-guided tour maps that you can pick up at the local library or download from their website. These maps include historical notes and architectural highlights for each property.

Can I volunteer to help restore a historic home in Longfellow?

Many preservation organizations welcome volunteers for tasks like archival research, photography documentation, or community outreach. Contact the Longfellow Community Council or the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission to inquire about current opportunities. Hands-on restoration work typically requires certification, but non-technical roles are widely available.

What’s the best time of year to explore Longfellow’s historic homes?

Spring and early fall offer the most favorable conditions: mild weather, full foliage, and clear visibility of architectural details. The Longfellow Historic Home Tour occurs in September, making it an ideal time for comprehensive access. Winter can be rewarding for observing structural forms without vegetation obstruction, but be prepared for snow and ice.

How can I learn more about the architectural styles I see?

Start with the book “American Houses: A Field Guide to the Architecture of the Home” by Gerald W. Harris. The Minneapolis Public Library also offers free workshops on historic architecture. Online resources like the National Park Service’s “Save America’s Treasures” program and the Victorian Society in America provide accessible guides to identifying styles.

Conclusion

Exploring Longfellow’s historic homes is not a passive activity—it is an act of cultural engagement, historical empathy, and urban stewardship. Each home tells a story of craftsmanship, resilience, and community that extends far beyond its walls. By approaching this exploration with preparation, respect, and curiosity, you become part of a continuum of preservation that ensures these treasures endure for future generations. Whether you’re a local resident, a visiting historian, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-made things, the streets of Longfellow offer more than architecture—they offer connection. Use the tools, follow the best practices, and listen to the stories embedded in every brick, beam, and bay window. In doing so, you don’t just walk through history—you help keep it alive.