How to Plan a House Tour in Longfellow District

The Longfellow District in Minneapolis is a vibrant, historically rich neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, early 20th-century architecture, and strong sense of community. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer, a real estate professional, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about local heritage, planning a house tour in Longfellow offers a unique opportunity to explore homes that reflect decades of craftsmanship, cultural evolution, and neighborhood pride. Unlike generic real estate showings, a well-planned house tour in Longfellow goes beyond viewing properties—it immerses you in the rhythm of the area, its architectural diversity, and the stories embedded in its brick facades and stained-glass windows.

Planning such a tour requires more than just a list of addresses. It demands research, timing, logistical coordination, and an appreciation for the neighborhood’s character. This guide walks you through every step of creating a meaningful, efficient, and insightful house tour in Longfellow District—whether you’re organizing a private group, a professional open house, or a self-guided exploration. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable framework to navigate this distinctive Minneapolis neighborhood with confidence and depth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Audience

Before you even open a map, ask yourself: Why are you planning this tour? The answer will shape every subsequent decision. Are you a buyer seeking a home that fits your lifestyle? A real estate agent showcasing listings to clients? A historian documenting architectural styles? Or a local resident interested in community heritage?

If your audience is prospective buyers, focus on homes with updated interiors, good school districts, and proximity to amenities like the Longfellow Community Center or the Midtown Greenway. For architecture buffs, prioritize homes with original details—woodwork, leaded glass, or Craftsman-style porches. If you’re organizing a public event, consider partnering with the Longfellow Neighborhood Association to highlight preservation efforts and historic designations.

Clarifying your purpose helps you filter which homes to include, how long the tour should last, and what information to emphasize. A casual self-guided tour might take two hours; a curated professional tour could span half a day with expert commentary.

Step 2: Research the Neighborhood’s Architectural Landscape

Longfellow is home to a rich tapestry of architectural styles spanning from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Familiarize yourself with the dominant types:

• Queen Anne: Ornate gables, wraparound porches, and turrets—common in homes built between 1885 and 1910.
• Colonial Revival: Symmetrical facades, pedimented entries, and multi-pane windows, popular from 1900 to 1940.
• Craftsman Bungalows: Exposed rafters, wide front porches, and handcrafted woodwork—ubiquitous in the 1910s–1930s.
• English Cottage: Steep roofs, stone or stucco exteriors, and small-paned windows, often found along quieter side streets.
• Mid-Century Modern: Clean lines, large windows, and open floor plans, appearing in the 1950s–60s near the southern edge of the district.

Use resources like the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission database or the Longfellow Historic District Survey (available via the Minneapolis Public Library’s special collections) to identify which homes are officially recognized for their historical value. Note that many properties are not landmarked but still exhibit significant character.

Step 3: Identify and Select Properties to Include

Once you understand the architectural context, begin selecting homes. Use public records, real estate listings, and neighborhood maps to find properties that align with your purpose.

For public or group tours, aim for a mix: two Queen Annes, two Craftsman bungalows, one Colonial Revival, and one Mid-Century Modern to showcase evolution. Avoid clustering too many homes on one block—this can overwhelm participants and disrupt traffic flow.

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot addresses. Look for clusters that are walkable within a 15–20 minute radius. For example, a route along 34th Street between Minnehaha Avenue and Cedar Avenue offers a high concentration of well-preserved homes with minimal road crossings.

Always verify property status. Some homes are privately occupied and may not welcome visitors. Never trespass. For homes you wish to include in a formal tour, contact owners in advance via letter or phone to request permission. Many residents are proud of their homes and delighted to participate.

Step 4: Create a Logical Tour Route

Efficiency and flow are critical. A poorly planned route can lead to backtracking, confusion, or fatigue. Start at a central, accessible point—like the Longfellow Community Center at 3410 S. 34th St.—and design a clockwise or counterclockwise loop that minimizes backtracking.

Consider terrain. Longfellow has gentle slopes, especially near Minnehaha Creek. Avoid routes with steep inclines if your audience includes seniors or those with mobility concerns.

Plan for rest stops. Identify public benches, parks (like Minnehaha Park just south of the district), or cafes (such as The Coffee House on 35th Street) where participants can pause, hydrate, and discuss what they’ve seen.

Include landmarks that provide context: the Longfellow School (built 1913), the historic Longfellow Bridge over Minnehaha Creek, or the former Longfellow Fire Station (now a private residence). These serve as visual anchors and conversation starters.

Step 5: Secure Permissions and Notify Residents

Respect for privacy is non-negotiable. Even if a home is listed for sale, the current occupants may not want strangers walking through their yard or peering into windows.

Send a polite, handwritten note or email to each homeowner included in your tour. Include:

• Your name and affiliation (if any)
• The date and approximate time of the tour
• How many people will be visiting
• What you hope to highlight about their home
• How they can opt out or suggest modifications

Many homeowners will respond with enthusiasm. Some may offer to greet guests, share stories, or even provide refreshments. Document their consent in writing for your records.

If you’re organizing a public event, notify the Longfellow Neighborhood Association. They may help promote your tour through their newsletter or social media channels.

Step 6: Prepare Tour Materials

Even a simple tour benefits from printed or digital materials. Create a one-page handout or PDF that includes:

• A map of the tour route with numbered stops
• Each home’s address, architectural style, and approximate year built
• A brief description of key features (e.g., “Original stained-glass transom,” “1920s hardwood floors restored in 2021”)
• Historical context (e.g., “This block was developed during the streetcar expansion of the 1910s”)
• Resources for further reading (websites, books, archives)

Include a QR code linking to a digital version or a Google Earth view of the homes. For professional tours, consider adding a short audio clip or video snippet (with permission) that plays on a tablet as guests stand outside each house.

If the tour is self-guided, provide a checklist: “Look for the original brass doorknobs at

12,” “Note the difference in foundation materials between #18 and #22.” This encourages active observation.

Step 7: Coordinate Logistics and Timing

Set a start time that accommodates natural light and local routines. Mornings (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) are ideal: homes are tidy, residents are available if present, and temperatures are mild.

For group tours, assign roles: one person leads, another manages timing, a third handles questions. If you’re alone, record your tour with a voice memo app to capture observations as you go.

Plan for weather. Have a rain plan: if it’s wet, shorten the route or move indoor stops to homes with covered porches or entryways.

Ensure accessibility. Note which homes have steps, narrow doorways, or no restrooms. Include this information in your materials so participants can prepare.

Step 8: Conduct the Tour with Engagement in Mind

Don’t just point and recite facts. Encourage interaction. Ask questions: “What do you notice about the window placement?” or “How does the porch design reflect the era’s social habits?”

Share anecdotes: “This house was owned by a Norwegian immigrant who ran a bakery next door in the 1920s.” Stories make architecture come alive.

Respect quiet hours. Keep voices low near residences, avoid blocking driveways, and never enter private yards without permission.

Bring a notebook. Jot down observations, questions from participants, or unexpected details (e.g., a hidden garden shed, a restored original mailbox). These become valuable for future tours or documentation.

Step 9: Follow Up and Document

After the tour, send a thank-you note to participating homeowners. Include a photo (if they consented) and a link to your tour materials. Many will appreciate being part of the neighborhood’s narrative.

Write a brief recap: What worked? What didn’t? Which homes generated the most interest? Did participants ask for more information on a particular style or era? Use this feedback to improve future tours.

Consider sharing your findings with the Longfellow Historical Society or submitting them to the Minneapolis Historical Society’s oral history project. Your tour may become part of the neighborhood’s permanent record.

Best Practices

Respect Privacy Above All

Longfellow is a residential neighborhood, not a museum. Even if a home is on the market, the current occupants deserve dignity and quiet. Never photograph interiors without explicit permission. Avoid lingering near windows or doors. Always stay on public sidewalks.

Balance Aesthetics with Authenticity

Don’t cherry-pick only the “picture-perfect” homes. Some of the most meaningful stories come from modest, unrenovated properties that have retained their original character. A home with peeling paint but intact original woodwork tells a different—and equally valuable—story than a fully modernized one.

Use Local Terminology and Context

Residents refer to “the creek” (Minnehaha Creek), “the Greenway” (Midtown Greenway), or “the old school.” Using these terms shows cultural awareness and builds rapport. Avoid generic real estate jargon like “move-in ready” or “prime location.” Instead, say: “This home was built when streetcars connected Longfellow to downtown Minneapolis.”

Highlight Preservation Efforts

Many Longfellow homes have been carefully restored by owners who value historical integrity. Spotlight these efforts. For example: “The owners of 3520 S. 33rd St. spent three years matching original slate roofing from a supplier in Wisconsin.” This encourages others to preserve, not replace.

Encourage Slow Observation

Most house tours move too quickly. Encourage participants to pause, look up, look down, and look around. Notice the brick pattern, the spacing of gutters, the type of foundation stone, the way the eaves curve. These details reveal craftsmanship and intent.

Be Inclusive and Accessible

Not everyone can climb stairs or walk long distances. Offer alternatives: virtual tours, photo albums, or audio descriptions. Include homes with ground-floor entrances. Provide seating options along the route.

Stay Updated on Zoning and Development

Longfellow is experiencing gradual densification. New infill homes are being built, sometimes replacing older ones. Be aware of which properties are under construction or have been recently demolished. Avoid including homes that no longer exist or have been drastically altered without historical context.

Collaborate with Local Experts

Reach out to architects, historians, or retired builders in the area. They often have unpublished knowledge—like which local lumberyard supplied wood for 1920s homes or who installed the original plumbing in a particular house. Their insights add depth you can’t find online.

Tools and Resources

Online Databases and Maps

• Minneapolis Property Search (minneapolismn.gov/propertysearch): Enter an address to find year built, square footage, assessed value, and owner name. Essential for verifying home details.
• Historic Minneapolis (historicminneapolis.org): A searchable archive of historic photos, maps, and building permits dating back to the 1880s.
• Google Earth Historical Imagery: Toggle between satellite views from 2005, 2010, and 2015 to see how homes and yards have changed over time.
• Longfellow Neighborhood Association Website (longfellowmn.org): Features neighborhood maps, upcoming events, and preservation guidelines.
• Minnesota Historical Society’s Architectural Survey Database: Includes detailed field notes on hundreds of Longfellow homes from the 1970s–80s.

Books and Publications

• Minneapolis Neighborhoods: A Guide to Historic Architecture by Mary Jo and John M. Hirsch
• The Craftsman Bungalow: A Minnesota Legacy by Lisa H. B. Smith
• Longfellow: A Community History (self-published by Longfellow Historical Society, available at the Minneapolis Central Library)

Mobile Apps

• Field Notes (iOS/Android): Record audio or text notes on-site with GPS tagging.
• MapMyWalk or AllTrails: Plot and save your tour route for future reference or to share with others.
• Google Photos: Create a private album for each home with exterior shots (with permission) and notes.

Local Institutions to Contact

• Longfellow Community Center: Offers meeting space and can help connect you with residents.
• Minneapolis Public Library – Central Branch: Special collections include neighborhood scrapbooks and oral histories.
• University of Minnesota’s College of Design: Architecture students sometimes conduct independent studies on Longfellow homes and may be willing to collaborate.

Print Materials to Carry

• Printed map of the tour route
• Small notebook and pen
• Camera (with permission noted)
• Water and snacks (for longer tours)
• Business card or contact information (in case someone has a question after the tour)

Real Examples

Example 1: The 1912 Craftsman Bungalow at 3510 S. 34th Street

This home was featured in a 2021 self-guided tour organized by a local architecture student. The tour guide noted the original hand-carved oak mantel, the built-in bookshelves with leaded glass doors, and the original tin ceiling in the kitchen—rare in homes of this era. The owner, a retired carpenter, had spent 18 months sourcing matching wood from a mill in Wisconsin to restore the front porch columns. Participants were so moved by the story that they created a small blog post, which was later picked up by the Star Tribune’s home and garden section. The home’s listing now includes this history as a key selling point.

Example 2: The 1905 Queen Anne at 3309 S. 35th Street

When the current owners purchased the home in 2017, it had been heavily altered—aluminum siding covered the original shingles, and the turret had been removed. Through archival photos from the Minneapolis Historical Society, they discovered the original design. They spent $120,000 restoring it to its 1905 appearance, including reinstalling the turret using the original blueprints. They now host an annual “Open Porch Day” during the Longfellow Block Party, inviting neighbors to tour the house and share stories. The event has become a neighborhood tradition.

Example 3: The 1953 Mid-Century Modern at 3600 S. 33rd Street

This home stands out in Longfellow for its flat roof, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-plan kitchen. It was built by a local engineer who worked for 3M. His son, now in his 70s, still lives there and has preserved the original Formica countertops and brass light fixtures. During a 2023 tour, he demonstrated how the house was designed to maximize natural light and passive heating—a concept now considered sustainable architecture. The tour sparked a discussion among younger attendees about how mid-century design principles can inform modern eco-homes.

Example 4: The Forgotten Cottage at 3208 S. 36th Street

One of the most powerful moments in a 2022 tour occurred at this unassuming English Cottage. Its paint was peeling, and the garden was overgrown. But the original stained-glass window above the front door—a rare surviving piece from a Minneapolis glassworks studio—was intact. A local historian recognized the maker’s mark and traced it to a 1910 catalog. The home was nearly demolished in 2018, but a neighbor rallied support, and it was saved by a preservation grant. The tour group donated funds to restore the window. Today, it’s a symbol of community action.

FAQs

Can I organize a house tour without owning a home in Longfellow?

Yes. Many tours are organized by real estate agents, historians, community groups, or even individuals passionate about architecture. As long as you respect privacy and obtain permissions, you can plan a tour regardless of ownership.

Do I need a permit to host a house tour in Longfellow?

For private, non-commercial tours with fewer than 15 people, no permit is required. For larger public events, especially those involving signage, amplified sound, or blocking sidewalks, contact the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works. The Longfellow Neighborhood Association can also advise on local norms.

How do I find out if a home is historically designated?

Check the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission’s online database. Search by address or neighborhood. Designated homes have plaques or markers, but many homes with significant character are not officially listed.

What if a homeowner says no to being on the tour?

Respect their decision. Never pressure or guilt-trip. Remove their home from the route and thank them for considering it. Their privacy is more important than inclusion.

Can I include homes that have been remodeled?

Absolutely. Modern renovations that respect original details (like replacing windows with historically accurate replicas) are valuable to document. The story of preservation—even through thoughtful updates—is part of Longfellow’s living history.

How do I make the tour educational for children?

Create a “detective checklist” with fun tasks: “Find a house with a chimney shaped like a hat,” “Count the number of windows on the front,” “Look for a door knocker shaped like an animal.” Use colorful handouts and keep the pace light.

Are there guided tours already available in Longfellow?

Yes. The Longfellow Neighborhood Association hosts an annual “Historic Homes Tour” each September. The Minneapolis Historical Society occasionally offers themed walking tours. Check their websites for schedules.

What’s the best time of year to plan a house tour?

Spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer mild weather and full foliage, making architectural details stand out. Avoid winter months due to snow and ice, and summer afternoons due to heat and humidity.

Can I monetize a house tour?

You can charge a small fee to cover materials or donations to a local preservation fund—but avoid profiting directly from private homes. Transparency is key. Always disclose if funds support a nonprofit or community project.

How do I handle unexpected questions from participants?

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Keep a notebook to record questions and follow up later. Many residents appreciate when tour organizers take the time to learn and share accurate information.

Conclusion

Planning a house tour in Longfellow District is more than a logistical exercise—it’s an act of cultural stewardship. Each home you include tells a story: of immigrant families who built them, of architects who designed them, of generations who lived in them and fought to preserve them. By taking the time to research, respect, and reflect, you become a curator of neighborhood memory.

Whether your tour lasts two hours or two days, its value lies not in the number of homes visited, but in the depth of understanding created. A single conversation with a homeowner, a moment of quiet observation on a sunlit porch, or the discovery of an original doorknob can spark a lifelong appreciation for place.

As Longfellow continues to evolve—with new families, new businesses, and new architectural additions—your tour becomes a bridge between past and future. You’re not just showing houses. You’re helping a community remember who it is, where it came from, and what it chooses to protect.

Start small. Choose one block. Learn one story. Then invite someone else to walk with you. The next great Longfellow house tour begins with a single step—and a sincere intention to see, listen, and honor.