May 29, 2008: Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District/Park Avenue Hike (Minneapolis)

Join Larry Martin for a walking tour by the eleven former mansions in Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District and then along the former mansion areas of Park Avenue and Portland Avenue in south Minneapolis. Fair Oaks became a fashionable neighborhood for several generations of Minneapolitans because it was convenient to downtown yet was separated by elevation from the working class sections of the city. The district consists of the early 20th century homes of the second generation elite clustered around the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Fair Oaks Park, and the First Christian Church, all of which were built on the sites of earlier mansions. The architecture of the neighborhood showcases the work of some of Minneapolis' most prominent architects. A wide range of period revival styles is represented in the district. Other residences of note on the hike are the George W. Van Dusen mansion, the Alfred F. Pillsbury House, the Charles Stinson Pillsbury House, the Edward Chenery Gale House, the John Crosby House, the John S. Bradstreet/Eugene A. Merrill House, the George Henry Christian House, the Swan Turnblad Castle/American Swedish Institute building, the Bishop Samuel C. Edsall house, the Sylvester S. Cargill house, and the unusually restyled Bardwell-Ferrant house.

If driving: From downtown Minneapolis, take Nicollet Avenue and proceed south to 24th Street. Turn east (left) on 24th Street and go east two blocks on 24th Street to the Washburn-Fair Oaks Park. Park on the street on 24th Street by the southeast corner of Washburn-Fair Oaks park and meet on the north side of the Institute of Arts, by the original entrance (with the Corinthian Columns) to the building.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 9. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of 3rd Avenue and 24th Street. Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information

The group will reconvene at a nearby restaurant (Black Forest Inn, 26th Street at Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis) after the hike for dinner or dessert.

Map to hike start point: Minneapolis Institute of Arts; 3rd Ave S At E 24th St
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Detailed directions for the Hike

Map of the Hike

Fair Oaks Hike Architectural Notes

Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District Walking Tour

Minneapolis street map

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This webpage was last updated on April 20, 2008.