“Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person” - Mark Twain

Join Sister Celeste on this historic walking tour as she goes “off campus” to explore the vast homes and singular landscapes on Summit Avenue and the Hill District’s southern edge. Learn about the conventions that shaped the Gilded Age and forever changed St. Paul’s cityscape. 

A product of the Victorian Era who was “in the world but not of it”,  Sister Celeste reveals the concealed messages that were hiding out in the open in the palatial homes and beautifully maintained gardens of some of the city’s earliest and most prestigious citizens. This tour unveils how the hidden languages of flowers, fans and gems conveyed secret messages in a society that demanded buttoned-down decorum over uncovered passion in polite society.

But all that glitters is not gold for everyone in the Gilded Age! Learn how first wave immigrants often worked behind the scenes to present a seamless image for the elite and were mindful to protect their Master's jealously guarded reputations.

Explore the lasting influence of a host of noted architects who left their calling cards on the nation's longest Victorian Boulevard. View the handiwork of Master Builders and celebrated architects including Cass Gilbert, J. K. Taylor, A. Gauger, Clarence Johnston, Thomas Holyoke and landscape architect Horace Cleveland . 

Tour starts and finishes at Summit Avenue and Ramsey Hill's Overlook Park (aka Lookout Park) in St. Paul.

How Long: 90 Minutes

Length: 1.3 Mile 

Meeting Location: Summit Avenue and Ramsey Hill's Overlook Park (aka Lookout Park)  in St. Paul

What: Guided Tour of Summit Avenue and the Hill District's southern edge with revealing stories about the Gilded Age.

General Admission:  $22

Confirmation will be received at time of booking.

Cancellation: You may cancel for full refund up to 24 Hours in advance of the tour. You can cancel by following instructions posted on Eventbrite. A processing fee may apply. If you are unable to join us on the actual day of the tour, you may re-schedule the tour for another available date by phoning in advance of the tour.

All sales are final after the tour begins.

Minimum numbers for each tour apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough people taking the tour. In the event of this happening you may elect to reschedule the date or receive a full refund. Tours run April through October.

Liability Waiver: By signing up for this tour you must agree to read and sign the online waiver located at link below:

Please click here to sign online liability waiver at the time of booking.

Not recommended for heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Moderate walking is involved. Does not include interior views of homes. 

NOTE: Ticket sales typically close online one hour before the tour begins. However, you can purchase the tickets in person on site the day of the event. 

Call or text 651-243-1707 the day-of to confirm ticket availability

***We are monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 variant and adjusting our tour events as needed. Masks are not required outdoors at this event but are required indoors.