Ard Godfrey House
Built in 1849, the Ard Godfrey house is the oldest remaining frame residence in Minneapolis and has a rich history and a storied past. Located in the St. Anthony Falls historic Milling District, the house has been impeccably restored and is filled with furnishings and household items authentic to the period 1849 to 1853.
The house is typically open to the public on weekends during June, July and August. Come and learn the dandelion story, see the Godfrey children's walnut cradle and admire the Chickering rosewood piano. Volunteers in 1850s period costume provide tours.
Year-Round Group Tours
Special tours for groups of ten or more may be arranged during most of the year. For information and fee schedules, call 612-813-5300.
Summer Visits
The Ard Godfrey house is open Saturdays and Sundays from May 31st through August 31st from 1:00-4:00 pm (Last complete tour at 3:15 pm.) No reservations required.
2008 Special Events
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 5th
The Ard Godfrey house will be open from 5:00-7:00 pm, as neighbors are celebrating National Night Out in the adjoining Chute Square. Tours are free; donations accepted.
The Dog Days of August
Friday, August 15
The Dog Days of August is a promotional event sponsored by the NorthEast Business Association (NEBA)on Friday, August 15. Dogs and their owners will meet in Chute Square at 5:30 pm, then proceed up East Hennepin Avenue in parade formation at 6:00 pm. Select NE businesses will have special treats for both dogs and owners. Owners are encouraged to dress up their dogs in fun and creative costumes for the parade. About 70 dogs were in the 2007 parade. The Godfrey House will be open from 5:00-6:00 pm to greet visitors. Sorry, no dogs in the house. For more information visit:
1850s Holiday Party
Sunday, December 7, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Enjoy light refreshments, musical entertainment and tours of the oldest remaining frame residence in Minneapolis. The house is decorated for the holidays in the modest style of the era. See how Ard and Harriet Godfrey lived with their children in the new community at St. Anthony Falls. Free Godfrey House buttons for the kids.
Come Visit the House
The Ard Godfrey House is located on Richard Chute Square at University Avenue and Central Avenue, just across the 3rd Avenue bridge from downtown Minneapolis.
- Admission is free; donations are suggested.
- For where to park and how to find the Godfrey house, check the helpful map.
- The house is wheelchair accessible on parts of the main floor only.
- No restroom facilities on site.
- Picnic tables are located at Chute Square.
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board owns the house, which is located in a city park.
- The renovation and operation of the house has been a volunteer project of The Woman's Club of Minneapolis since 1976.
- For more information, to volunteer, or make a contribution, contact us or call 612-813-5319.
- For more things to do and see in the Milling District check these websites:
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Minneapolis Riverfront District Events and Resource Guide
Mill City Museum
