It seems as if every single child on the planet once dreams of a fairytale life. One in which they can rule their magical land as far as the eye can see. No official king or queen has ever lived within the confines of Minneapolis or Saint Paul, but the wealthy of the past had some beautiful estates built; they’re essentially urban castles. Within these mansions you won’t find fortresses or moats, but you will see absolutely stunning architecture, befitting of royalty. Here are nine entirely captivating castles you won’t believe are in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
The two lions that guard the entrance to this estate which was once home to the incredibly powerful Charles S. Pillsbury, son of Alfred Pillsbury, a flour milling titan in Minneapolis. The building is now the center for the National Federation of the Blind. This is as beautiful as any castle you'd find in Europe, and it's obvious just as you walk by.
Charles S. Pillsbury House: 100 E 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Built in 1884 and once owned by millionaire banker Eugene Merrill, this stately home remains stunning today. The home was designed by local architect William Channing Whitney, who designed many of the castle-like homes in what is known as the Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion District.
The Landmark Center was never actually an estate to any wealthy person in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, but it once served as a post office and courthouse. This spectacular building is now a cultural center in downtown Saint Paul and is mesmerizing to look at.
Landmark Center: 75 5th St. E, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
If you want to experience what royalty feels like for an evening, the Van Dusen Mansion is calling your name. This mansion was built in 1892 and was owned by George Washington Van Dusen, but was sold in the 1940s to be used as a commercial space. It is now a premier event space, perfect for weddings.
Van Dusen Mansion: 1900 Lasalle Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Just south of downtown Minneapolis, the George R. Newell House, also known as Chateau LaSalle, remains standing as proud as it always has. The castle was built in 1888 for Sumner T. McKnight, who sold it almost immediately to Newell.
George R. Newell House: 1818 Lasalle Ave., Minneapolis, MN.
The Turnblad Mansion is perhaps one of the most special in all of Minneapolis. It is now home to the American Swedish Institute, which is a museum aimed at preserving Swedish history and sharing it with the rest of the world. It's prettier than any fairytale castle ever imagined.
Turnblad Mansion: 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.
This historic estate designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style in 1887 is one of just the few remaining mansions in the once great Harmon Place mansion district. Parts of the movie Drop Dead Fred were filmed in the mansion. The beautiful building is now owned by Wells Fargo and is used my Minneapolis Community Technical College.
H. Alden Smith House: 1400 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
When two empires collide in Minneapolis, beautiful estates are built. George H. Christian managed the Washburn-Crosby milling company throughout the 1860s which made Minneapolis a contender in the flour milling world. Christian, his wife, and their child died before the house was finished.The estate is now the Hennepin History Museum.
Christina House: 2303 3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival began as a revenge tactic after two East Coasters said Minnesota was uninhabitable and basically another Siberia. Saint Paul throws the best winter wonderland festival which is annually completed with a gigantic castle made entirely of ice. Sometimes the most beautiful things are simply fleeting, or melting away.
Every single one of these buildings are as beautiful as any castle found in Europe. Minneapolis royalty was made in the 1800s and their legacy is still incredibly important to this day.
