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Located near historic St Anthony Main, Chute Square is home to the Ard Godfrey House, the oldest remaining wood frame home in the Twin Cities. It was originally built in 1848 in the Greek Revival style on Main Street and 2nd Avenue Southeast, but was moved a few times before finding its home at Chute Square.

Now a museum run by the Woman’s Club of Minnesota, the building is free and open to the public on weekends between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., June through August.

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Ard Godfrey House

1. The house is pleasantly air-conditioned. You may even want a sweater.
2. The tour is guided by members of the Women’s Club and lasts about 20 minutes. You’ll get a history lesson while you walk through.
3. If you want to learn more, the Minnesota Historical Society has photos, letters and diary excerpts from the Godfrey family and Hennepin County Library has an original 1934 painting of the house on the 4th Floor of Minneapolis Central. The Women’s club also offers additional information on their site.
4. No photography is allowed.
5. Hands Off. Though this house was probably luxurious for the time, the rooms are quite small and there is no touching or sitting allowed. I needed to remind my kids about this before and during the tour.
6. No Strollers. You’ll need to leave your stroller outside, so plan accordingly if you have small kids.
7. Nearby Fun. Chute Park is easy walking distance from the Minneapolis Riverfront (Mill Ruins Park) and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (the oldest church in continuous use in Minneapolis), which can make it part of a pleasant historic walk on summer weekends.
8. There are no restrooms at the park, but you can always go buy a treat at Byerlys and use theirs if necessary.

Picnicking at Chute Square