The historic Ard Godfrey house is the oldest surviving frame home in the Twin Cities. Built in 1849, the Greek Revival house was the residence for the Ard Godfrey family. Godfrey was a Maine millwright who helped build the first dam and sawmills to take advantage of the water power of St Anthony Falls and was also the first postmaster of the Village of St Anthony. Originally built at Main Street and 2nd Avenue Southeast, the house was moved several times before arriving in Chute Square Park in 1907. It was restored by the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis in 1975 to commemorate the bicentennial Celebration in 1976, and was opened to public tours in 1979. It is filled with furnishings and household artifacts authentic to the 1850s, with some original to the Godfrey family. Today, the Ard Godfrey House is open weekends from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in June, July and August for free guided tours.

Your donation to the Ard Godfrey House helps support the maintenance and upkeep of this home and the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to keep programming and tours free and open to the public. Thank you for your contribution!

News

The Ard Godfrey House summer hours are 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. June 6 through August 30, 2026. Admission on the regular weekend hours is always free.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 26: Performance in the Park — ETC Productions presents Frozen Jr. in Chute Square.

Tuesday, August 4: National Night Out

Sunday, October 17: Chute Square Fall Festival

​Image credit: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board