Is this walk appropriate for children?

Yes, the walk is suitable for children, though some historical content may require parental explanation.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, local cultural groups occasionally offer guided tours; check community calendars ahead of visit.

Can I visit Lena Olive Smith’s home?

The home is a private residence and not open for tours, but its exterior and historical significance can be viewed respectfully from the street.

Is parking available nearby?

Street parking is available, although it may be limited during peak times; public transit is also an option.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

Sidewalks vary in condition; some areas may be challenging for wheelchair users. Planning your route ahead is recommended.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for walking, with mild temperatures and longer daylight hours.

Historic African American Walks in Minneapolis East 38th Street | City Tour | Guided Tour

Minneapolis’s East 38th Street neighborhood stands as a vital chapter in the city’s African American story, offering visitors a grounded sense of community, resilience, and cultural heritage. This stretch of city streets once served as the backdrop for pivotal moments led by African American leaders, a rich heritage deeply marked by perseverance amid discrimination. Particularly notable are landmarks like the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the nation’s longest-running Black newspaper, and the home of Lena Olive Smith, a pioneering civil rights attorney whose influence reshaped legal battles for racial equality in Minnesota. A walk through East 38th Street reveals more than buildings—it unveils stories of a community nurtured against odds. The Tilsenbilt homes stand as one of the neighborhood’s most compelling features, constructed in the 1940s as a groundbreaking effort in racial inclusivity and affordable housing during a time when segregation often dictated where families could live. This area’s architecture and streetscape provide a unique lens into mid-20th-century urban dynamics and social history. Beyond its historical footprint, East 38th Street remains a hub of contemporary life reflecting ongoing change and heritage preservation. Visitors can connect with the neighborhood’s legacy through signage and local efforts to maintain and celebrate African American contributions to Minneapolis’s development. This neighborhood’s stories are essential for understanding the city’s cultural fabric and offer powerful context for those interested in social justice history, urban development, and community activism. Minneapolis, a city on the Mississippi River, extends this narrative through its diverse neighborhoods, but East 38th Street stands out for its concentrated impact and living memory of African American leadership and community evolution.

About Preserve Minneapolis

Preserve Minneapolis is a nonprofit-focused organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to documenting and sharing the city’s architectural and social history.

Through guided walking tours and community receptions, Preserve Minneapolis showcases neighborhood stories, historic buildings, and the people who shaped them.

Tours include focused experiences such as the Healy Block Residential Historic District Walking Tour, highlighting Queen Anne houses and Theron Potter Healy’s legacy; the Bryn Mawr Walking Tour, exploring bungalow-era streetscapes west of downtown; and the Minneapolis Railroad History Walking Tour, tracing the first rail line established in 1862 and its role in the mill district. Additional offerings include a tour of African American history along East 38th Street, the Sunnyside Addition streetcar suburb exploration, and an Exclusive Donor Reception that brings supporters together.

Each tour is led by local historians and experts who use archival research, visible architectural features, and neighborhood context to explain historic significance and preservation challenges. Preserve Minneapolis emphasizes fact-based storytelling, site-specific interpretation, and community engagement. Information presented on tours draws from documented sources, historic records, and surviving built fabric.

Preserve Minneapolis partners with community members and preservation professionals to identify priorities, promote awareness, and encourage stewardship of historic resources. Audiences range from architecture enthusiasts to neighborhood residents and visitors seeking an informed understanding of Minneapolis history. The organization’s public programming and donor events support ongoing research, education, and local preservation initiatives. Programs are scheduled seasonally and announced publicly; tickets and donor details are available through Preserve Minneapolis communications and partner listings for interested supporters.

Historic African American Walks in Minneapolis East 38th Street

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