Explore the historic R.D. Hubbard House in Mankato, MN, on a guided tour featuring French Second Empire architecture and Victorian gardens. Discover unique innovations and antique collections from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves gentle walking and standing with occasional seating options.
Wildlife
History
The Hubbard House is an important symbol of Mankato’s 19th-century growth, illustrating the lifestyle and innovation of a prominent local family in that era.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the historic structure and its gardens while promoting sustainable tourism that respects the natural environment surrounding the property.
Blue Earth County Historical Society
Explore the historic R.D. Hubbard House in Mankato, MN, on a guided tour featuring French Second Empire architecture and Victorian gardens. Discover unique innovations and antique collections from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Blue Earth County Historical Society is based in Mankato, Minnesota and offers public programming focused on the Historic R.D. Hubbard House. The Society presents guided tours and specialty experiences that interpret the architecture, material culture, and family history tied to the Hubbard property.
The R.D. Hubbard House Guided Tour runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and showcases the house's French Second Empire architecture, innovations such as indoor plumbing, the history of the Hubbard family, the adjoining Victorian gardens, and the carriage house antique collections. These guided tours provide visitors with curated access to period rooms and artifacts that connect local history with the built environment.
The Hubbard House Flashlight Tours are a specialty offering that explores Victorian mourning customs and superstitions in an atmospheric, limited-capacity setting. Flashlight tours include access to restricted areas such as the attic and basement and are intentionally limited to just 10 participants to preserve an intimate visitor experience.
All programming is offered by the Blue Earth County Historical Society and takes place at the Hubbard House in Mankato, Minnesota. Visitors can expect historically grounded interpretation of the Hubbard House site, with opportunities to learn about domestic technology, Victorian-era customs, and the material legacy of the Hubbard family.
Location
Mankato, MN
Located in Blue Earth County
Guided Tours
Memorial Day–Labor Day
Seasonal daytime tours
Flashlight Tours
10 participants
Limited-capacity evening tour
Architectural Style
French Second Empire
Notable historic architecture
Book a guided tour between Memorial Day and Labor Day or secure a spot on a limited flashlight tour (10 participants maximum).
Book Tours in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred tour time.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour includes walking in and around the house and gardens, so comfortable footwear is advised.
Check Weather Forecast
Victorian gardens are best experienced in good weather, so plan your visit on a clear day.
Photography Allowed
Feel free to bring a camera; interior and garden photography is welcome but flash is discouraged indoors.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for comfortably touring the house and garden grounds.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Helpful for cooler spring mornings or evenings during your tour.
spring
Sun Hat
Provides shade while exploring the outdoor garden areas on sunny days.
summer
Camera
Ideal for capturing the beautiful architecture and garden details throughout your visit.