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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.
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.
Book with Blue Earth County Historical Society
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Blue Earth County Historical Society · Mankato, Minnesota
Step back in time with the R.D. Hubbard House Guided Tour, located in the charming city of Mankato, Minnesota. This unique experience offers visitors an up-close view of one of the finest examples of French Second Empire architecture in the region. The lovingly preserved R.D. Hubbard House showcases innovative 19th-century features such as early indoor plumbing, which was rare for its time. The guided tours run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making summer the perfect season to explore this historic landmark. Alongside the stunning architecture, guests get to wander Victorian gardens that provide a serene escape and admire antique collections housed in the carriage house. The Blue Earth County Historical Society preserves this gem, offering deep insights into the Hubbard family's legacy and the social history of the era. This tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the lifestyle of the late 1800s. With knowledgeable guides sharing stories and facts, the tour offers a personal and immersive experience that connects you to Mankato’s cultural heritage. Whether you're local or visiting from out of town, the R.D. Hubbard House provides a memorable and educational outdoor adventure that blends history with natural beauty.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves gentle walking and standing with occasional seating options.
The R.D. Hubbard House has limited wheelchair accessibility due to its historic structure; please contact the Blue Earth County Historical Society for specific accommodations.
Tours typically last between 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to explore the gardens and carriage house.
Photography is permitted, but flash photography is discouraged to protect delicate antiques and interior finishes.
Guided tours are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, generally during daytime hours on weekends.
Yes, children are welcome but should be supervised to preserve the historic artifacts and respect the property.
It is recommended to book tickets online or by phone in advance, especially during peak season, though limited walk-up availability may exist.
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.
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 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.
Book with Blue Earth County Historical Society