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A long, abandoned prison corridor with peeling paint, rusted metal bars, and decaying walls, leading to a bright light at the far end. The scene looks weathered and neglected.

Community Tours

A long, abandoned prison corridor with peeling paint, rusted metal bars, and decaying walls, leading to a bright light at the far end. The scene looks weathered and neglected.
The former St. Louis County Jail in downtown Duluth, built in 1924, before its transformation into the Leijona Apartments—an award-winning adaptive reuse project that preserved one of the city’s most distinctive historic landmarks.
✦Community Tours

Historic Tours & Experiences

Throughout the year, the Duluth Preservation Alliance offers guided community tours that explore Duluth’s historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and architecture. From walking tours of Morgan Park and East End to special behind-the-scenes tours of places like the Leijona (former Duluth jail) — each event offers an exclusive peek at our city’s rich history.

Becoming a DPA member is the best way to receive community tour announcements, special event updates, and information about new tour opportunities directly in your inbox throughout the year.

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Community Tour Archive
A large, two-story Victorian-style house with gabled roofs and many windows sits behind snow-covered ground and tall leafless trees on a sunny winter day. Evergreen trees partially obscure the front of the house.

East End Walking Tour

Historic Duluth’s East End Walking Tour invites guests to explore one of the city’s most architecturally rich neighborhoods through a guided experience led by local experts or a self-guided tour using the official walking tour brochure. Discover beautifully preserved homes, remarkable craftsmanship, and the stories of the influential families, architects, and industries that helped shape Duluth’s history. Presented by the Duluth Preservation Alliance, the tour offers a unique way to experience the city’s historic character while supporting ongoing preservation efforts and community education programs.

There are several ways to get the DPA’s self-guided East End Walking Tour booklet: Purchase at The Bookstore at Fitger’s, download a digital copy, or email the Duluth Preservation Alliance to have one delivered directly to your door.

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Request a Guided Group Tour (Email)
Download the Self Guided Tour

Morgan Park Walking Tour

Step into one of Duluth’s most fascinating neighborhoods on the Morgan Park Walking Tour, a guided experience led by local historian and lifelong resident Bob Berg. Built by U.S. Steel in the early 1900s as a carefully planned company town for steelworkers and their families, Morgan Park was once considered a national model for community living—complete with its own schools, shops, hospital, and social clubs. As you walk the neighborhood’s winding streets, Bob shares firsthand stories, hidden details, and the industrial history that shaped this unique corner of Duluth. Presented by the Duluth Preservation Alliance, the tour offers a rare glimpse into the people, architecture, and legacy behind one of Minnesota’s most intriguing historic communities.

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Request a Guided Group Tour (Email)
Black-and-white photo of a quiet residential street with curving sidewalks, trees, lawns, and flowerbeds. A woman stands at left, while two children sit on the grass. Houses are visible in the background.
Old school hallway with double wooden doors and staircases on each side, leading to an exit with natural light and greenery visible outside. The walls and stairs show signs of wear.

Exclusive Member Community Tours

Throughout the year, the Duluth Preservation Alliance offers exclusive community tours available only to DPA members and announced through member email updates. These special guided experiences provide rare access to some of Duluth’s most interesting historic spaces and preservation projects. Notable past tours have included Zenith Apartments at Historic Old Central High School, Leijona at the former Duluth Jail, the Duluth Armory (pictured), and other unique sites not regularly open to the public.

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DULUTH’S HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Explore Historic Homes

Wander through the DPA’s digital library of historic homes, iconic buildings, and treasured landmarks that preserve the stories of generations past. From hidden gems to celebrated destinations, there’s always something new to discover.

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A large, elegant yellow mansion with white columns and trim, surrounded by green lawns, bushes, and trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Red flowers in planters accent the building.
A covered porch with stone walls and arches, tiled floor, and a lantern hanging from the ceiling, opens to a lush green garden with trees and shrubs in the background.

September 20 ✦ 2026

Save the Date! 2026 Annual Fall Tour

Ever wondered what’s inside some of Duluth’s most admired historic properties? The Annual Fall Tour (sometimes referred to as the Historic Properties Tour) offers a rare peek into a select collection of historic homes, buildings, and landmarks while supporting the work of the Duluth Preservation Alliance. As DPA’s largest annual fundraiser, proceeds help support our preservation grant initiative and free community programs throughout the year.

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Fall Tour Archive