A large, elegant brick house with tall windows and a chimney, framed by ornate stone pillars and an iron gate, sits along a tree-lined driveway covered in autumn leaves.

Discover

A historic brick house with large arched windows, white shutters, and a row of white patio chairs on a brick terrace, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Witness the Craftsmanship of an Irreplaceable Era

In the early 1900s, logging, iron ore, railroads, and shipping made Duluth one of America’s wealthiest cities. Residents built lasting homes, churches, schools, hospitals, and an impressive downtown. Today, these historic landmarks remain, and DPA tours offer a glimpse into the people, industries, and architecture that shaped Duluth’s character.

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 Historic Properties Tour

Ever wondered what’s inside some of Duluth’s most admired historic properties? The Annual 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.

Available Tours

A large historic mansion with ornate stonework, arched windows, and a grand staircase leading to the entrance, surrounded by green lawns, shrubs, and tall trees under a blue sky.

Annual Properties Tour

A group of people, including adults and children, stand and listen on a sunny street in front of a beige two-story house with trees and blue sky in the background.

Historic Walking Tours

A tall, historic red brick clock tower with arched windows stands against a blue sky with scattered clouds. The architecture features detailed stonework and a steep, conical roof.

Community Tours

Walk, Watch, or Wander Through Duluth History

One of the best things about a DPA membership is the tours!

Members can step inside grand historic interiors, explore Duluth’s neighborhoods on foot, or take a virtual tour of some of the DPA’s historic properties. Every tour offers a deeper connection to the people, materials, and craftsmanship that shaped this city—and reminds us why preservation matters more than ever.

Many of the world’s finest architects and craftsmen came to Duluth to showcase their talents, using old-growth timber, locally quarried bluestone and granite, stained glass, hand-carved woodwork, and intricate masonry to create artistry that would be nearly impossible to replicate today.