Whether you’re looking for your next home, finding inspiration for a remodel or just like getting your steps in while walking through some amazing houses – finding yourself on one of Minnesota’s many open house tours can be a great way to spend a weekend.
Perhaps you’ve heard of one or two of these tours or have seen signs in your neighborhood but keeping track of what’s offered when and where can certainly be confusing. In this article, we’ll break down the major tours, the project types they showcase, admission costs, locations and dates so we can all mark our calendars and not miss a single amazing house.
Let’s get into it:
Parade of Homes
First off, the granddaddy of all home tours: The Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes, now found in cities across the country, got its start in the Twin Cities all the way back in the 1940’s and this flagship event has remained one of the largest and longest running in the nation. Generally catered toward potential buyers, the parade features hundreds of homes (literally hundreds!) with a wide range of sizes, styles and costs so you can be sure to find one or two in your area. Often entire neighborhoods or developments will be dedicated to the parade making for some efficient, single-stop touring. If you are in the market for a new home, The Parade of Homes is not to be missed.
- Dates: Spring Event (March-April) and Fall Event (September) open four weekends each. Friday through Sunday.
- Project Types: For-sale new construction with a separate Remodeler Showcase during the final weekend of each event.
- Number of homes: Hundreds(!)
- Cost: Free
- For more information and to check out the list of homes visit:https://www.paradeofhomes.org/
Artisan Home Tour
The Artisan Home Tour was launched in 2014 by Parade of Homes as a separate, more exclusive showcase of the highest level of design and craftsmanship in residential construction. This tour is builder focused so inside each home you’ll learn about the builders who construct the region’s most spectacular homes and may even get to meet some of their key team-members. Each builder represented is also a member of Housing First Minnesota – a great organization dedicated to growing homeownership opportunities for all Minnesotans. A part of all proceeds goes to help support their work. Click here to learn more about Housing First Minnesota Foundation https://housingfirstmnfoundation.org/
- Dates: Summer Event (June) and Fall Event (October) open three weekends each, Friday through Sunday.
- Project Types: High-end new builds with a remodel showcase during the final weekend of each event.
- Number of homes: 15-30
- Costs: $30 advance tickets online, $35 at the door for all access. See website for single home or discount ticket options.
- For more information and to buy Artisan Home Tour tickets visit: https://artisanhometour.org/
Luxury Home Tour
The Luxury home Tour is presented by Midwest Home and is another option for checking out multimillion-dollar projects across the metro area. They aim to offer exclusive looks at “Pinterest perfect” homes across a wide range of architectural styles. The Luxury Home Tour is quite selective and not all homes are open on all weekends so be sure to check the website for the availability of your favorites.
- Dates: Late Summer (July/August) open for three weekends. Friday through Sunday
- Project types: High-end Luxury new builds and remodels
- Number of homes: 8-15
- Cost: $15 for all-access
- For more information and to buy Luxury Home Tour Tickets visit: https://midwesthome.com/luxury-home-tour/
Homes by Architects Tour
The Homes by Architects Tour (organized by AIA Minnesota) is architect focused which means that at each home you’ll find samples of the designers’ other work, information on the design process of the home and perhaps even get to meet the architects and designers themselves! From the official website, “the event offers a close-up look at how an architect can transform ordinary living spaces into personalized homes by responding creatively to each client’s unique needs.” Like the Artisan Tour and Luxury Home Tour, homes on the Homes by Architects Tour generally showcase some of the most luxurious and unique homes in the region
- Dates: Fall (September) open for one weekend, Saturday & Sunday. Virtual tour options extend a few weeks.
- Project types: High-end new builds and remodels
- Number of homes: 10-20
- Cost: $25 advance tickets online, $35 on the day of for full-access. Discounts are available for students and children. Discounts are also available for single home visit and virtual-only options.
- For more information and to buy Homes by Architects Tour tickets visit: https://www.homesbyarchitects.org/
The MSP Home Tour
The MSP Home Tour is all about the remodel and celebrates its homes from the perspective of the homeowners themselves. These homeowners are often present for the tour and are available to talk about their experience, inspiration and motivation so this can be a great resource for the DIY’ers and dreamers among us. The Tour features a wide variety of project types and budgets so you’re sure to see a little bit of everything in the remodel world.
- Dates: Spring (April) open for one weekend, Saturday & Sunday
- Project Types: Remodels
- Number of homes: 15-30
- Cost: Free
- For more information visit: https://www.msphometour.com/
Honorable Mention: Open Houses
Another great way to check out homes from all across the state is simply to hunt for open houses! Using websites like Zillow or Realtor.com you can quickly search and filter for homes on the market with open houses coming up and/or offering 3D tours. Usually these will only be open for a couple of hours at a time but can pop up just about any day of the week, all year long so be sure to check back often.
Honorable Mention: Give your favorite architect or builder a call!
Finally, another great way to see some amazing homes is to ask those in the biz! If you’re thinking about getting your home-buying or home-building process started, finding an architect or builder you like and giving them a call could lead to some unique (and exclusive) walkthroughs of homes at all stages of design and construction. This will give you an inside look at their build process and can be a great way to get any questions you might have about residential architecture and construction answered.
Most folks, us at Unfold included, are always happy to chat :)
*Note: All dates and costs are based on information at the time of this posting (2024) and are subject to change. Visit the tour websites for the most up to date information.
Unfold Architecture is not directly affiliated with any of the tours listed above.
