Burwell House
The Burwell House is a Victorian home, in the Italianate style. The furnishings in the home include many original Burwell pieces. The furnishings, many of which are of the Eastlake style, are owned by the Minnetonka Historical Society, and are on loan to the site. The site includes a millworker’s cottage that Mr. Burwell moved to the site for his mother in 1894. It also includes Mr. Burwell’s Mill Office, that was moved to the site in 1894 and which now serves as a museum for the Minnetonka Historical Society. Other buildings on the site include a woodshed and an ice house. A five acre site, including the buildings, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the site is also a designated Minnetonka Landmark.
Learn more about the history of Minnetonka and the Burwell House.
Tours
The Burwell House is located at 13209 E. McGinty Road in Minnetonka. Parking is available on the grounds. The main floor of the house is handicapped accessible.
New this year, the Charles H. Burwell House will open the tour season early! Visitors may tour the house Saturdays only in May, from noon to 4 p.m., starting May 16.
Regular tour hours start June 3 and continue through August 30, with the house open Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
Special tours may also be scheduled for you or your group. Groups may include Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, mom’s clubs, Red Hat groups, or any other organization that is interested in history!
For special tours, updated tour information, or more information about the Burwell site, please call 952.939.8219 or contact lronbeck@eminnetonka.com.
Tours are free!
Events
The main event each year is the Ice Cream Social, which is held on the fourth Saturday in June. This summer event offers entertainment, an antique market, food, and free tours of the house. Visit the Minnetonka Summer Festival and Burwell House Ice Cream Social page for detailed information.
There is also a Holiday Open House on the first or second weekend of December, featuring Victorian Christmas decorations and tours of the house. Visit upcoming events for detailed information.
Events are jointly sponsored by the city of Minnetonka and the Minnetonka Historical Society.
The site is part of the Minnetonka park system, and provides a scenic setting for a weekday lunch, picnic, painting, drawing, photography, or a small family gathering. Groups of more than 25 must have a permit. View the Council Policy on Use of Burwell Property.
Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed to serve at events, to provide cleaning and maintenance of the furnishings, to plan and organize events and exhibits, and to serve as tour guides. The city provides training for volunteers.
Additional furnishings are needed for the house, and some existing items need repairs or restoration. Please contact us if you have an item that you would like to donate. Cash donations are also welcome, and should be made payable to the city of Minnetonka.
Questions or inquiries about the Burwell site may be directed to: Laura Ronbeck, 952.939.8219 or lronbeck@eminnetonka.com.
