Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Guide to Minnesota's Premier Home Tours
Founded in 1948, Parade Of Homes has grown from a small local initiative into the nation's largest and longest-running home tour program. Our mission centers on advancing homeownership opportunities by connecting Minnesota families with innovative housing solutions. Through three signature eventsthe Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tourwe showcase cutting-edge construction, remodeling excellence, and luxury design. As the public-facing arm of Housing First Minnesota, we leverage our network of 900+ industry professionals to promote sustainable building practices through programs like Minnesota's Green Path.Our Housing First Minnesota Foundation channels industry resources toward transitional housing projects, having positively impacted countless communities over our 75-year history. We maintain rigorous standards for participant builders and remodelers, ensuring every tour home meets exacting quality benchmarks. With seasonal tours attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, we serve as Minnesota's premier platform for housing education and inspiration. Our team combines deep industry expertise with community-focused initiatives to make homeownership dreams accessible across the state.
Services
New Home Tours
Remodeled Home Tours
Artisan Home Tours
Builder Connections
Green Building Certification
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer 75 years of experience connecting Minnesotans with quality housing solutions
- Our tours feature hundreds of homes from industry-leading builders and remodelers
- We maintain strict quality standards for all participating construction professionals
- Our events support transitional housing through the Housing First Minnesota Foundation
- We promote energy-efficient building practices through Minnesota's Green Path program
Services
New Home Tours
Our New Home Tours feature hundreds of recently constructed properties across Minnesota. These self-guided tours allow visitors to explore innovative designs and modern amenities. Builders showcase their best work during our seasonal events, providing valuable insights into current housing trends and construction quality.
Remodeled Home Tours
The Remodeled Home Tours highlight transformed properties demonstrating creative renovation solutions. These tours showcase how existing homes can be upgraded to meet modern living standards. Visitors gain inspiration for their own remodeling projects while connecting with experienced renovation professionals.
Artisan Home Tour
Our ticketed Artisan Home Tour features high-end properties with exceptional craftsmanship and design. These curated tours offer exclusive access to architecturally significant homes. The summer and fall events showcase Minnesota's finest luxury residential projects from premier builders.
Builder Connections
We connect homeowners with over 900 qualified builders and remodelers through our extensive industry network. Our verified professionals meet strict quality standards for participation. This resource simplifies finding trusted contractors for new construction or renovation projects.
Green Building Certification
Minnesota's Green Path program provides energy labeling and certification for residential properties. Our initiative promotes sustainable building practices and educates homeowners about energy efficiency. The program covers both new construction and remodeling projects across the state.
Questions
When are the Parade of Homes events held?
Our main events run seasonally: Spring Parade of Homes March 13-April 12, Fall Parade of Homes September 5-28, and Fall Remodelers Showcase September 26-28 annually.
How can I participate as a builder?
Builders and remodelers can apply through our Housing First Minnesota membership program. Participants must meet our quality standards and industry best practices for inclusion in our home tours.
Are tickets required for the tours?
Most standard Parade of Homes tours are free to attend. Special ticketed events like the Artisan Home Tour require advance registration through our website.
How does the Green Path program benefit homeowners?
The Green Path program provides energy efficiency certification and labeling for homes, helping buyers understand a property's energy performance and potential savings.
What charitable initiatives do you support?
Our Housing First Minnesota Foundation partners with HomeAid America to build transitional housing through industry volunteer efforts and in-kind donations from member companies.
Can I find remodelers through your organization?
Yes, our Remodelers Showcase connects homeowners with qualified professionals. We maintain a searchable directory of participating remodelers on our website.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Micki C.
Mar 21, 2010
Report
Welcome to the "cribs" of Minnesota. While these gorgeous abodes are well beyond the everyday homebuyers palatte, it sure is fun to see what building trends and styles are en vogue. I got a lot of great decorating ideas--and found out the designers who showcase their stuff in these homes have a huge clearance sale in April after the Parade is over to sell the staged items! The newly built homes are found more in the outer burbs where there is room to buy land and build. However, the last weekend in March is the remodelers showcase where you can check out homes that have been renovated--you'll find a lot more selection closer into the cities this weekend.
