Welcome to Falcon Heights, a city steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Nestled in Ramsey County, Minnesota, Falcon Heights is a unique blend of historical landmarks and modern-day attractions.
Originally part of Rose Township, the area saw its first settlers in the 1840s. Heman Gibbs, a notable early settler, established his homestead in the 1850s near what is now Cleveland and Larpenteur Avenues. Today, his home is preserved as a museum, offering a glimpse into pioneer life and the area’s early days. The Gibbs Farm is a cornerstone of Falcon Heights’ history, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its agricultural significance and its unique relationship with the Dakota people.
Falcon Heights is perhaps best known for its association with the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where a momentous event took place in 1901. It was here that then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt famously proclaimed, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” a phrase that would come to define his approach to foreign policy.
The University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus also calls Falcon Heights home, featuring the Goldstein Museum of Design and the renowned Gabbert Raptor Center. The campus is a hub of education and innovation, contributing greatly to the community’s vitality.
In the early 20th century, Falcon Heights was a hub of aviation with the Curtiss Northwest Airport, a site that hosted aviation pioneers like Charles Lindbergh. Today, Curtiss Field serves as a city park, preserving the legacy of early aviation history.
Falcon Heights officially became a village in 1949 and transitioned to city status in 1973. This decision was driven by the residents’ desire for self-governance, choosing independence over annexation by neighboring cities.
A notable neighborhood within Falcon Heights is University Grove, renowned for its collection of modernist architecture, built by prominent architects for the University of Minnesota faculty.
As you explore Falcon Heights, you are walking through a living history. From its pioneer roots and Dakota connections to its role in shaping Minnesota’s educational and cultural landscapes, Falcon Heights invites you to discover its stories.
