Parade of Homes FAQs
What is the Parade of Homes?
The Parade of Homes is a celebration of homeownership and community, featuring scattered-site tour of new homes. In the Spring and the Fall, builder members of Housing First Minnesota welcome tour goers to hundreds of model homes and neighborhoods throughout the region. Details are included in a printed guidebook and online at ParadeofHomes.org.
How much does it cost to tour?
Touring is always free, except for a handful of homes that are selected by the Housing First Minnesota Foundation as their Dream Homes, with a $5 entry admission required. You can also purchase an all-access ticket for $25 each to view all Parade of Homes Dream Homes and Remodelers Showcase Remodeled Dream Homes. Both ticket options are available for purchase online or at the homes. All proceeds help the Foundation build and remodel homes for area families in need.
Why attend the Parade of Homes?
Since 1948, anyone looking to make a move or simply interested in seeing the latest home designs, neighborhoods, or colors and accessories for their own homes has found the Parade of Homes is the leading local resource. With hundreds of new homes in communities across the region, visitors can choose to visit them by location, price range, and style. The Parade of Homes truly showcases the entire range of what new homes have to offer. Homes are all open specified hours over four or five weeks, and each home is priced accurately so you can see real costs associated with buying a new home.
How can I stay updated about the Parade of Homes?
The ParadeofHomes.org website is where you’ll find dates for upcoming tours, resources to help you make smart housing decisions, and search for homes still open to tour as well as builders and remodelers all year long. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Who builds the homes featured on the Parade of Homes?
Every Parade Home is constructed by a builder member of Housing First Minnesota, a trade organization representing area builders, remodelers and industry suppliers.
Where can I find out more about the builders?
All of the builders with homes on the tour are easily searched online at ParadeofHomes.org in the Builder search. Filters help select the right builder, while links between their Parade Home(s) and their company website make sure you have all the research material you need.
When can I tour the Parade of Homes?
The Parade of Homes generally opens in March for a five-week tour and in September for four weeks. Homes are always open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 6:00 p.m.
What if I’m not in the market for a new home?
The Parade of Homes is truly a celebration of homeownership that’s designed to showcase the benefits and value that owning your own home brings to the community. We know most Minnesotan’s will become homeowners at some point, and we believe people should have the information they need to make the best choices for their needs — and there’s no better way to discover all of your homeownership options than the Parade of Homes. Additionally, new homes are where you can see the latest in style and design.
Where can I get information about the homes on the tour?
Free, printed guidebooks are available beginning about two weeks prior to each tour in racks at regional Holiday Stationstores and Kowalski’s markets. The Guidebooks include information about all of the homes on tour, plus interesting articles and an extensive style section showing off the latest décor items. The guidebook is available at ParadeofHomes.org in e-magazine format, too. And of course, ParadeofHomes.org is your online resource with everything in the guidebook plus many more filters and resources to make touring fun and easy; and to bring you valuable information year-round.
Can I plan my tour online?
Yes! Our online Tour Planner is now even easier to use. Just use the heart-shaped favorite button to collect the homes you want to see. You can create a tour right away from your selected homes using the Tour Planner link, whether on your desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. And, your phone can route directly to any home on your route with a quick link. Then, if you want to make more than one tour, just log in and create as many tours as you like, and share them with your friends.