Friends of Linden Hill secures nearly $273,000 grant; restoration and programs planned for 2025

Julia Mueller, executive director of the Friends of Linden Hill, briefed the Little Falls City Council on 2024 activity at the Linden Hill estate and restoration plans funded in part by a grant.

Mueller said lodging and events at Linden Hill were “bounding back” after prior years, and that both large homes on the estate received interior repairs and new steps at year end. The pavilion’s south end was rebuilt after rotten wood was removed, and irrigation was installed on the lower grounds to support gardens and events.

She told council the Friends of Linden Hill secured, with city support as a community match, a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for “just shy of $273,000” to restore the lower‑level southeast corner — a combined barn, carriage garage and greenhouse structure. Mueller said work is underway with an architect and contractor to mill and reproduce damaged wood to match historic dimensions.

Mueller said the organization hosted a new candlelight tour fundraiser in October, plans to bring back Lumberjack Days for third graders in spring and will run a Tuesday summer day camp for third through sixth graders. She described the nonprofit’s dual mission to preserve the property and make it accessible to the community.

Council members thanked Mueller and asked that additional updates and tours be made available. No council action or funding vote was taken during the presentation; the item was informational.