No, there is no Hogwarts in Minnesota. But, if you ever find yourself driving along Park Avenue, just south of downtown Minneapolis, you may do a double take as you pass a building that looks just like the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

You wouldn’t normally expect to see Hogwarts in Minnesota.
hogwarts in hollywood
Breakfast221/Wikimedia Commons
To find Hogwarts - or at least the castles that stood in for it in the film versions of the books - you’d have to travel to the United Kingdom. Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood also boast versions of the wizardry school.
But the Turnblad Mansion, which houses the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, could fool you.
The Turnblad mansion building looks like hogwarts in Minnesota
American Swedish Institute
The châteauesque building’s turrets, gargoyles, and decorative lions definitely give off a Harry Potter vibe. If you subtract the bustling city streets and the neighboring buildings from the scene, there's definitely something Hogwarts-y about the turreted structure.
Like Hogwarts, the American Swedish Institute has a deep connection to its past and its storied heritage.
American Swedish Institute/Facebook
In addition to its permanent collection, the Institute hosts a regular rotation of exhibits and seasonal displays that touch on Minnesota’s strong Scandinavian roots. Frankly, Hagrid could just have well been descended from Viking stock, sturdy fellow that he is.

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The historic home is full of massive fireplaces, just like Hogwarts.
American Swedish Institute/Facebook
Each of the mansion's 33 rooms has its own style and decor. And like the wizarding school, the Swedish Institute goes all out around the holidays, decorating each of the rooms for the season.
You may even find a fantastic beast or two lurking on the grounds of the American Swedish Institute.
American Swedish Institute/Facebook
For example, a giant Dala horse that stands watch over ASI during warm weather. Inside, you'll find plenty of smaller specimens of these Scandinavian equines.
The Turnblad Mansion’s Grand Hall rivals the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
American Swedish Institute/Facebook
You may not be able to hoist a flagon of butterbeer at ASI, but visit its FIKA Cafe for a cup of kaffe and a Swedish-inspired snack.

Explore more of the institute with this YouTube video from iNewZ TV:

Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, the American Swedish Institute is worth a visit in its own right. Learn more about the institute on its website or visit ASI on Facebook. You can even book a hotel package that includes a tour of the institute. Have you been to the American Swedish Institute? Do you think it looks like Hogwarts in Minnesota, or would you have chosen a different building? Let us know in the comments.

If you love castles, consider booking one of these Minnesota castles where you can stay overnight and feel like royalty.

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More to Explore

Harry Potter In Minnesota

Trent Jonas | September 22, 2023

Unfortunately, there are not a huge number of Harry Potter connections in the Land of 10,000 Lakes despite its many magical settings. However, with a little effort and imagination, diehard Wizarding World enthusiasts may find just enough magic in Minnesota to feed their souls. For example, there are several buildings that bear more than a passing resemblance to Hogwarts, like the American Swedish Institute discussed above. You'll also find handful on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota, like the armory building.

  • The downtown St. Paul Central Library is an excellent stand-in for the library at Hogwarts.
  • A trip on the North Shore Scenic Railroad from the St. Louis County Depot may feel like a ride on the Hogwarts Express from 9-3/4, especially around the holidays.
  • You can have a look at an urban castle in downtown Minneapolis that's been nicknamed "the Harry Potter house."
  • Hoist a pint of butterbeer at Under Pressure Brewing in Golden Valley.
  • And you can always spend some time with your favorite Harry Potter books at Wild Rumpus, which is perhaps the most magical bookstore in Minnesota.

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American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA