Every ruler needs a quiet place to call home. In many cases, this retreat is provided by the citizens he rules. In the case of the State of Minnesota, that place is the Governor's Mansion. It wasn't until 1965 that this building became the official and ceremonial home of the governor. It was donated by Clotilde Irvine Moles and Olivia Irvine Dodge, the youngest daughters of Horace Hills Irvine. Irvine made his fortune in timber, and sank a good portion of the proceeds into the 20-room mansion on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The English Tudor home was indeed a generous gift to the people of the Gopher State, but it was not without its flaws. The legislature spent thousands fixing up the structure which was in need of some fundamental repairs. Since this is officially a public building, tours are available, and many people stop by to take s glimpse into the daily life of the leader of their state.

• Even though this is the official residence of the governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura declined to live there during his term. Instead, he stayed at his farm in a Minneapolis suburb.
• The governor's mansion has eight bathrooms.
• The governor's mansion has nine fireplaces.
• 1974 - The mansion is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 30 April, 2002 - Governor Jesse Ventura shuts down the mansion. It comes in retaliation for the legislature slashing his budget for security. The staff who once worked at the mansion become the real victims.