Independent neighborhood guide, not affiliated with any homeowners association, property manager, city or official board.
Updated October 23, 2026
Victorian houses on an island in the Mississippi, cobblestone streets and the skyline across the water. There’s nowhere else in Minneapolis quite like it.
The Nicollet Island/East Bank neighborhood includes Nicollet Island, just east of downtown Minneapolis, and part of the east riverbank. The island is named for Joseph Nicollet, the French geographer who mapped the Upper Mississippi. It’s about 50 acres, and nearly all of the island’s houses date from 1864 to 1898.
Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.
History, parks and the river
Historic Main Street’s cobblestones, restaurants and the Nicollet Island Inn give the area its old-river-town charm.
Chute Square is home to the Ard Godfrey House, among the oldest wood-frame houses in the Twin Cities. Nicollet Island Park, about 27 acres, has an amphitheater, paths, picnic areas, views of the river’s first dam and a sculpture from sister city Ibaraki, Japan. See Minneapolis parks and trails.
What buyers check before they tour
- Schools: Nicollet Island is served by Minneapolis Public Schools. Assignments and boundaries can change, so confirm the assigned schools for any address with the district.
- Historic homes: Island homes are historic and may have special rules for exterior changes. Ask about any historic designation and land arrangements before you buy.
- Duplexes and fourplexes: If you’re looking at a multi-unit building to live in, ask about city rental licensing, inspections and existing leases before you write an offer.
A simple plan for your Nicollet Island move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across the Twin Cities for about two decades, and I started in the trades. I look at an older home the way a builder would, and I’ll tell you plainly what I see.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Learn more about Minneapolis, its history and community life, or see nearby Marcy-Holmes.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Your next step in Nicollet Island
Whether you’re buying your first place in the city or selling a home you’ve loved for years, I’ll help you make a plan that fits.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in Nicollet Island.
Stay close to the market, without the noise.
Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Minneapolis homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.
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