Minneapolis Mourns the Loss Of Lisa Stortz, Beloved Creator Of The Iconic “Tulip House”

Minneapolis Mourns the Loss Of Lisa Stortz, Beloved Creator Of The Iconic “Tulip House”

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — July 22, 2025 — Minneapolis is bidding a heartfelt farewell to one of its quiet visionaries. Lisa Stortz, the beloved resident behind the city’s cherished “Tulip House,” passed away in June, leaving behind a living legacy of beauty, kindness, and community spirit.

For over two decades, Stortz transformed her modest home in the 2500 block of 25th Street into a breathtaking floral landmark. Each spring, her yard would burst into full bloom with more than 10,000 tulips, arching overhead in a kaleidoscope of color that captivated visitors from across the Twin Cities and beyond.

More Than a Garden — A Gift to the Community

What began as a personal passion quickly became a public treasure. The “Tulip House” was more than a floral display — it was a shared experience that turned a quiet residential street into a seasonal destination. Children played beneath the blossoms, neighbors lingered longer in conversation, and photographers flocked to capture the fleeting wonder of spring in full expression.

Stortz’s artistry was matched only by her generosity. Year after year, she meticulously planted, tended, and curated her garden — not for profit or recognition, but simply to bring others joy. Her work turned her home into a beacon of hope after long Minnesota winters and a symbol of what one person’s creativity can offer an entire city.

A Community Reflects

News of Stortz’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes across Minneapolis. Social media has been flooded with photos, personal stories, and memories of strolls beneath the tulip canopy. Many reflected on how her garden helped them through difficult times.

“My wife passed away a year ago the same weekend the tulip house is in full bloom,” one resident shared. “Driving by the tulip house really makes spring so much nicer.”

Others remembered how Stortz would welcome curious visitors with warmth, often sharing gardening tips or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty with them.

Carrying On the Legacy

Although Lisa Stortz is no longer with us, her tulip legacy will live on. Friends, neighbors, and volunteers have pledged to continue planting and maintaining the garden in her honor. Organizers are already coordinating efforts to collect donations and recruit helpers to ensure the tulips return each spring — blooming not only in tribute to Stortz, but in celebration of the community she cultivated through color and care.

A Lasting Bloom

Lisa Stortz’s Tulip House was never about spectacle — it was about generosity, resilience, and the everyday magic of a neighborhood coming together. In a world often moving too fast, she offered a moment of stillness, awe, and connection. And that legacy will continue to blossom, season after season.

MinneapoliMedia extends its deepest condolences to the Stortz family, and our enduring gratitude for the beauty she gave so freely. Her garden may have grown from the earth, but it now lives in the hearts of a city.

MinneapoliMedia