We are closed for tours until further notice
Due to the governor’s new directives for the state of Illinois, the museum will be closed to visitors beginning Friday, November 20, 2020
We will continue to work with the public health departments and will keep our website updated on any new developments, including information about reopening.
Our goal is always to keep people safe.
General Tour
Up to six guests are guided through the Main and Ground Floors of the Mansion. You’ll see rooms that have been restored and rooms in their original state. In addition to room information, you’ll also hear stories about some of the family that lived here. This tour lasts about an hour, and the cost is $15 per adult, and $5 per student.
Upper Half House Tour
After having taken the General Tour, guests can choose to see the upper levels of the Mansion. This guided tour covers the Bedroom Floor, Attic, Second Attic, and Cupola. Many of the bedrooms are still furnished, the Attic abounds with books, furnishings, musical instruments, clothing, and even an object of medical quackery. The Cupola gives you a panoramic view of the Illinois Valley and three important bridges (Lincoln Memorial, Shippingsport, ICC). This 2-hour tour is for guests ages twelve and up, can take up to 6 people, and the cost is $50 per person. (NOTE: This tour does not cover the information contained in the General Tour of the Main Floor or below.)
Lower Half House Tour
After having taken the General Tour, guests can choose to view the lower floors of the Mansion. This guided tour covers the Ground Floor, Gym, Basement, and Boiler Room. The Mansion houses the oldest private gymnasium in the United States, as well as most of the original equipment. The Basement is home to a veritable treasure trove of artifacts from Open Court Publishing, including printing plates, page plates, typesetting machines, draft binders, print cabinets, etc. One object in particular is universally jaw-dropping. Don’t hesitate; come and see for yourself. This 2-hour tour is for guests ages twelve and up, can take up to 6 people, and the cost is $50 per person. (NOTE: This tour does not cover the information contained in the General Tour of the lower floors.)
Whole House Tour
When half of something just won’t do, the Whole House Tour is right for you. Our most popular tour, the Whole House Tour is a 3.5 hour, guided adventure beginning in the attic and working our way downward through the stories and artifacts floor by floor until we have reached the Gym and Basement. We encourage taking the General Tour first, as the Whole House Tour expands well beyond the basic history. Because the tour is 3.5 hours, two breaks are provided. There is water available. This tour holds a maximum of six people. Due to its length, children under 14 are discouraged from taking the tour. The cost of the Whole House Tour is $100 per person. As these are our most popular tours, they sell out very quickly, so don’t wait to make your reservation!
In order to provide these tours, we have the following rules:
- All tours are limited to six people
- Masks are required and safe distancing guidelines must be followed
- No-touch temperatures will be taken on arrival, along with basic health questions
- Hand sanitizer is available
We believe that everyone has the right to a fun, safe experience here at the Mansion, and we are working hard to ensure that.