General Tour
Up to eight 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 equipment. 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 8 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 8 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 eight 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!
Art and Artifact Tour (Specialty Tour)
The Hegeler Carus Mansion is filled to the brim with interesting art and eye-catching artifacts. In fact, there are so many, we’ve decided to create a very special subject-specific tour–The Art and Artifact Tour. Whether it’s a famous print or an obscure object, the Art and Artifact Tour is an artistic feast for the eyes–and the ears–with fascinating and often humorous facts to accompany each piece. This is rare, 90-minute guided tour of the Main Floor and you will hear the stories behind many of the Mansion’s paintings, prints, statues, and unique artifacts. This tour is a supplement to the General Tours, as that information will not be presented. Taking the General Tour first is recommended. The cost is $20 per person.
We kindly ask all that are not vaccinated to wear a mask and to self-distance.