Since we reopened, we have added two NEW tours to our schedule. After a guest has taken the General Tour and is interested in seeing more of the Mansion, we recommend one of three additional house tours. The NEW Upper House tour is a two-hour tour that 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, Shipping port, ICC).
The NEW Lower House tour is also a two-hour tour and that 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. We cannot tell you what it is, because we love seeing the expression on people’s faces when they see it for the first time.
Now for the GOLDEN oldie, the Whole House Tour. When half of something just will not do, the Whole House Tour is right for you. It is our most popular tour; the Whole House Tour is a 3.5 to 4 hours of 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 guests to take the General Tour first. There is so much to learn and see we want our guests to get the fullest experience they can. The Whole House Tour expands well beyond the basic local, national, and international history. Do not hesitate; come and see for yourself.