Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, Riordan Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure — a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servants' quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by the creator of Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, Charles Whittlesey.
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See what travelers are saying
- WeAreRoadWarriorsHopewell, New Jersey19 contributionsWonderful house tourWe took a really informative and enjoyable tour of the historic house. It was raining, so we didn’t explore the grounds. Our guide was excellent and the house exudes Craftsman style and Stickley furniture. We highly recommend for those wanting to know more about the logging family who helped settle Flagstaff and see a well-preserved home in this style.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 25, 2023
- Pamela RPrescott Valley, Arizona79 contributionsGreat TourThis was not my first visit to the Riordan Mansion, but it was well-worth the return visit and my cousin was enthralled by the beautiful architecture and interesting history. Our guide, Brendan, was fantastic, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history, architecture, and artifacts. Aurora was very welcoming and helpful when checking us in and selling me an annual state parks pass. Both of these enthusiastic young park rangers enhanced the experience even though the mansion itself is very engaging.Visited April 2023Written April 15, 2023
- Katie K137 contributionsThank you, Scott!We toured this historic home today with our 15 and 19 year old. Our guide, Scott, was excellent. You could tell he was very knowledgeable about the family, the home, and the history. He also clearly enjoys sharing that knowledge. The tour was great, there are some stairs but not many. The self-guided outside tour was also enjoyable. Thank you!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 3, 2023
- Sandy L52 contributionsDon't Miss It!We have been to Flagstaff several times but only discovered the Riordan Mansion on this quick overnight to escape the Phoenix heat. Do not miss it! It was fascinating and beautiful. Built in the Arts and Crafts style and filled with Stickley furniture. It is unique in that 2 brothers who married 2 sisters, built identical houses on the ends and in between have a large common room that both families shared. The docent tour was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This house is an historical treasure that is essentially surrounded by the NAU campus. There are also picnic tables under the Ponderosa Pines if you want to bring a lunch as we did.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 4, 2023
- melwashere81Cleveland, Texas1,206 contributionsHistoric home tourWe love touring historic homes, and this one did not disappoint. We were the first tour on a Sunday morning and ended up getting a private tour, which was awesome! The house is unique, with amazing furnishings that are completely authentic and were actually used by the family. The architecture is amazing, and the decor is stunning. We really enjoyed our tour, and I highly recommend anyone visiting flagstaff to make a stop here. Admission was $12 for the guided tour.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 5, 2023
- Lacey CGranbury, Texas845 contributionsDon’t miss this gem!This home holds so much history! I cannot recommend the inside your enough. We also enjoyed the self-led outside tour too. Brendan made the Riordan family come alive for us! A wonderful afternoon learning about Flagstaff’s forest baron brothers!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 21, 2023
- scott rSilver Spring, Maryland701 contributionsInteresting dual lumber baron houses - original one side, museum the otherEnjoyable stop, guided tour led with much enthusiasm even if perhaps some members of the group might have had a wider historical perspective than our eager young guide :) This is what your fortune build in Flagstaff at the turn of the century when two brothers married sisters and decided life was best lived side by side. Little bit of tyranny going on inside these families; enlightened in some ways, hidebound in others. All put into good context, and if the displays sometimes seem a WIP, you can appreciate the effort and dedication. Definite Sullivan/FLW influences here. Worth seeing.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 6, 2023
- GastroEclecticoPhoenix, Arizona803 contributionsFantastic architectural feet of the early 20th century!This has got to be one of the most extraordinary homes in Arizona. With hot and cold water, electric lights, and heating – all state of the art for being built in 1904! As incredible entrepreneurs of the 1880s Flagstaff, the Riordan brothers, as one of the biggest employers in Flagstaff were able to well afford constructing this fantastic architectural feet of the early 20th century. This mansion is well worth the visit to see how the well-to-do lived in the period, with amenities and conveniences we take for granted today. And, the beauty of décor and design of a by-gone day where natural materials, intricate design, then modern techniques as well as incredible craftmanship all come to fruition in a magnificent abode. Highly recommended.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 25, 2023
- TtravelCanton, Georgia2 contributionsGreat Stop in the middle of Flagstaff!Great little stop for a relaxing stroll through the past. Our tour guide did a great job. we had a small group so it was nice because we asked several questions! I would recommend to any one interested in history and looking into the past with wonder.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 13, 2023
- BidwellRunnerChico, California392 contributionsGreat side trip while passing through Flagstaff on I40While driving on I40 through Flagstaff we wanted to stop for a hour or two to do something in the area. We ended up visiting the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Glad we did. I had never heard of a Log Cabin Mansion before. It was a fascinating look back in history. Our tour guide, Aurora, definitely enhanced our time there. She was very knowledgeable and personable. The history of this house and the lumber industry in the area was great. Imagine a turn of the century house with electricity and running water! Also, it wasn't a restored house with replica furnishings but the family actually lived here until the 1970s, so much of what is displayed is original. The tour takes about one hour, and then spend a few minutes walking around the outside of the mansion.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
579 reviews
Excellent
378
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163
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29
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veryuniquetraveler
NEBRASKA599 contributions
Mar 2022
This was a very enjoyable tour. I love history and the mansion was beautiful, architecturally unique, and filled with actual pieces from the family so you can truly see how they lived. Our guide was excellent and gave a very interesting and educational account with a little humor thrown in. The mansion was lived in by two brothers and their families and is a mirror image duplex with an adjoining family/rec room space. Very unique, never seen anything like it before. Was designed with unique features to circulate air and was laid out to be able to see into other rooms from many angles and keep the flow going. Had the most unusual windows with pictures applied to them, never seen anything like it before, and I've toured a lot of historic homes. Had all the modern amenities and conveniences available at the time, even for the servants. Be advised it will take more than an hour to see as half of it is a museum that you look through on your own after the one hour house tour.
Their website states that you need to make advance reservations as it is so popular you won't get a tour otherwise. So, we called a few weeks before our trip and were told that we couldn't make a reservation and would have no trouble getting on a tour. Then why in the world does their website say that??????????? We were worried because we didn't want to miss this, so called a couple of hours before we arrived and put our name down.
Their website states that you need to make advance reservations as it is so popular you won't get a tour otherwise. So, we called a few weeks before our trip and were told that we couldn't make a reservation and would have no trouble getting on a tour. Then why in the world does their website say that??????????? We were worried because we didn't want to miss this, so called a couple of hours before we arrived and put our name down.
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle O
Prescott Valley, AZ210 contributions
May 2022
This mansion is an extraordinary piece of Flagstaff history. Many western museums highlight struggling pioneers. The Riordan Mansion is very different. This opulent home shows how 2 very rich families lived & thrived in Northern Arizona.
Two ambitious successful brothers built 2 identical 6000 sq ft homes side by side. The homes were joined by a large common area room for socializing & recreating. Indoor plumbing, a hot water heater and a clever way to cool the home during warm Flagstaff summers are only a few of the unusual features built into the home in 1904.
The one hour tour by Brandon, explained aspects of the home including the style of architecture, furniture and artifacts. His tour was filled with enthusiasm and minute details that made the tour not only educational but fun.
A tour of this home is strongly recommended.
Two ambitious successful brothers built 2 identical 6000 sq ft homes side by side. The homes were joined by a large common area room for socializing & recreating. Indoor plumbing, a hot water heater and a clever way to cool the home during warm Flagstaff summers are only a few of the unusual features built into the home in 1904.
The one hour tour by Brandon, explained aspects of the home including the style of architecture, furniture and artifacts. His tour was filled with enthusiasm and minute details that made the tour not only educational but fun.
A tour of this home is strongly recommended.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TRAVLINCOP
Henderson, NV238 contributions
May 2022
The Riordan Mansion was by far the most impressive Historic Mansion/House/Home I have ever seen. The guided tour is a well worth option. Jacob our tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. The contents of the mansion were extremely well laid out and maintained. The one hour tour was a reasonable amount of time to spend inside the mansion but you could easily have spent 2 or more hours if you wanted to see and read each caption throughout the mansion. It is a must stop if you really want to see how the area started. I am so happy I added this tour on as initially it was not on my list of things to do in the Flagstaff area and it was by far the most surprising of all the things we did, Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. NOTE* tours are limited to 12 Pax. Call and make a reservation ahead of time would be a good suggestion if you do not want to miss out. Tours are the only way you can get to enter the Riordan Mansion and for sure you really want to see the well furnished interior .
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX1,206 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We love touring historic homes, and this one did not disappoint. We were the first tour on a Sunday morning and ended up getting a private tour, which was awesome! The house is unique, with amazing furnishings that are completely authentic and were actually used by the family. The architecture is amazing, and the decor is stunning. We really enjoyed our tour, and I highly recommend anyone visiting flagstaff to make a stop here. Admission was $12 for the guided tour.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela R
Prescott Valley, AZ79 contributions
Apr 2023
This was not my first visit to the Riordan Mansion, but it was well-worth the return visit and my cousin was enthralled by the beautiful architecture and interesting history. Our guide, Brendan, was fantastic, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history, architecture, and artifacts. Aurora was very welcoming and helpful when checking us in and selling me an annual state parks pass. Both of these enthusiastic young park rangers enhanced the experience even though the mansion itself is very engaging.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred D
Phoenix, AZ63 contributions
Jun 2022
The inside tour is well worth your time, there is much interesting history about the Riordan family and history of Flagstaff. The visitor center staff are friendly and well informed about this impressive state park. The mansion itself incorporated many functional features and the architecture and engineering is remarkable for the times.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott r
Silver Spring, MD701 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Enjoyable stop, guided tour led with much enthusiasm even if perhaps some members of the group might have had a wider historical perspective than our eager young guide :) This is what your fortune build in Flagstaff at the turn of the century when two brothers married sisters and decided life was best lived side by side. Little bit of tyranny going on inside these families; enlightened in some ways, hidebound in others. All put into good context, and if the displays sometimes seem a WIP, you can appreciate the effort and dedication. Definite Sullivan/FLW influences here. Worth seeing.
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GastroEclectico
Phoenix, AZ803 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This has got to be one of the most extraordinary homes in Arizona. With hot and cold water, electric lights, and heating – all state of the art for being built in 1904! As incredible entrepreneurs of the 1880s Flagstaff, the Riordan brothers, as one of the biggest employers in Flagstaff were able to well afford constructing this fantastic architectural feet of the early 20th century. This mansion is well worth the visit to see how the well-to-do lived in the period, with amenities and conveniences we take for granted today. And, the beauty of décor and design of a by-gone day where natural materials, intricate design, then modern techniques as well as incredible craftmanship all come to fruition in a magnificent abode. Highly recommended.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe P
Kansas City, MO107 contributions
Jan 2023
The tour was just the right length. Jim was very knowledgeable about the property and the family history. We enjoyed the ability to see one of the homes decorated in the period and the other set up as a museum. The history boards in the visitor center and in the house set up as a museum were a readable length. I generally get antsy about half way through such presentations but these were interesting and a nice length.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WeAreRoadWarriors
Hopewell, NJ19 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We took a really informative and enjoyable tour of the historic house. It was raining, so we didn’t explore the grounds. Our guide was excellent and the house exudes Craftsman style and Stickley furniture. We highly recommend for those wanting to know more about the logging family who helped settle Flagstaff and see a well-preserved home in this style.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration788558
Tucson, AZ
Are Christmas decorations up during thanksgiving weekend? Thanks!
Robert E
Rimrock, AZ28 contributions
I don't know, but I'll try to get the answer for you.
Mamades
Island of Hawaii, HI6 contributions
Will you be open Mondat Dec 19th?
texasexile1954
Oro Valley, AZ32 contributions
Hi, can't post websites here. Contact the mansion by phone or see Arizona State Parks website. You may be able to make reservations for tickets, as well(to take the tour, you must buy a ticket). Remember, Flagstaff can be very cold/snowy in December
Loren S
Bothell, WA2 contributions
what are the open hours?
WestSideKid
Bronxville, NY178 contributions
When we went on a Thursday in mid-January, it was 10AM to 5PM, and closed Monday - Wednesday. Weekend hours and Summer hours may be different. Check the website for more exact information. Tours are every hour with the last one at 4PM. We called for a reservation since we were driving from Scottsdale and didn't want to get there and miss out. No problem calling for a reservation, and we even left a VMX message. No need to provide credit card numbers, etc..
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Claim your listingRiordan Mansion State Historic Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
- Hotels near Riordan Mansion State Historic Park:
- (0.19 mi) Castle Rock Hotel
- (0.54 mi) Aiden By Best Western @ Flagstaff
- (0.33 mi) Budget Inn
- (0.55 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff
- (0.45 mi) DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff
- Restaurants near Riordan Mansion State Historic Park:
- (0.10 mi) Burritos Fiesta Fresh Mexican
- (0.11 mi) Bookmans Flag Cafe
- (0.13 mi) Lone Spur Cafe Flagstaff
- (0.13 mi) ATL Wings
- (0.13 mi) East Coast Deli & Grill