We’ve visited Flagstaff several times in the last decade or so. In many ways, it’s our most popular roadtrip destination. And within Flagstaff, among the pines and not far from the Observatory, sits a historic home that is well worth a visit. The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is a beautiful picture of history and prime example of architecture straight from the 1900s when it was built.
Now, in modern times, it’s a state park that sees tourists from around the country to view this stunning piece of history.
Visitors from all over come to look at its old-fashioned style. It’s a great way to learn about the past while enjoying a day out. We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your visit. It covers the mansion’s history, tour options, and nearby lodging. We’ve also answered some frequent questions about costs, facilities, and what makes this place special.
Key Takeaways
- Riordan Mansion is a historic site in Arizona that shows early 1900s life
- The mansion is now a state park open for public tours
- Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about local history
Table of Contents
History of the Mansion
The mansion itself has forty rooms, 13,000 square-feet of living area, servant’s quarters and more.
It was built in 1904 complete with indoor plumbing, running water indoors, central heating, and electric lights—everything a modern home today would have.
Charles Whittlesey was one of the most impressive architects at the time and he designed the Riordan Mansion, as well as other impressive buildings, such as the El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon.
Two brothers, known as the Riordan brothers, came to Flagstaff, AZ back in 1880. At the time, they were owners and managers of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, which made Flagstaff the city it is today.
Flagstaff and the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company
Their company helped it fund facilities such as schools (including Northern Arizona University that was once called Normal School) and also saw the creation of Flagstaff as the county seat, and the creation of Coconino County itself. The company also helped fund other companies, including Lowell Observatory, and Fort Valley Experimental Forest Station.
The two brothers were Timothy and Michael Riordan and they married Caroline and Elizabeth Metz, who were both sisters.
The two Metz sisters were cousins of another prominent family in Flagstaff that helped grow the city, called the Babbitt brothers.
Timothy and his wife, Caroline, ended up having two daughters, while Michael and Elizabeth had a total of six kids.
Because of their big families, the Riordan Mansion was built as two different houses as homes for their families, meant to be connected by a single living area called the billiard room.
Today, the mansion looks exactly as it did in 1904 and has been carefully preserved through time. All the stuff belonging to both families are still inside the house, where you can get tours to visit the beautiful home.
Self-Guided Tours of the Grounds
The park itself has a main entrance fee, which costs $2 for adults, ages 14 and over, as well as for kids from ages 7 to 13. Any child under the age of 6 is considered free.
This just the overall park fee and doesn’t include the cost of tours for the interior of the house.
The self-guided tours are only for the park and the exterior of the home. If you want to see inside the mansion, you have to pay for a guided tour.
To help you navigate as you explore the grounds, there are maps given out that you can find inside the Visitor Center, online on their website, or by scanning their QR code.
All over the grounds, there are different stations and each has a number, which is on the map that you can pick up. The map explains what is located at each number—each stop on your self-guided tour.
Some of the stops on your self-guided tour include: the family’s tennis court, horse-drawn skid wheels that they used to haul logs, the original driveway of the mansion, a closer look at the gatekeeper’s cottage, and more.
Guided Tours of the Mansion
The only way to view the inside of the mansion is to pay for a guided tour.
They cost $12 for adults ages 14 and over, $7 for kids ages 7 to 13, and children under 6 are considered free.
Tours last for an hour and begin at 11am, noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm.
Right now, tour capacity is limited so they suggest you call ahead to make a reservation. The number is: 928-779-4395
In the tour, you’ll be taken to see the interior of the mansion and starts on the East House, which was Timothy and Caroline’s home and ends up on the West House, which was Michael and Elizabeth’s home.
You’ll learn about the family history, history of Flagstaff, all about the furniture inside the mansion, which is original from when it was built, and the house’s incredible architecture as well.
Trained guides will take you on a journey of the mansion, the family, and the rich history of this place.
It’s suggested that you come 15 minutes before your tour begins so that you can check in, and give yourself extra time to explore the grounds and visitor’s center after your tour.
Throughout the year, they also give special tours based around holidays and other special events.
Some of these include Halloween Tours at night, a Christmas tour at twilight, and the Second Sunday Special Themed Tour. Special tours and events can be found on the events page on their website.
Nearby Lodging in Flagstaff and Sedona
There are several nice places to stay in Flagstaff during your visit to the Riordan Mansion.
Oak Creek Terrace Resort is located in Oak Creek Canyon and is perfect for family fun, as well as couples who are looking for a romantic place to stay.
Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins have 17 cabins located on 13 acres of Ponderosa Pines and is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest. Not to mention that it looks out at the San Francisco Peaks.
Other places to stay include Canyon Villa Bed and Breakfast Inn of Sedona, that comes with a full breakfast, evening tea, coffee, desert, and a pool;
Little America Hotel Flagstaff which has 500 acres and lots of privacy; and
Mormon Lake Lodge, which has 280 acres and is a Western-style getaway for the whole family to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riordan Mansion worth it?
If you love architecture and history, it’s a great place to visit, and it’s fairly cheap.
Are Dogs Allowed?
Not inside the mansion, but they may be allowed to walk around the trails of the park with you.
How much does it cost?
$2 parking fee for adults and kids, $12 for adults for a guided-tour, $7 for kids ages 7 to 13 for a guided tour, and children ages 6 and under are free.
What facilities are available?
There is a restroom that is handicap accessible inside the Visitor Center and the park itself is handicapped accessible under ADA guidelines.
What makes Riordan Mansion Historic?
Not only is it a prime example of architecture done in the early 1900s, but the family who built it played a prominent role in the growth of Flagstaff, and contributed to its history and the history of the area.’
Is the Riordan Mansion haunted?
Officially, no. However, it’s admitted that strange things have happened at the mansion many times.
Let us know what you think about Riordan Mansion State Historic Park AZ Visitors Guide
Drop us a line here
Or leave us a comment below.