Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This is the home of Michigan pioneers who helped develop the capital city and the state. They were progressive leaders, supporters of higher education for women, abolition, liquor control, the silver standard, Saginaw mill strikers (Knights of Labor), and the development of arts and culture. It is available for tours and rentals.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
12
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
TexNewMex
4 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited the Turner-Dodge House today and it was a great experience. The house has been very nicely restored and it is especially good that in some of the rooms there are areas of the original construction and decoration that have been left visible. The house is on a beautiful site near the river and the garden has been restored and is very pretty. The curator was so knowledgeable about the house and the families who lived there--she really made the history come alive. We applaud her efforts to make James Turner's contributions to the founding of the city of Lansing and the state of Michigan more well known. She has written a very good synopsis of his professional life and the home was full of family pictures and furniture which depicted his personal life as well as that of succeeding generations. This home is a wonderful addition to the understanding of the history of Lansing.
Written October 13, 2020
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.
B H
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
I’m from California and my friend was showing me the river walk when it started raining as we approached Turner-Dodge. We hope to seek some refuge and were curious about the building. The intern was so kind to let us in and we even got a tour! We paid for it of course and it was definitely worth it. The history is amazing and it was such a wonderfully unexpected way to spend outlet afternoon. Wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I highly highly highly recommend stopping by this beautiful and rich experience of you’re ever in Lansing!
Written June 24, 2021
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.
maryba
Thermopolis, WY7 contributions
The Turner-Dodge House is a beautifully restored house in a beautiful Heritage Garden setting along the Grand River north of Michigan's State Capitol Building about a mile on the other side of the river. It is not the typical Victorian Era historical house, but of the period following the Victorian Era. Both the Turner and the Dodge families are interesting and important pioneering families in the development of the state and Capitol City. You can walk from downtown or the City Market along the City's River Walk. Also visit Old Town with buildings from the late 1800s and turn of the century which is right there too. Good little places to eat there.
Written November 2, 2005
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.
Flir40
East Lansing, Michigan3 contributions
Sep 2013 • Family
I went there for a relaxing day of tea and crumpets by invitation. Once I arrived as I entered I heard the screeching of parrots, being a lover of birds I sought out the origin of this sound. My journey took me into a dark room where an octogenarian fight club was taking place, The room was permeated with the scent of cigar smoke, whiskey, gold bond powder and the smell of desperation. The two elderly women were artfully delivering violent blows to each others person.Then the crack of a broken jaw resonated through the air, the smaller women, dressed like Donna Reed, had dropped the larger Minnie Pearl looking grandmother to her knees, The Donna Reed attired female looked to the crowd was greeted with a unanimous thumbs down,upon that notion, she smiled and brought down booth fists on her face, A savage great time that is good for the whole family.
Written November 29, 2013
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.
James A
Lansing1 contribution
Dec 2010
This was the highlight of our year that included visits to Frankenmuth and beyond. Right HERE, in Lansing, we could visit an attraction that rivaled the others.
For awhile.
For years, you'd go into the mansion... pay a fee, then be treated to a nice tea and cookies. Beautiful. There were groups who sang, and people who led groups through the mansion.
For some reason, at some point, groups of ladies would have the mansion rented out. You could visit, but the tea was FOR THESE WOMEN ONLY. You'd come in in December, and an entire floor would be rented out by sweet, white-haired women who had no idea that their groups were ruining the mansion.
WE HAVE NOT BEEN BACK SINCE. We'll give it a shot this year. But if the Turner Dodge Mansion is now catering to outside groups who take over the whole thing.... NEVER AGAIN.
DON'T let this become some hall to be rented out to groups. The mansion has been working great for 80 years. Change it at your peril. Dimwits.
For awhile.
For years, you'd go into the mansion... pay a fee, then be treated to a nice tea and cookies. Beautiful. There were groups who sang, and people who led groups through the mansion.
For some reason, at some point, groups of ladies would have the mansion rented out. You could visit, but the tea was FOR THESE WOMEN ONLY. You'd come in in December, and an entire floor would be rented out by sweet, white-haired women who had no idea that their groups were ruining the mansion.
WE HAVE NOT BEEN BACK SINCE. We'll give it a shot this year. But if the Turner Dodge Mansion is now catering to outside groups who take over the whole thing.... NEVER AGAIN.
DON'T let this become some hall to be rented out to groups. The mansion has been working great for 80 years. Change it at your peril. Dimwits.
Written October 18, 2011
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.
Expedition652176
16 contributions
Aug 2019
I've taken 2 girl scout troops to the Turner-Dodge house on two different occasions. The curator was quite knowledgeable and gave the girls age appropriate information. They got to tour the house and learn about some of the items in the home. Both visits were well done. My last visit was during a festival and it was very crowded. If you want to see the house and learn about its history, I would suggest calling and scheduling a time.
Written October 14, 2019
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.
Travel0vr
Ionia, MI119 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
I honestly love going to Turner-Dodge House because of the artifacts that you can find and it's decorated as if the people that lived there waaaaaaaaay back, just left the house and everything in it for you to see...
The rooms, furniture and everything. I hope that they will consider making it more accessible to those with physical limitations (at least an elevator - even if it's the old style to go along with the theme) because even those without limitations can get winded after climbing all of the stairs. Of course on every level of the house, there are surprises that make the climb worth it!
I have attended several events here and of course the first level, porch and yard (front lawn) space was fully utilized and there was plenty of activities to be enjoyed by those who couldn't climb stairs, but of course you would be made to feel as if you are missing out because there is so much on the upper floors to see (including a ball-room)!
The rooms, furniture and everything. I hope that they will consider making it more accessible to those with physical limitations (at least an elevator - even if it's the old style to go along with the theme) because even those without limitations can get winded after climbing all of the stairs. Of course on every level of the house, there are surprises that make the climb worth it!
I have attended several events here and of course the first level, porch and yard (front lawn) space was fully utilized and there was plenty of activities to be enjoyed by those who couldn't climb stairs, but of course you would be made to feel as if you are missing out because there is so much on the upper floors to see (including a ball-room)!
Written November 29, 2016
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.
mikster
lansing, michigan1 contribution
The house is beautifully decorated for Christmas at the turn of the 20th century.
Lighted Christmas trees on the balcony and porches welcome guests to this historical house.
Rooms are decorated as though the family were still in residence. The music room's Christmas tree, glowing with white lights, sets the tone for the season.
Area high school choirs entertain with holiday music on Saturday's to the delight of all in attendance.
A visit here should be on your holiday to do list.
Lighted Christmas trees on the balcony and porches welcome guests to this historical house.
Rooms are decorated as though the family were still in residence. The music room's Christmas tree, glowing with white lights, sets the tone for the season.
Area high school choirs entertain with holiday music on Saturday's to the delight of all in attendance.
A visit here should be on your holiday to do list.
Written December 12, 2006
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.
Thomas S
Lansing, MI100 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
The Turner-Dodge house is interesting and it’s a nice thing for Lansing to continue to maintain. I think they do well with it, but I’ve been to quite a few old houses and the Turner-Dodge experience seems to be lacking that “extra” factor that would make an attraction like this into a must-visit or repeat visit destination. Other historical houses have better tours led by a docent or other historian which go into depth regarding the history of the house and the area. The groundskeepers have done nothing special with the property. There is an overall lack of educational signage. Some areas of the house are completely off limits (which is not unheard of with historical homes, but it seems worse here). I don’t believe they have any historical/educational videos to watch. The ballroom is just an empty . . . room. The house sometimes seems cluttered with non-historical items. The special events at Turner-Dodge are nice, but limited in scope. Also, it's located right on the river and I'm pretty sure a group of homeless people sleep on the riverbank below the house. If you live in the Lansing area, you should visit this place at least once, but it doesn’t really warrant a return visit. If you’re visiting Lansing for a weekend, I would not prioritize this as an activity. There are other things to do. I don’t intend to be overly critical, but I think more could be done to make this a special attraction.
Written October 16, 2018
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.
Schmeminemone
Lansing, MI119 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
I have been here a few times, once in the summer for the annual Lansing Be a Tourist in Your Own Town event and once in the winter for a tea party.
My summer visit was nice, lots of people walking around and the house was in great shape. My friends and I explored the house on our own self-tour and found lots of interesting facts. The huge downfall to this visit was that it was an extremely hot day in June and the building does not have air conditioning so it was pretty uncomfortable. The staff had some fans going but the heat combined with the large amounts of people visiting was nasty.
My winter visit was much more enjoyable. It was a private tea party event with a group I volunteer with. We were given a very informative tour of the house and then were served tea and snacks. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this venue for other private parties.
Overall, I would love to go back and visit the Turner-Dodge House again because it is a great historical gem in Old Town. Lots to learn and impressive renovations and upkeep have been done. Just don't go on an extremely hot and busy summer day!
*ALERT - The Turner-Dodge House is closed until further notice due to restorations related to water damage*
http://www.lansingmi.gov/tdodge
My summer visit was nice, lots of people walking around and the house was in great shape. My friends and I explored the house on our own self-tour and found lots of interesting facts. The huge downfall to this visit was that it was an extremely hot day in June and the building does not have air conditioning so it was pretty uncomfortable. The staff had some fans going but the heat combined with the large amounts of people visiting was nasty.
My winter visit was much more enjoyable. It was a private tea party event with a group I volunteer with. We were given a very informative tour of the house and then were served tea and snacks. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this venue for other private parties.
Overall, I would love to go back and visit the Turner-Dodge House again because it is a great historical gem in Old Town. Lots to learn and impressive renovations and upkeep have been done. Just don't go on an extremely hot and busy summer day!
*ALERT - The Turner-Dodge House is closed until further notice due to restorations related to water damage*
http://www.lansingmi.gov/tdodge
Written February 22, 2014
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.
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Claim your listingTurner-Dodge House & Heritage Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center
- Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center is open:
- Tue - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center:
- (0.70 mi) Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast
- (2.10 mi) Hyatt Place Lansing - East
- (3.97 mi) Wild Goose Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (3.61 mi) Graduate East Lansing
- (1.21 mi) DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
- Restaurants near Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center:
- (0.28 mi) Meat BBQ
- (0.18 mi) Olympic Broil Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Ozone Brewhouse
- (0.29 mi) The Creole
- (0.32 mi) Pablo's Old Town
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center Information
Excellent Reviews | 22 |
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Very Good Reviews | 12 |
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center Photos | 15 |