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Springfield
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Dana-Thomas House
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Dana-Thomas House

See all things to do
See all things to do
Dana-Thomas House
5
1,167
#3 of 72 things to do in Springfield
Historic Sites
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9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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See what other travelers are saying
  • Jerry W
    19 contributions
    Architectural Marvel
    If you are into historic buildings or Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, then this is a must see stop on a visit to Springfield, Illinois. This is a truly unique building filled with original furniture and amazing glass designs. Be aware that in order to tour the home you must make advance reservations, which is easily done on the website. The tour lasts about 1 hour and does not permit any indoor photography. On the tour you will learn of the history of the home of one of Springfield’s heiresses as well as her sometimes tragic life. My wife, older daughter and I found both the exterior and interior truly amazing. There is a building for souvenirs across the street in a converted home.
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 30, 2022
  • Dave C
    Illinois1,417 contributions
    Historic Frank Lloyd Wright home
    95+% original Frank Lloyd Wright house only blocks from the Illinois State capital building. The state-landmark house is a living museum of the socialite Mrs. Dana. She paid Wright a lot for the design a little over 100 years ago. The home is filled with original furniture design by Mr. Wright that takes you back to his original concept. Lots of art glass as well. You need to make reservations online because they only have a few guided tours a day - takes about an hour. Our tour guide was great!
    Written August 11, 2022
  • Michelle R
    Elgin, Illinois363 contributions
    Advance Tickets Required
    I visited during Illinois's Bridge Phase and free tickets were required on EventBrite. Tours were limited to five people plus the guide. Masks were required and we used hand sanitizer upon entering. No photographs were allowed inside the home. The guide was excellent with following social distancing and made sure we all had a chance to see all the details. She used her flashlight to show us where to stand in the room as we flowed throughout the various levels in the home and also to highlight details such as butterflies. She was exceptionally enthusiastic, talkative, and engaging. The sign outside said the tour was 45 minutes. By the time we reached the backyard, it was an hour and a half later! The time flew by! The home was beautiful and we learned a lot about the residents, the architect, and the items in it. Every room had a story. I am glad this home was part of my Springfield visit.
    Written June 12, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,167 reviews
Excellent
967
Very good
169
Average
20
Poor
7
Terrible
4
Disneybus
Pittsgrove, NJ732 contributions
Great tour and house - everything you can buy with silver mines!
Nov 2021
We've been to several Frank Lloyd Wright homes; this one is a gem and gets a silver metal. The home was owned by Susan Lawrence Dana, whose father owned Rocky Mountain silver mines. After inheriting his wealth, Susan commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright with a blank check to completely remodel the house. Our tour, by appointment, was excellent, as our docent combined the history of the house with its occupants. The home has 35 rooms which includes 3 main levels. Susan entertained lavishly, traveled the world, championed the rights of women and African-Americans, shared her time and money, and led seekers of spiritual truths. Her personal life included friendships with celebrities as well as childhood friends and three marriages. Fortunately for the home, the second owner Nanette Thomas passed the home upon her death to Illinois for a sum significantly less than could have been earned had the household been broken up. A great tour and story.
Written January 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tjmo05
Humble, TX13 contributions
Awkward & Uncomfortable Experience
Jun 2022 • Family
The house itself is beautiful and the history interesting. (This review is reflective of our tour experience only.) We would have loved to experience a tour by a guide that enjoyed their job or being around people. We arrived 5 mins prior to our tour time as stated in the instructions. Masks were listed as optional, so we chose not to wear one (no where else in Springfield that we visited had crowds wearing masks). Once we arrived the tour guide was quick to announce that since we were wearing masks we needed to “stay 6-10 feet away from the other guests,” which we were happy to attempt in this house with small spaces and narrow hallways. Throughout the tour, the guide continuously looked over at us like we had done something wrong and would hurry us along (as we tried to walk with some distance between our group and the rest of the guests). Sadly, we didn’t get to see some parts of the house well because we were encouraged to back away, but then hurried along to the next area. It would have been helpful to know coming in that the guests need a mask to be truly welcome. I also found it odd that while our tour group wasn’t encouraged to talk or engage at all, but the tour guide behind us was laughing and interacting (to which our guide would stop talking, turn and glare at the other group until they got quiet). It was all very awkward and dampened what should have been a great experience.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa
Toledo, OH1 contribution
Perfect house, rude guide.
Jan 2022 • Couples
This Frank Lloyd Wright beauty is a treasure. I have toured many Wrights over the years and this house is an artistic and architectural marvel. Our tour guide, however, was rude and arrogant, calling out my boyfriend and I for "holding up the group because they were late" when we were there on time but went back to the car to grab a mask. She was rude to us the entire tour and other people on the tour noticed and made a comment after it ended. She knew her history but got lost in the uninteresting minutia and spent so long on personal aspects of the owner we missed architecture. There was no talking and she glared at anyone who made a comment to their friends. We felt like we were on a 4th grade field trip.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane B
Fairview Heights, IL338 contributions
A beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright house
Jul 2021
This house tour is a fabulous trip and a must see experience of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Upon entering, one feels like they've come into a warm, welcoming home. The furniture is over 100 years old and is original furniture of Susan Lawrence Dana. Our guide, Doris, is a fantastic guide who has lots of stories to tell about not only Ms. Dana, but Frank Lloyd Wright and his style of architecture. Doris made the 90 minute tour feel too short. We wanted to hear more from her. The group numbered 15 on July 7th, you must wear a mask, but guests were not required to wear gloves. We will definitely return and we hope Doris will once again be our guide. You must acquire tickets online, in advance. This tour charges no admission and is very informative. Parking is on the lot behind the house and is free, also.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John G
Greeley, CO258 contributions
Well preserved Frank Lloyd Wright home
Nov 2022
Dana house in Springfield is an extremely well preserved Frank Lloyd Wright prairy style home. Wright not only designed this huge multi level house but also designed the furniture, lamps and other furnishings. We did a 1 hour tour that was guided by an extremely knowledgeable woman. Lots of info on the cultural context, the woman who lived there and restoration issues. Because this building was occupied by a small office type business, the structure and finishings were better preserved. Lots of levels in the home, separated by partial stairs. Stained glass windows. They have low watt lighting in original sconces - this was the first electrified home in Springfield. You are looking at a masterpiece from America's most famous home architect. The structure is huge for a home. Of note are the two unusual barrel vaulted rooms. Each room has some holiday decorations up right now. Photos inside are not allowed. But there is a gift shop a block away.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff S
Saint Charles, MO12 contributions
Surpriing find in Springfield, IL!
Jun 2022
We were there during some renovations so the A/C was off and the house was a tad bit warm (ok, quite warm). Still, this is a wonderful place to visit and an unexpected gem in Springfield, IL. No cameras or pics inside were allowed, but the house is a wonderful place to visit--even with no a/c. THe tour guide is extremely knowledgeable and you will come away with a new appreciation of why Frank Lloyd Wright is considered a master of American architecture.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TFAtravel
Chicago, IL379 contributions
Well Preserved FLW Designed Masterpiece.
Mar 2021
Many FPW homes and buildings have we visited, and I can think of none with the amount of original artwork, furniture and furnishings that Dana Thomas House possesses. The home was stunning, and impeccably preserved. The state tour guide was informative and kind. The entire visit (almost 2 hours) could not have been more satisfying except - no photographs inside allowed. That's understandable, but a bummer.
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carie501
Knoxville365 contributions
Visited on a record heat day and there were climate control problems.
Jun 2022
If you are interested in Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, you will find this house interesting. He was commissioned to built it with an unlimited budget. The house has many unusual features, but it was unpleasantly hot and humid the way we were there and the tour was cut short. The art glass and furniture are worth the visit.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
longandshortofit
Overland Park, KS140 contributions
Worth a visit to this Frank Lloyd Wright design
May 2022
This is a very unique home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to be a showplace shared with the community, not just a family residence. Interesting architecture and furnishings, very well preserved. Some areas of the home are rather dark and there are narrow stairways to navigate but nothing overly difficult.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roberta H
Lafayette, IN9 contributions
House great; tour guide yuck
Jun 2022
The house is beautiful. The tour guide has covid-mania. She wore two masks and repeatedly told people to get away. You could not understand half of what she said. She didn't say a thing about Wright. All she talked about was the owners of the house. Really the worst tour guide ever.
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Dana-Thomas House (Springfield) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Dana-Thomas House
Dana-Thomas House is open:
  • Mon - Tue 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Wed - Sun 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM