Dana-Thomas House
Dana-Thomas House
5
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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- Jerry W19 contributionsArchitectural MarvelIf 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 coupleWritten December 30, 2022
- Dave CIllinois1,417 contributionsHistoric Frank Lloyd Wright home95+% 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 RElgin, Illinois363 contributionsAdvance Tickets RequiredI 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.
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5.0
1,167 reviews
Excellent
967
Very good
169
Average
20
Poor
7
Terrible
4
Disneybus
Pittsgrove, NJ732 contributions
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
beckster1223
Mukwonago, WI1 contribution
Is this house open for tours due to covid 19?
Connie H
9 contributions
Hi... I am from the Springfield area but live in Uganda. I would say that it isn't since the Illinois governor has closed down everything. He is letting restaurants open on Friday the 29 May. I would check the website. I know a lot of people from Illinois spent Memorial day weekend in Mo, Wisc and Ind. Good Luck. She is a beautiful house.
Is the mansion wheelchair assessable
Joseph B
Kenton, OH126 contributions
No. Not entirely. Lots of steps inside.
Dorothy A
Flanagan, IL
I would like to know about parking. on Fridays.
HBZ
28 contributions
Check out the Dana-Thomas website. Also, from the website: ‘Parking is available in the site lot off of Cook Street just west of the YMCA building. Drive west past the Y, over the railroad tracks and turn left into our lot. Parking is free. ’
vespadue
phila162 contributions
I will be in the area and would like to tour this house. I will be there on a Tuesday in November. I read that it is sometimes closed on Monday's and Tuesdays. Does anyone know if this is true?
gil o
Lincoln, IL50 contributions
The site is open year round Weds.-Sun. and seasonally Mon. & Tues. The website doesn't say when the seasonal ends. The best thing to do is call 1 217 782-6776. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Vernona M
Iowa City4 contributions
Cost of admission and tour?
MeterReader
Hanover, MA197 contributions
No set fee just a donation. I think $10 per person would fair and kids free
Anne S
Amelia, OH1 contribution
Can people in wheelchairs go on the tour? I remember paying for a tour of a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Chicago, and as the
tour started I was told to stay in a room not on the tour, waited there for over an hour, and they would not give the money back! I
have a feeling this is the way in this house. Even though I can walk for about 10 minutes I do need to rest.
Zumbido
Phoenix, AZ41 contributions
I am a guide at the Dana-Thomas House, and for those in wheelchairs, there is an exterior lift to the main level by way of a porch on the north side. A wheelchair tour is limited to that level, but it allows the visitor to view the reception area, dining room, living room, Victorian room, and perhaps a few other areas, without negotiating stairs. If the guest can walk short distances, there are folding chairs in other rooms (Mrs. Dana's bedroom, as an example) on which they may sit as the tour reaches that area.
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
- Hotels near Dana-Thomas House:
- (0.03 mi) The Bressmer - The Carriage House | King Beds - WiFi
- (0.13 mi) Inn At 835 Boutique Hotel
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- (0.52 mi) State House Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- (0.57 mi) President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- Restaurants near Dana-Thomas House:
- (0.21 mi) Loukinens' On 4th
- (0.33 mi) Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery
- (0.28 mi) Incredibly Delicious
- (0.49 mi) Cafe Moxo
- (0.46 mi) Maldaner's Restaurant