Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

#18 in Best Things To Do in Flagstaff

All Things To Do

riordan-mansion-state-historic-park

Key Info

409 W Riordan Rd.

Price & Hours

$18 for adults; $12 for kids 7-13
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in the summer (opens at 10:30 a.m. in the winter)

Details

Parks and Gardens, Historic Homes/Mansions, Sightseeing
Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours

Historical Background

In 1904, brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan, members of a prominent Arizona family, commissioned two nearly identical mansions at the summit of Flagstaff's Kinlichi Knoll. Architect Charles Frederick Whittlesey, known for designing the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, was responsible for the design of these homes. Remarkably, the two mansions are connected by a rendezvous room and display some architectural similarities to the famed hotel.

Today, guided tours are available for visitors interested in exploring the 13,000-square-foot space. These tours provide insights into the Riordan (pronounced Rear-don) family and the property's historical significance.

Visitor Feedback

Tour Insights

Although past visitors have noted that the Riordan Mansions may not be a must-see unless you are an architecture enthusiast, they have praised it as an excellent rainy-day activity. Tour guides have been commended for their extensive knowledge of the property and Arizona history.

Historical and Architectural Significance

Recent travelers have appreciated learning about the architecture of these over 100-year-old mansions and the Riordan family's critical role in the development of Flagstaff at the turn of the century. In addition to the guided mansion tours, recent visitors also recommend a self-guided tour of the grounds.

Tickets

The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is located just over a mile southwest of downtown Flagstaff. Prices for tour tickets are as follows:

  • Visitors aged 14 and older: $18
  • Children aged 7 to 13: $12

Park admission, which excludes interior tours but allows for a self-guided tour of the grounds, costs:

  • Visitors aged 14 and older: $5
  • Children aged 7 to 13: $3

Children aged 6 and younger can join guided tours and access the park for free.

Hours

The park operates daily with varying hours based on the season:

  • Summer (April 1-Oct. 31): 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Winter (Nov. 1-March 31): 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tours are available hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is strongly recommended to call ahead and make reservations due to capacity restrictions.

Additional Information

For more details, visit the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park's website.

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