*** IMPORTANT***

DUE TO AN ON GOING PROJECT AND INSTALIZATION OF NEW EQUIPMENT, THE TEMPERATURES INSIDE ARE WARMER THAN NORMAL WHILE WE MAKE THIS TRANSITOIN.

Please note that while the site is currently open to the public, we are completing several site improvement projects at this time, including improvements to our heating and cooling system. While this project is ongoing, it may not be possible to provide air conditioning during the tour and temperatures may be warm or fluctuating in different areas of the house. Please keep this in mind when booking your tour. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our site superintendent at DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov or 217-524-3971.

In the heart of our country, progressive-minded heiress Susan Lawrence Dana hired architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design her a home in which she could advance ideas about education and democracy.

The environment they created is one of the best-preserved examples of Wright’s “organic architecture,” containing more than 100 pieces of custom furniture and over 250 works of original art glass.

We invite you to see and experience the Dana-Thomas House by taking a guided tour of the site. Please note photography, video, and other recording are only permitted on the exterior of the house.

Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited tour capacity and can be made on this page. If you need assistance making your reservation online, please call us at 217-782-6776 or email dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov

There is no charge for the tour, but donations to support the historic site are appreciated. You can make a donation online at http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov

Please report to the front door of the house on Lawrence Avenue 5-10 minutes before your reserved tour time to check in and begin your tour. Guests without a reservation may also stop by the Lawrence Avenue door to inquire about tour availability. Guests do not need to visit the carriage house upon arrival.

Current tour policies:

1. Please be sure to reserve a ticket for all members of your party, including adults, children and infants. If your party is fewer than 15 people and there are not enough tickets available for your entire party at your desired tour time, please call us at 217-782-6776 or email DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov for assistance.

Groups of 15 or more should reserve their tour through the Visit Springfield group reservation system at visitspringfieldillinois.com or by calling (800) 545-7300 ext. 5526.

2. All guests will be required to register, either by making an advance reservation or by registering at the door as they arrive. Walk-up guests will only be permitted if the tour is not already at capacity, and walk-up guests must register before entering the house.

3. If you are feeling ill or experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, please stay home and reschedule your tour when you are well.

4. The Dana-Thomas House has several small interior spaces. Face coverings are optional for guests touring the Dana-Thomas House.

5. Guests are encouraged to use hand sanitizer stations provided. Guests will not be permitted to touch any furniture, artwork or other artifacts in the house, regardless of whether they are wearing gloves/using sanitizer.

6. The Dana-Thomas House contains many stairs and narrow hallways spread over 16 different elevations. Please keep this in mind when making your reservations.

7. Not all areas of the house are accessible by wheelchairs or other mobility assist devices. If you will be using a wheelchair or other mobility assist device that does not permit use of stairs, we would appreciate you contacting us at 217-782-6776 or dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov so we are prepared to give you a tour of the accessible areas.

Parking

A free parking lot is located on the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Lawrence Avenue, immediately east of the house.

Please note, the parking lot on Cook Street, behind the house and just west of the railroad tracks, as well as the carriage house parking area, are under construction and not available at this time.

Photography Policy

Photography, video and other recording are limited to the exterior of the house only; photography, video and other recording are NOT permitted inside the house.

Additional Information

More information about the site, including educational resources for teachers, are available at http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIl

Instagram: @statehistoricsitesspringfield

We also encourage you to watch the introductory video below in advance of your visit.

We look forward to seeing you soon!