House on the Rock
A sprawling, eccentric architectural marvel filled with vast collections of oddities, music boxes, and automatons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
House on the Rock
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, eccentric architectural marvel filled with vast collections of oddities, music boxes, and automatons.
"It's truly one-of-a-kind — equal parts whimsical, eerie, and utterly fascinating."
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be walking miles! Prepare for extensive exploration and many stairs.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Stay hydrated and fueled for your journey through this massive attraction.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Largest Carousel
Carousel Room
An 80-foot marvel with 269 creatures, none of them horses! A truly unique spectacle.
Automated Orchestras
Various Rooms
Witness self-playing musical instruments and animated ensembles that bring music to life in a surreal way.
The Infinity Room
Infinity Room
A dizzying, floor-to-ceiling expanse of windows offering panoramic views and a sense of endless space.
Vast Collections
Throughout the House
From dolls and music boxes to taxidermy and nautical artifacts, discover an overwhelming and eclectic mix of curiosities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eccentricity
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be walking miles! Prepare for extensive exploration and many stairs.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Stay hydrated and fueled for your journey through this massive attraction.
Charge Your Phone! 🔋
You'll want to capture every bizarre detail; reception can be spotty.
Tokens for Exhibits 🪙
Many interactive displays use tokens. Buy with cash at machines, credit at the welcome center.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be walking miles! Prepare for extensive exploration and many stairs.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Stay hydrated and fueled for your journey through this massive attraction.
Charge Your Phone! 🔋
You'll want to capture every bizarre detail; reception can be spotty.
Tokens for Exhibits 🪙
Many interactive displays use tokens. Buy with cash at machines, credit at the welcome center.
Plan for 3+ Hours ⏳
To truly experience the House on the Rock, allocate ample time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the House on the Rock as a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience, filled with an astonishing and eclectic array of collections. While some find it overwhelmingly bizarre, most are captivated by its unique architecture and whimsical displays, recommending comfortable shoes and ample time to explore its many wonders.
"I don’t think anything could have truly prepared me for this experience. It was so incredible, mind numbing, ginormous, chaotic, and entertaining. Anything I could find online about it didn’t even scratch the surface of what we were in for.
Every section was so over the top and captivating. Our group especially loved the iconic whale room and the original house. The carousel is a sight to behold.
Fall is definitely the best time of the year to visit as the whole house is sort of spooky in its own way.
My only couple of gripes are the length and the temperature.
If you have mobility issues or do not like long walks, this is not for you. The whole tour is about a 2.5 mile walk and there’s quite a bit of incline. No problem for our group as we are avid hikers, but even my feet hurt by the end.
The exhibit is also not temperature controlled. On the day we went it was 42 degrees, so the whole time it was about the same temperature walking through everything. We were very cold. Not much relief from it either despite being inside most of the time.
Website says to allow a minimum of two hours but it takes most 3-4 hours to get through if you thoroughly look at everything. We found that to be true. We cranked through it and got out within two hours but can easily see it taking 3 or more if we spent more time reading and taking in every part of the collection.
There’s just honestly so much to see. Too much to ever remember so at a point we kind of blacked out and just finished it quickly.
Overall a once in a lifetime experience and I’m so glad we went. Well worth the ticket price in my opinion!
Stop by downtown Spring Green on your way in/out for lunch at Wander Provisions and the ice cream shop next door!"
Katie G
"This place was amazing. Every corner there was something great to see. What a mind blowing collection of items.
A must see.
The staff was incredible friendly and knowledgeable. If you have leg, hip or back pain. I’d highly recommend some good walking shoes, some ibuprofen and maybe even a muscle relaxer. It a good walk that goes up and down, up and down, up and down.
If you have little kids that will get tired and want carried, is suggest that you maybe wait until they’re past that stage. It’s a lot for little ones. If you have kids or family that are easily over stimulated, I’d suggest some eat plugs. It can get very noise and chaotic."
JJ
"Was my 1st time there & had a lot of fun going thru with my friend! If you collect smashed pennies (like me), there are 2 machines & both are located in the restaurant area; 1 design for each machine; each machine takes 1 penny + 2 tokens; no rolling issues that I noticed. Only criticism I have is that it could use a little dusting; I know that's a big task wirh this type of place, but there is a strong dusty smell & was starting to get allergy/sinus irritation towards the end. Also, some of the machines that take tokens weren't working, but there was no signage; saw multiple people wasting tokens on machines that would accept them, but then not work; maybe someone could go thru once a week or something to test them & label if not working properly. Overall, I had a really fun time and was worth checking out because of it's uniqueness."
Chelsey Turinske
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House on the Rock is located at 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588. It's about an hour outside of Madison, Wisconsin. Many visitors drive, and it's a popular stop for road trips through the Midwest.
Yes, ample parking is available on-site for visitors. It's generally free and convenient for accessing the attraction.
Absolutely! Many visitors make it a day trip, especially if they are coming from nearby cities like Madison or Milwaukee. Just be sure to allocate enough time to explore.
Yes, there are hotels and lodging options available in nearby towns like Spring Green and Dodgeville. Searching for 'hotels near House on the Rock' will provide several choices.
The most common way to travel from Madison to the House on the Rock is by car, taking approximately one hour. Public transportation options are limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's recommended to check the official House on the Rock website for the most current pricing. Expect to pay for admission to the main attraction.
It's advisable to purchase tickets in advance online if available, especially during peak seasons, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Check their website for booking options.
Operating hours can change seasonally. Always check the official House on the Rock website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
While not always required, booking a timed entry slot online can help manage crowds and guarantee your entry, especially during busy periods.
Keep an eye out for potential discounts or coupons, especially if you're a AAA member or looking for group rates. Checking their website or local tourism sites might reveal offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors report spending at least 3-6 hours to see everything, with some even spending a full day. It's a vast and intricate place.
Due to its unique architecture, many areas of the House on the Rock involve stairs and narrow passages, making it challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. Some sections may be inaccessible.
The Infinity Room is a striking architectural feature extending out from the building, offering panoramic views through hundreds of windows. It's a popular photo spot.
While the House on the Rock is designed for self-guided exploration, the sheer volume of exhibits means you can spend hours discovering its wonders at your own pace.
Expect an eclectic mix including the world's largest carousel, automated musical instruments, thousands of dolls, antique cars, and a vast array of unique and unusual artifacts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available within the House on the Rock complex, including a restaurant and snack areas.
While water stations are available, it's generally recommended to check their policy on outside food and beverages. Bringing your own water is a good idea.
The restaurant typically offers American-style cuisine, suitable for a family-friendly dining experience during your visit.
Specific dietary options can vary. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival or check their menu online if available.
Dining prices are comparable to other tourist attractions. Bringing snacks can help manage costs, but the on-site restaurant provides a convenient option.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the House on the Rock, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in certain areas.
The World's Largest Carousel, the Infinity Room, and the various themed rooms filled with unique collections offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Cell phone reception can be spotty inside the House on the Rock, but your camera should function fine. Ensure your phone is fully charged!
While generally permitted, avoid intrusive photography. Some exhibits might have specific signage regarding photo policies.
It's best to check the House on the Rock's official policy regarding professional equipment like tripods, as they may have restrictions to ensure visitor flow.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a long visit and bring plenty of snacks and water, as the walking can be extensive. While some exhibits might be a bit eerie, many are simply fascinating and whimsical. Consider the age and temperament of your children when planning your visit, and focus on the highlights like the carousel and the automated music rooms.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. The extensive nature of the attraction means you can spend hours exploring, maximizing the value of your ticket. Look for any available online discounts or coupons before you go.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged, as you'll be taking a lot of pictures. Be mindful of lighting conditions in different rooms and be respectful of other visitors. The Infinity Room and the carousel are particularly photogenic spots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Alex Jordan
Jordan's collections are as diverse as they are extensive, reflecting a lifetime of acquiring everything from antique music boxes and dolls to taxidermied animals and intricate automatons. He was particularly fascinated by mechanical wonders and the power of storytelling through objects. The sheer scale of his collections, spread across multiple buildings and wings, is a testament to his unique vision and relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.
+1Visitors often describe the experience as stepping into a 'fever dream' or a 'Disneyland for weird girls,' a testament to Jordan's success in creating an immersive and unforgettable environment. The architecture itself is as much a marvel as the collections, with dramatic angles, soaring ceilings, and unexpected vistas that constantly surprise and delight.
Navigating the Labyrinth
Each section is packed with an overwhelming amount of visual information. From the iconic World's Largest Carousel, adorned with mythical creatures, to rooms filled with thousands of dolls, antique music machines, and even a 50-foot whale, there's always something new to discover. The sheer density of exhibits means that even after several hours, many visitors feel they haven't seen everything.
+1To enhance the experience, many interactive exhibits, such as self-playing instruments and fortune-telling machines, operate on tokens. These tokens can be purchased with cash at machines throughout the attraction or with a credit card at the welcome center. Unused tokens can be exchanged for cash before you leave, so don't hesitate to engage with the whimsical mechanics.
The Carousel: A Centerpiece of Wonder
+1The sheer scale and detail of the carousel are breathtaking. It's a testament to the artistry and dedication that went into its creation, offering a truly unique spectacle that captivates visitors of all ages. The vibrant colors and imaginative designs make it a standout feature within the already eclectic collection.
This centerpiece is more than just a visual attraction; it embodies the spirit of the House on the Rock – a place where imagination reigns supreme and the ordinary is left behind. It's a must-see highlight that perfectly encapsulates the quirky charm and grand ambition of Alex Jordan's creation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit