Fairlawn Mansion and Museum Superior
Step back in time at Fairlawn Mansion, a stunning Queen Anne Victorian estate showcasing Superior's Gilded Age history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Fairlawn Mansion and Museum Superior
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Fairlawn Mansion, a stunning Queen Anne Victorian estate showcasing Superior's Gilded Age history.
"A real treasure in Superior, well worth visiting for its history and splendid details."
🎯 Arrive 10 Mins Early
Tours start on the hour. Arriving a bit early ensures you don't miss the start and get the best spots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and climbing stairs. Good footwear is essential for exploring the mansion's many levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the stunning Queen Anne Victorian design, a 42-room masterpiece built between 1889-1891.
Pattison Family History
Throughout the Mansion
Discover the stories of Martin Pattison, his family, and their impact on Superior's early development.
Lush Gardens
Exterior Grounds
Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens that bloom vibrantly in the summer months.
Babe Ruth's Visit
Mansion Interior
Learn about the surprising visit of baseball legend Babe Ruth to the mansion when it was a children's home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Dress for the Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive 10 Mins Early
Tours start on the hour. Arriving a bit early ensures you don't miss the start and get the best spots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and climbing stairs. Good footwear is essential for exploring the mansion's many levels.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The mansion can get quite warm, especially in summer. Bring water or be prepared to purchase some.
🦁 Kids' Scavenger Hunt
A fun lion scavenger hunt is available for children, making the tour engaging for younger visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive 10 Mins Early
Tours start on the hour. Arriving a bit early ensures you don't miss the start and get the best spots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and climbing stairs. Good footwear is essential for exploring the mansion's many levels.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The mansion can get quite warm, especially in summer. Bring water or be prepared to purchase some.
🦁 Kids' Scavenger Hunt
A fun lion scavenger hunt is available for children, making the tour engaging for younger visitors.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The mansion and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone! 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fairlawn Mansion for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. The guided tours are a standout feature, with guides frequently commended for their extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the experience highly recommended by many. Some visitors note that the mansion can be warm inside during summer and involves navigating multiple staircases.
"This place was very cool and interesting to learn about, and the gift shop was very cute! The workers were sooo kind and our guide Bella, was so nice and answered all of our questions! There is also a scavenger hunt for kids with little lions and there is also restrooms and a coat closet in case you need it. Not only was it so cool we were also the only ones there. It was nice for a big group and we didn't get lost, I think even with small kids it would be a fun experience! Overall it was so fun, I totally recommend!"
Harmony Koshiol
"Very nice place and nice tour guide who knew a lot about it, didn't get to see it all, but what we saw was worth the money!!!"
brandon carlson
"It is quite a tale of the couple who had this beautiful home built. Our tour guide Heidi Paulson gave splendid details of their life and some of the events that were hosted there. Well worth visiting. A real treasure in Superior."
Katy Hursh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fairlawn Mansion is located in Superior, Wisconsin. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common method. Parking is available on-site.
Information on direct public transport routes to Fairlawn Mansion is limited. It's best to check local Superior transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
There is parking available at Fairlawn Mansion. Reviews suggest it's usually not crowded, making it easy to find a spot.
No, Fairlawn Mansion is located in Superior, Wisconsin. There is a 'Stranger Things House' in Fair Lawn, NJ, which is a different attraction.
Arriving about 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time is recommended. This allows you to get oriented and settled before the tour begins.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for the guided tours. While exact prices can vary, reviews indicate it's 'worth the money' for the experience. Check the official Fairlawn Mansion website for current ticket prices.
It is highly recommended to book your guided tour tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or for specific times. This ensures you get a spot on your desired tour.
Tours typically run on the hour. It's essential to check the official Fairlawn Mansion website for the most up-to-date operating hours and tour schedules, as these can change seasonally.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely available online. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the mansion directly for any potential group rates or special offers.
Fairlawn Mansion primarily operates with guided tours to provide historical context and ensure a comprehensive visitor experience. Exploring the grounds and gardens may be possible independently.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A guided tour of Fairlawn Mansion usually takes about an hour to walk through the main areas.
Tours are guided and led by knowledgeable staff who share detailed information about the mansion's history, architecture, and former residents. Visitors often praise the guides for their passion and information. +2
Yes, restrooms are available for visitors, which is convenient for families and longer visits.
Yes, Fairlawn Mansion is considered a fun experience for families. There's a scavenger hunt for kids with little lions, making it more engaging for them.
The mansion can get quite hot inside, especially on warm days. It's recommended to dress in layers and stay hydrated.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While many visitors share photos online, it's best to confirm with your tour guide or check for posted signs regarding interior photography rules.
The exterior architecture, the lush gardens (especially in summer), and the grand interior rooms offer excellent photo opportunities.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage are not widely published. It's advisable to assume standard restrictions apply and to check with the venue directly if you plan to use a drone.
Generally, guides are accommodating, but it's polite to ask before taking extensive photos during the tour to avoid disrupting the flow of information.
Visitors often capture architectural details, garden landscapes, and historical room settings. The mansion's Victorian charm makes it a popular spot for historical and aesthetic photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during special events like the Easter Egg Hunt, which are designed to be family-friendly and offer a different kind of fun on the grounds.
While the mansion can get warm, dressing children in light layers and ensuring they have comfortable shoes for navigating stairs will enhance their experience. The overall sentiment from reviews is that it's a worthwhile and enjoyable outing for families. History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate, delving into the social history, economic context, and personal lives of the mansion's former residents. Learning about Martin Pattison's influence on Superior, the family's philanthropic efforts, and the mansion's later use as a children's home offers a multi-faceted historical perspective.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon when crowds are typically lower, potentially leading to a more personalized and intimate tour experience. While there are no widely advertised discounts, the standard admission fee is considered reasonable for the quality of the tour and the historical significance of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Fairlawn Mansion
The Pattison family was known for their philanthropy, notably providing housing and support for Scandinavian immigrants who worked as laborers. This aspect of their history adds a layer of social significance to the mansion's narrative. Later in its history, Fairlawn Mansion also served as a children's home, a period during which it hosted notable figures like baseball legend Babe Ruth.
Today, Fairlawn Mansion stands as a testament to Superior's Gilded Age and is preserved as a museum. Guided tours offer a deep dive into the lives of the Pattison family, the architectural grandeur of the home, and its various roles throughout history. The mansion is a significant historical landmark, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.
Exploring the Gardens and Grounds
These outdoor spaces provide a wonderful complement to the historical tour inside. They offer a chance to appreciate the estate's setting and imagine life in the late 19th century. The gardens are a perfect spot for reflection and offer excellent photographic opportunities, capturing the elegance of the mansion from a different perspective.
Seasonal events, such as Easter egg hunts, are also held on the grounds, transforming the estate into a festive venue. These events highlight the mansion's continued role in the community and provide unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Guided Tour Experience
These tours typically last about an hour and cover the mansion's significant rooms, detailing the architecture, decor, and stories associated with each space. The guides often share small, memorable details that enhance the visitor's understanding and appreciation of the home. Even guides with only a few days of training have been noted for their impressive knowledge.
While the tours are highly informative and engaging, it's worth noting that the mansion can get warm inside, especially during hotter weather, and involves navigating several staircases. However, the overall consensus is that the tour is 'well worth the money' and a 'real treasure' in Superior, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit