Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is a unique architectural treasure located in the picturesque city of Flagstaff. The estate is an outstanding example of the American Arts and Crafts style and serves as a living monument to the lumber industry era that flourished in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century.

Built in 1904, the mansion was designed by the famous architect Charles Whittlesey, the creator of the legendary El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. The building, spanning over 1,200 square meters, is a rare type of duplex: two nearly identical wings are connected by a shared "rendezvous room" where the families of brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan spent time together.

Local materials were primarily used in construction: pine panels, volcanic basalt, and hand-finished details, giving the house a rustic charm that harmoniously blends with the elegance of the time. Inside, 40 rooms await visitors, equipped with the latest technology of the early century—including electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating.

To plan your visit and clarify tour details, you can use the park's contact information provided below.

The primary way to explore the mansion is through a fascinating one-hour guided tour, which is the only way to see the magnificently preserved interiors. Visitors can look into both wings of the duplex: the east wing, where Timothy Riordan lived, and the west wing, which belonged to Michael. Inside, you will see rare furniture by Gustav Stickley, a recognized master of the Arts and Crafts style, as well as items crafted from local walnut and fir.

As you walk through the rooms, look for the magnificent Steinway grand piano in the east wing, illuminated through a special light well. The exhibits tell the detailed story of how the city of Flagstaff transformed from a modest railroad camp into a powerful center of the timber industry.

After touring the interior, it is worth taking time to walk around the park grounds. Here you can learn more about the legacy of the Riordan brothers and their contributions to the founding of Northern Arizona University and the famous Lowell Observatory. The museum is entirely furnished with original household items, creating the feeling of a walk into the past.

The estate is located within the city limits at 409 W Riordan Rd, Flagstaff, on the scenic Kinlichi Knoll hill. The easiest way to get here is by private car or taxi from the city center—the trip will take no more than 5-10 minutes.

Free parking is provided directly on the park grounds for those traveling by car. If you prefer walking, the mansion is located in close proximity to the Northern Arizona University campus, making it easily accessible for students and university guests.

Flagstaff has excellent transport links with other regions of the USA, including regular flights from Phoenix, so the park often serves as a convenient stop for tourists heading towards the Grand Canyon.

The Riordan brothers were the sons of Irish immigrants from Chicago. After moving to Arizona, they became key figures in the development of the northern part of the state, engaging not only in the lumber industry but also in banking, railroads, and politics. The scale of their influence was immense: at the peak of their success, the Riordans' companies provided jobs for nearly two-thirds of Flagstaff's population.

The brothers' families were inextricably linked: Michael and Timothy married sisters—Elizabeth and Caroline Metz. It was for their large families that this grand home was built in 1903–1904, at a time when Arizona had not yet even achieved statehood. The Riordans were at the forefront of creating many of the city's important institutions, from the first public library to the water supply system via Lake Mary.

Remarkably, the estate remained in the family's private ownership until the late 1970s. In 1978, the descendants donated the mansion and all its furnishings to the state. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park officially opened to the general public on August 4, 1983, preserved as an authentic "time capsule" from the turn of the century.

To fully appreciate the architecture and learn the history of the families, you should allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. The main guided tour of the mansion's interior lasts about an hour.

If you plan to study the exhibits in both wings in detail, stroll through the gardens, and stop by the gift shop, we recommend setting aside a little more time so you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the estate without rushing.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park welcomes guests daily. The museum doors are open from 09:30 to 17:00 every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.

It is recommended to plan your visit for the first half of the day to ensure you can join one of the regular guided tours, as access to the mansion itself is only possible when accompanied by a guide.

Exploring the area surrounding the mansion will help you immerse yourself more deeply in the atmosphere of old Flagstaff and complement your travel experience. Within a few minutes' drive, you will find both historic buildings and famous scientific centers.