FLAGSTAFF: Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Close to downtown Flagstaff and next to Northern Arizona University lies The Riordan Mansion, an Arizona State Park. What makes this historic 1904 Arts & Crafts style mansion especially unique is its design as a duplex to house two families. Constructed by architect Charles Whittlesey (who also designed the Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel) for brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan, the mansion features two wings connected by a common room known as The Cabin or The Billiard Room. The Riordan brothers married the Metz sisters, Elizabeth and Caroline, with Caroline and Tim moving into the East Wing of the residence, while Michael and Elizabeth took the West Wing. You can learn more about its history here.
While you can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, the only opportunity to see the interior is by booking a guided tour, which takes approximately one hour. Here’s my photo recap as I explored the mansion’s fascinating story on a recent visit.
We began in the East Wing, where our guide first pointed out an 1890s McCray ice box on the enclosed back porch, believed to be from Michael and Elizabeth’s prior home.
We then entered the home through the kitchen.
Throughout the tour, our guide shared entertaining anecdotes and details such as the original family belongings and furniture including custom designs and Gustav Stickley pieces.
The bedrooms are located on the second floor.
The Billiard Room connects both wings.
The Billiard Room as it appears today.
Tours end at the educational displays on the first floor of the West Wing (the second floor is closed to tours).
Special tours throughout the year include holiday tours with festive period decorations (note: these tours book up quickly once announced). The Riordan Mansion also hosts exclusive events. On Saturday, May 28, for the first time, the Mansion has partnered with Flagstaff’s award-winning Mother Road Brewing Company for Architecture and Ales.
Insider’s tip: Though not yet listed on the website, you’ll want to check back for these popular fall events:
September Afternoon Tea on the Veranda, where guests are encouraged to dress in Victorian or Edwardian attire. This year, VIP ticket holders will dine on Riordan family china provided by one of the family’s great-grand-daughters.
October Whiskey Tasting at Tim’s Table. This is the only time guests can sit at the historic oval table in the dining room of the East Wing.
For more information, visit azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion