Touring Indiana’s Grandest Mansions
If you're a fan of ornate woodwork, grand staircases, and stories of Indiana’s most influential families, this road trip through the state’s most spectacular historic mansions is calling your name. From presidential homes to gilded age glamour, Indiana is home to a lineup of beautifully preserved estates that are open for tours and full of charm.
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Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a history-packed staycation, here are six must-see mansions to tour in Indiana:
1. Lanier Mansion – Madison, IN
Dubbed the “Crown Jewel of Madison,” the Lanier Mansion overlooks the Ohio River and showcases stunning Greek Revival architecture. Built in 1844, it was home to James F.D. Lanier, a financier who helped fund Indiana’s Civil War efforts. Inside, you’ll find elegantly restored rooms and period furnishings that tell the story of 19th-century life on the river.
Don’t Miss: The guided tours and formal gardens, especially in spring and summer.
2. Culbertson Mansion – New Albany, IN
If you're a fan of Victorian opulence, the Culbertson Mansion is your dream stop. Built in 1867 by William S. Culbertson, who was once Indiana’s richest man, this 25-room mansion is filled with elaborate hand-painted ceilings, gold accents, and jaw-dropping plasterwork.
Bonus: Each October, the mansion’s former carriage house is transformed into a spooky haunted house attraction.
3. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site – Indianapolis, IN
Step into the home of the 23rd President of the United States. This elegant red-brick Victorian mansion served as Benjamin Harrison’s home before and after his presidency. Tours include stories about Harrison’s life, personal belongings, and even White House artifacts.
Check Out: First Friday events, themed candlelight tours, and educational exhibits.
4. Seiberling Mansion – Kokomo, IN
An architectural treasure in north-central Indiana, the Seiberling Mansion was built in 1891 during Indiana’s gas boom. With its Romanesque Revival design, stained glass windows, and ornate wood details, the house feels like stepping into a storybook.
Tip: Visit during the holidays to see it decked out in over-the-top Christmas décor.
5. Barker Mansion – Michigan City, IN
This English manor-inspired estate was home to railroad car mogul John H. Barker. Built in 1857 and expanded in 1905, the 38-room mansion is a time capsule of Gilded Age luxury. It now operates as a museum with period room displays, original furnishings, and a one-of-a-kind indoor sunken garden.
Highlight: The preserved 1910s interiors and the peaceful garden walk.
6. Ruthmere Mansion – Elkhart, IN
Just minutes from South Bend, the Ruthmere Museum is a Beaux-Arts gem built in 1910 by Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley. It was named after their daughter, Ruth, and today it serves as a stunning house museum. Inside, visitors will find Cuban mahogany trim, Tiffany lamps, Rodin sculptures, and silk wall coverings—all perfectly preserved.
Extra Perks: Enjoy special events like summer courtyard concerts, holiday tours, and “Coffee on the Piazza” gatherings.
Plan Your Mansion Tour Itinerary
If you’re looking to turn this into a road trip, here’s a suggested route:
Start in Elkhart with a tour of Ruthmere
Head to Kokomo for the Seiberling Mansion
Continue south to Indianapolis to visit Benjamin Harrison’s Home
From there, drive southeast to Madison for the Lanier Mansion
Then swing west to New Albany for the Culbertson Mansion
Cap off your tour in Michigan City at the Barker Mansion
Make it a long weekend, or stretch it over multiple visits. These mansions are open year-round, with seasonal events that make each trip unique.
Indiana’s historic mansions aren’t just grand, they’re gateways to the people and stories that shaped the Hoosier State. Whether you’re into architecture, antiques, or good old-fashioned ghost stories, these homes are well worth the detour.
