This National Historic Landmark 57-room mansion is virtually unaltered since its occupation by Edward Hegeler and his family in the late 19th century. Hegeler came to prominence as a co-founder of a large zinc smelting operation and established Open Court Publishing, which published philosophy, religion and science materials. As a result, the Hegeler Carus Mansion (hegelercarus.org) became a hub of intellectual and artistic activity. Tours are Wednesday through Sunday at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
At a cost of $25,000 in the mid-1800s, this 22-room mansion was built for William Reddick, an Irish immigrant who worked his way up to become state senator and president of the Illinois Bridge Company. Constructed in the Italianate style to replicate Italian villas with an exterior of cream limestone and red brick, the Reddick Mansion (reddickmansion.com) has four floors. The main floor's parlor and reception rooms were used to welcome dignitaries, while the top floor was reserved for servants' quarters. Tours are Monday, and Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Built in 1951 by acclaimed architect Mies van der Roche as a country home for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the Farnsworth House (farnsworthhouse.org) is a cutting edge example of modernist architecture promoting minimalist living. The structure, which is suspended on steel columns, appears to float above the ground. Fronting the Fox River, the home is most noted for its glass walls that reduce the boundaries between nature and, bringing the outdoors in. Tours run Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A National Register historic site, this former home of Isaac Leonard Ellwood was constructed in 1879 at an original cost between $40,000 and $50,000. Ellwood learned the farm trade and then astutely co-established the world's first barbed wire factory. The home's original Victorian features included Gothic columns, a mansard roof and pitched gables. Updated in the early 20th century to reflect the popular Georgian Revival, Elwood House (ellwoodhouse.org) now has a portico entrance and Palladian and bay windows. Tours occur Tuesday to Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. tour on Saturday and Sunday.
