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Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: A Glimpse into Flagstaff's Past

Explore a stunning Arts & Crafts mansion and discover the history of a prominent Flagstaff family at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.

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Step back in time at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, a stunning example of Arts and Crafts architecture built in 1904 for two prominent brothers, Michael and Timothy Riordan, who made their fortune in the lumber industry. Explore the 13,000-square-foot duplex, wander the grounds, and discover the rich history of Flagstaff's early 20th century.

A brief summary to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Local tips

  • Reservations for guided tours are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as tour capacity is limited.
  • The park entrance fee is waived if you have a guided tour reservation.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the mansion and grounds.
  • There are picnic tables available near the parking lot if you'd like to bring a lunch.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus, head east towards Riordan Road. Walk along Riordan Road for a few blocks until you reach the park entrance at 409 W Riordan Rd, which is located next to the NAU parking garage. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles and should take about 10-15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Driving

    From downtown Flagstaff, head east on Route 66/Milton Road. Turn left onto Riordan Road. The main entrance and parking lot are located at 409 W Riordan Rd, two blocks east of Milton Rd, next to the NAU parking garage. Parking is available in the park's parking lot. Check NAU Parking Services for more information on adjacent parking on the NAU campus in Parking Lot 13 or the Parking Garage. There are no parking fees at the park with a guided tour reservation. Otherwise, parking costs will vary.

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Discover more about Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of a prominent Flagstaff family and the architectural style of the early 1900s. Built in 1904 for brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan, the mansion is a remarkable example of American Arts and Crafts architecture. The Riordan brothers, key figures in Flagstaff's development, owned the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, the largest employer in the area. The mansion itself is a sprawling duplex, boasting over 13,000 square feet of living space with forty rooms. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, who also designed the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon, the home features a rustic exterior constructed of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The interior showcases the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on natural materials, craftsmanship, and simplicity. Visitors can explore the mansion through guided tours, which provide insights into the Riordan family history, the architectural details of the home, and Flagstaff's history. The tour includes access to the West House Museum, where exhibits showcase Arts & Crafts, Native American pottery, and the history of logging in the region. The grounds also feature a visitor center, housed in what was once the family's six-car garage, a picnic area, and a gift shop. Today, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park stands as a testament to the Riordan family's contributions to Flagstaff and a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture.

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