Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Apache County Travel Guide

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.