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Dana-Thomas House: A Prairie School Masterpiece

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School masterpiece, the Dana-Thomas House, in Springfield, Illinois. A preserved architectural treasure.

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The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, is the best-preserved example of Frank Lloyd Wright's early Prairie School architecture. Built between 1902 and 1904 for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana, the 35-room mansion features over 250 art glass windows and doors, plus more than 100 pieces of original Wright-designed furniture.

A brief summary to Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Reservations are encouraged due to limited tour capacity. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in at the front door on Lawrence Avenue.
  • Photography is only permitted on the exterior of the house.
  • Consider that the house has many stairs and narrow hallways spread over 16 different elevations.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dana-Thomas House is located at 301 E Lawrence Ave in Springfield. From the Old State Capitol, walk east on Adams Street, then turn right onto S 4th Street. Walk two blocks south, then turn left onto E Lawrence Ave. The Dana-Thomas House will be on your left. The walk is about 0.3 miles and should take approximately 6 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking to the house.

  • Public Transport

    The closest public transportation stop to the Dana-Thomas House is the S 4th St & E Capitol Ave stop, which is serviced by several local bus routes. From the bus stop, walk one block south on S 4th St, then turn left onto E Lawrence Ave. The Dana-Thomas House will be on your left. A single ride fare on the local bus is $1. [https://www.smtd.org/fares/]

  • Driving

    The Dana-Thomas House is located at 301 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703. From I-55, take exit 96B to merge onto IL-97 N/S 6th St toward downtown Springfield. Continue onto S 6th St. Turn right onto E Lawrence Ave. The Dana-Thomas House will be on your right. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Lawrence Ave and 4th St. Additional parking is available between Third Street and Second Street with entry on Cook Street.

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Discover more about Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

The Dana-Thomas House, located in Springfield, Illinois, stands as a testament to the innovative genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the progressive spirit of Susan Lawrence Dana. Constructed between 1902 and 1904, this Prairie-style mansion is considered one of Wright's most complete and best-preserved early works. Susan Lawrence Dana, a wealthy heiress and socialite, commissioned Wright to remodel her family's Italianate mansion into a showplace for entertaining and advancing ideas about education and democracy. Given an unlimited budget, Wright created a 12,600 square-foot residence boasting 35 rooms, including a bowling alley and a two-story ballroom. The result was a harmonious blend of architecture, furnishings, and decorative arts, reflecting the prairie landscape and Japanese aesthetics. The house features over 250 art glass windows, doors, and light fixtures, as well as more than 100 pieces of original Wright-designed furniture. The building showcases Wright's signature style, emphasizing horizontal lines, open spaces, and natural light. The Dana-Thomas House also contains terra-cotta sculptures and a fountain designed by Richard W. Bock, and a fountain designed by Bock and Marion Mahony Griffin. Visitors can explore the house through guided tours, which provide insights into the history, architecture, and the lives of Susan Lawrence Dana and Frank Lloyd Wright. The tours highlight the unique features of the house, including the barrel-vaulted dining room and gallery/ballroom, considered two of the most photographed spaces in American architecture. The State of Illinois purchased the Dana-Thomas House in 1981 and restored it to its 1906 appearance. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for Wright's visionary design.

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