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Ellwood House Museum: A Glimpse into Barbed Wire History

Step back in time at the Ellwood House Museum, exploring the legacy of barbed wire pioneer Isaac Ellwood and his family's impact on DeKalb.

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Explore the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb, Illinois, a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion that tells the story of Isaac Ellwood, a key figure in the American barbed wire industry. Tour the house, wander through the gardens, and discover the history of this influential family and their impact on the region.

A brief summary to Ellwood House Museum

Local tips

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour, which starts in the Visitor Center.
  • The Visitor Center is always free to visit and contains exhibits detailing the Ellwood family's history.
  • Photography is allowed on the grounds and in the buildings, but flash photography is prohibited inside the historic homes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ellwood House Museum is located at 420 Linden Place in DeKalb. From downtown DeKalb, head north on 1st Street, then turn left onto Linden Place. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. There are sidewalks along the route.

  • Public Transport

    DeKalb Public Transit operates bus service throughout the city. Check the DeKalb Public Transit website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to determine the best bus route to reach the museum from your location. A single ride fare is around $1.00.

  • Driving

    From I-88, take the Annie Glidden Road exit north. Continue on Annie Glidden Road to West Lincoln Highway and turn right. Turn left onto 1st Street, then turn left onto Linden Place. The Ellwood House Museum will be on your left. Parking is available on Linden Place near the museum. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Ellwood House Museum

The Ellwood House Museum, located in DeKalb, Illinois, offers a fascinating look into the life and times of Isaac Ellwood, a prominent figure in the development of the barbed wire industry. Built in 1879, the Victorian mansion showcases the innovation, wealth, and influence of the Ellwood family during the Gilded Age. The house was designed by Chicago architect George O. Garnsey, and it combines elements of Victorian Gothic and Second Empire styles. Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved rooms of the mansion, filled with original furnishings and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the Ellwood family's daily life. The museum also features exhibits on the history of barbed wire, showcasing authentic examples of early barbed wire and detailing Ellwood's pivotal role in the industry. Beyond the mansion, the Ellwood House Museum boasts a ten-acre estate with formal and native gardens, a wooded area, and the Berg Garden. The grounds reflect changing ideas about architecture and landscape design across two generations of the Ellwood family. Other structures on the property include the Ellwood-Nehring House, a carriage house, a water tower, and a museum house that once housed Harriet Ellwood's collection of curiosities. The Ellwood House Museum is operated jointly by the Ellwood House Association and the DeKalb Park District. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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