On a weekend trip to Wisconsin Dells, we made a slight detour back to Chicago via Spring Green, Wisconsin. There we visited The House on the Rock. About an hour southwest from Wisconsin Dells, this impressive home was designed by Alex Jordan. It’s fascinating and quirky, and I remembered visiting as a little girl. I knew that I wanted to bring my own children as well.
What is the House on the Rock?
The House on the Rock was built in 1945 atop a chimney of rock in Wisconsin, on a piece of land not even owned by the builder. The architecture is wacky and interesting and the architect was a collector of just about anything he could find, including the world’s largest carousel.
What You Will See
In my experience, I have felt like the complex goes on and on, and will never end. Visitors should allow a minimum of three hours, but you could spend the entire day here. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring your camera to explore this unique attraction.
There are three major sections of the tour:
Part one leads you into the Japanese style garden, to the Alex Jordan Museum, and through the original home built onto a chimney of rock. The Infinity Room is scary and awesome. Guests can walk out onto the 218 foot, suspended hallway, jutting out of the rock, with views of the forest floor below.
The second and third sections of the tour include massive collections of everything from furnished dollhouses to Model Ships to Carousel horses to automated musical machines. Kids can put coins into the player pianos and listen as they belt out delightful songs.
There is something for everyone on this tour. Do not hesitate to bring the the whole family. They will undoubtedly be entertained and awed.
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