Dana-Thomas House
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece showcasing Prairie School architecture with original furnishings and art glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Dana-Thomas House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece showcasing Prairie School architecture with original furnishings and art glass.
"Simply amazing! A must-see for Frank Lloyd Wright fans and lovers of historic homes."
🎯 Reserve Your Spot Online
Free entry, but guided tours require reservations. Book ahead to secure your spot!
🚫 No Photos Inside!
Enjoy the stunning interiors with your eyes; photography is not permitted inside the house.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
Experience one of Wright's most complete residential commissions, showcasing his iconic Prairie School style.
Original Furnishings & Art Glass
Marvel at the meticulously preserved original furniture, lamps, and stained-glass windows designed by Wright.
The Dana-Thomas House Tour
Engage with knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the house and its original owner to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Your Spot Online
Free entry, but guided tours require reservations. Book ahead to secure your spot! +1
🚫 No Photos Inside!
Enjoy the stunning interiors with your eyes; photography is not permitted inside the house.
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
The historic home has many stairs; pay attention to your footing.
🤓 Knowledgeable Guides
Tour guides are passionate and share great stories about the house and its owner.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Your Spot Online
Free entry, but guided tours require reservations. Book ahead to secure your spot! +1
🚫 No Photos Inside!
Enjoy the stunning interiors with your eyes; photography is not permitted inside the house.
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
The historic home has many stairs; pay attention to your footing.
🤓 Knowledgeable Guides
Tour guides are passionate and share great stories about the house and its owner.
✨ Architectural Gem
A must-see for Frank Lloyd Wright fans and lovers of historic homes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Dana-Thomas House as an exceptional example of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, highlighting the stunning original furnishings and knowledgeable guides. The free entry and immersive experience are major draws, though the no-photography rule inside and the presence of many stairs are noted drawbacks.
"We were visiting Springfield, IL from Ohio and this is an amazing example of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Simply amazing! Free entry but you need to make reservations. We only had 8 people in our group and the tour isaboutan hour long. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Definitely worth visiting. Unfortunately no photos allowed inside the house."
Michael Williamson
"If you enjoy Frank Loyd Wright architecture, this house is a must-see see! It is literally a museum of his furniture and art glass. Make a reservation for the guided tour. It is well worth your time. Photos are not allowed inside."
Richard Torbett
"I took the first tour on the last Sunday in June. Adam, the tour guide, was excellent. He was friendly and had great storytelling skills, especially about the home's original owner. He made history come alive. The home does have a lot of stairs. One must pay careful attention not to trip. The home design was fascinating, and it's in relatively good repair. Tour lasted about 1.5 hours. Make sure to reserve online. Highly recommended!"
M Rogers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dana-Thomas House is located in downtown Springfield, Illinois. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited as part of a broader Springfield historical tour. Parking is available nearby.
The historic nature of the house, with its many stairs, can present challenges for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the house directly to discuss specific accessibility concerns before your visit.
Yes, the Dana-Thomas House is centrally located and can be a pleasant walk from other downtown Springfield attractions like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, especially if you enjoy exploring historic architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Dana-Thomas House is free, but guided tours require reservations. It's highly recommended to book your tour online in advance, as popular times can fill up quickly. +1
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Dana-Thomas House website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and operating days.
Guided tours of the Dana-Thomas House typically last about an hour to 1.5 hours, providing a comprehensive look at the architecture and history. +1
While entry is free, the best way to experience the Dana-Thomas House and understand its significance is through a guided tour. Self-guided visits may be limited.
No, admission to the Dana-Thomas House is free. However, reservations for guided tours are essential and highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Dana-Thomas House. This policy helps preserve the historic interiors and furnishings.
You are welcome to take photos of the exterior of the Dana-Thomas House and the scale model of the house.
The exterior architecture and the surrounding grounds offer beautiful photo opportunities. The scale model inside also provides a unique visual.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Dana-Thomas House is renowned as a masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School architecture, featuring extensive original furnishings and art glass. 
Expect to see Wright's innovative architectural design, unique art glass windows, custom-designed furniture, and learn about the history of the Dana and Thomas families.
Yes, the Dana-Thomas House functions as a museum, preserving and showcasing Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural vision and the lifestyle of its original inhabitants.
It's considered one of Wright's most complete and restored residential commissions, offering an immersive experience into his design philosophy.
While the Dana-Thomas House is the most prominent, Springfield offers a rich historical landscape, including sites related to Abraham Lincoln.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Frank Lloyd Wright's Architectural Genius
Key features include the horizontal lines that echo the flat Illinois prairie, the open floor plan that was revolutionary for its time, and the extensive use of natural materials. The art glass is particularly striking, with intricate patterns that filter light beautifully, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The house was commissioned by Susan Lawrence Dana, a progressive socialite, who collaborated closely with Wright, allowing him significant creative freedom.
This level of preservation and restoration makes the Dana-Thomas House a rare gem. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a Frank Lloyd Wright home as it was intended to be seen, with all its original furnishings and decorative elements intact. The house stands as a significant landmark in architectural history and a must-visit for enthusiasts.
The Dana-Thomas House Experience
Visitors often express awe at the meticulous preservation of the house and its contents. The fact that so many original furnishings, including a $7.5 million lamp sold at auction, remain in situ is remarkable. This allows guests to truly appreciate the complete artistic vision Wright had for the space. The house is described as a 'museum of his furniture and art glass,' offering a deep dive into his design philosophy.
While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, it's worth noting that the house has numerous stairs, and visitors are advised to be mindful of their footing. The strict no-photography policy inside the house, while disappointing for some, ensures the preservation of the delicate interiors and encourages visitors to be fully present in the moment.
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