Two lumber-baron brothers built twin homes under one roof in 1904, and the inside still looks the way they left it. One-hour guided tours start daily on the hour, 1.7 miles from downtown.
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Tim and Mike Riordan married two sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz, cousins of the Babbitt family, another big Flagstaff name. Tim and Caroline had two daughters, Mike and Elizabeth six children, and the two close families built one mansion with a home for each.
The architect, Charles Whittlesey, also designed the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon, and you can see the family likeness in the log siding, wood shingles and massive stone arches. Almost all the wood is ponderosa pine from the Riordans' own mill.
Brothers Timothy and Michael Riordan come to Flagstaff to run, then own, the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, the town's biggest employer
1885
Photographer John K. Hillers, who traveled with John Wesley Powell, meets the brothers at Walnut Canyon; his photographs later fill the mansion's windows
1904
Two almost identical homes go up on Kinlichi Knoll, joined by a shared billiard or "rendezvous" room, with indoor plumbing, central heat and electric light
Over 50 years
The Riordans push for the Normal School that grew into Northern Arizona University and for Coconino County, and help bring Lowell Observatory to town
1977–78
Robert Chambers, who lived in the East House, offers it to Arizona State Parks
1983
The state historic park opens on August 4
What you'll see
A 1904 home, as the family left it
The East House is set up as if the Riordans had just stepped out. You stay on a red runner that protects the antique carpets, and the guide covers the family, the Arts and Crafts style and early Flagstaff.
Kids aged 6 to 12 can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center.
Guided tour
About an hour through the East House, Tim and Caroline Riordan's home, ending in the West House exhibits
Furniture
Original family belongings, with early Stickley furniture and pieces by Edison, Ellis and Steinway
Photo windows
Two sets of seven glass panels with John K. Hillers' photographs of the Southwest, in the central room
West House
Exhibits on the Arts and Crafts movement, Native American pottery and baskets, lumber and logging, and a model of old Flagstaff
Visitor center
In the family's old garage, with an introduction to the Riordans and a gift shop
Grounds
A self-guided exterior tour, picnic tables and the mansion's porches and stone arches
Tour rules
No food, drinks, backpacks, large bags or strollers; photos for personal use are fine, but no video, tripods or selfie sticks
Tours and fees
Inside on a guided tour
The interior is only open on guided tours, which include the park entry. The $5 grounds ticket covers the visitor center, the picnic area and the self-guided exterior tour.
Tours are small, so reserve ahead. Same day: 928-779-4395. Later dates: online or 877-MY-PARKS, option 1. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve the park closes at 2 pm, and it's closed on Christmas Day.
Adults 14+
Guided tour$18Grounds only$5
Youth 7–13
Guided tour$12Grounds only$3
Children 0–6
Guided tourFreeGrounds onlyFree
Summer (April 1 – October 31)
Visitor center and grounds9:30 am – 5 pmToursOn the hour, 10 am – 4 pm
Winter (November 1 – March 31)
Visitor center and grounds10:30 am – 5 pmToursOn the hour, 11 am – 4 pm
Christmas
The mansion at Christmas
December 1 – January 6
The mansion decorated for Christmas, with holiday stories on the guided tours
December 20–23, 2026, 5–6 pm
Christmas Twilight Tour by the original 1904 light fixtures
December 20–23, 2026, 5–6 pm
Luminaria Walk on the grounds, with hot cider, for the $5 park admission (weather permitting)
December 20, 2026, 4–6 pm
Strolling With Santa on the grounds and in the visitor center
Where to stay
Hotels by the mansion
The mansion is next to the NAU campus, two blocks off Milton Road, so the Milton Road hotels are a short walk or drive away.
Photo: Expedia
Breakfast and parking freeMilton Road and NAU★ 9.6/10 on Expedia
Hyatt Place FlagstaffMilton Road and NAU★ 9.0/10 on Expedia · 1,234 reviewsParking $8 a nightPets: dogs only, up to 2, up to 50 lb eachBreakfast extraCheck prices
High Country Motor Lodge – Near NAU/DowntownMilton Road and NAU★ 9.2/10 on Expedia · 3,021 reviewsFree parkingPets: up to 2 pets, up to 75 lb each, set rooms onlyBreakfast extraCheck prices
A guided tour of the inside costs $18 for adults 14 and over, $12 for ages 7 to 13, and is free under 7; it includes park entry. The grounds alone are $5.
Do you need a reservation for Riordan Mansion?
Reservations are recommended because tour groups are small. For a same-day tour, call 928-779-4395; for later dates book online or call 877-MY-PARKS, option 1.
What is Riordan Mansion?
A 1904 Arts and Crafts home built for two Riordan families, with 40 rooms and over 13,000 square feet, designed by Charles Whittlesey, who also designed the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon.
How do you pronounce Riordan?
"Rear-den."
How long is the Riordan Mansion tour?
About an hour. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in, or 30 to 45 minutes early for the 4 pm tour, and leave time for the visitor center and grounds.
Where do you park for Riordan Mansion?
At the main entrance and parking lot, 409 W Riordan Rd, two blocks east of Milton Road next to the NAU parking garage.
When are Riordan Mansion tours?
Daily on the hour: 10 am to 4 pm from April to October, 11 am to 4 pm from November to March. Christmas Day is closed.
