Dana-Thomas House

Site Holiday Closings:

New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Site Holiday Openings:

Independence Day, Juneteenth, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day.

When was the last time you experienced your architectural heritage?

Join us for a guided tour of the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site.

Book your Tour Reservation

In the heart of our country, progressive-minded heiress Susan Lawrence Dana hired architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design her a home in which she could advance ideas about education and democracy.

The environment they created is one of the best-preserved examples of Wright's "organic architecture," containing more than 100 pieces of custom furniture and over 250 works of original art glass.

We invite you to see and experience the Dana-Thomas House by taking a guided tour of the site. Please note photography, video, and other recording are only permitted on the exterior of the house.

Tour Information

Reservations are encouraged due to limited tour capacity and can be made on this page. If you need assistance making your reservation online, please call us at 217-782-6776 or emaildnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov

There is no charge for the tour, but donations to support the historic site are appreciated. 

Arrival

Please report to the front door of the house on Lawrence Avenue 5-10 minutes before your reserved tour time to check in and begin your tour. Do not visit the carriage house upon arrival.

Tour policies

1. No more than 15 guests will be permitted on each tour. This includes adults, children and infants. 
   
2. The Dana-Thomas House has several small interior spaces.
   
3. Guests will not be permitted to touch any furniture, artwork or other artifacts in the house.
   
4. The Dana-Thomas House contains many stairs and narrow hallways spread over 16 different elevations. Please keep this in mind when making your reservations.
5. Not all areas of the house are accessible by wheelchairs or other mobility assist devices. If you will be using a wheelchair or other mobility assist device that does not permit use of stairs, we would appreciate you contacting us at 217-782-6776 or dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov so we are prepared to give you a tour of the accessible areas.

Parking

Parking for the Dana-Thomas House is available at the lot on the corner of Fourth Street and Lawrence Avenue. An additional parking lot between Third Street and Second Street with entry on Cook Street is also available for parking.

Photography Policy

Photography, video and other recording are limited to the exterior of the house only; photography, video and other recording are NOT permitted inside the house.

Seasonal Programming

Dana Thomas House Porch Talks - June 4 - November 9

Porch Talks at the Dana-Thomas House are hosted on the porches of the historic home. Programs are free and open to all ages; no reservations are necessary. 

• Everyone Belongs: The Mary Lawrence Story ( Wednesdays 2:30-3:00 PM): While helping her husband build a career, a family, and a fortune, Mary Lawrence worked to bring the Springfield community together. Learn about this original owner of the Dana-Thomas House, Springfield Soldier's Aid Society member, philanthropist, and expert crafter.
• The Architect, the Artist, and the Client (Thursdays and Sundays 1-1:30 PM): The Dana-Thomas House resulted from a collaboration between an architect, an artist, and a client who each brought their own vision to the project. Hear the stories of the creatives behind Frank Lloyd Wright's first "blank check" commission and how they each helped shape the impressive home.
• Inspired Stories of Illinois Black Women (Thursdays 2:30-3:00 PM): In 1913, a reception was hosted at the Dana-Thomas House for the Illinois Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. This porch talk will discuss the amazing women who were part of that organization and how they worked together to build stronger communities and advocate for civil rights across the state, inspiring the Lawrence/Dana family and many others.

IDNR Information

Justin Blandford, Superintendent
Office of Land Management, Historic Sites Division
dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov
217-524-3971

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIl

Instagram: @statehistoricsitesspringfield

Additional Resources

• Teachers in Illinois schools (grades prekindergarten through 12) can apply for grant funds to visit this site on a field trip with their students.
• Dana-Thomas Education Resources​ - This education material has been designed for elementary and high school students.
• Visit the Dana-Thomas House Foundation Website

Teachers in Illinois schools (grades prekindergarten through 12) can apply for grant funds to visit this site on a field trip with their students. Click here for the details.