Riordan Mansion is a historic Arizona treasure, located in the city of Flagstaff and surrounded by mountains, desert and ponderosa pine.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park serves to protect this remarkable 13,000 sq ft 40 room mansion with rustic log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches and 1904 period decor.
Visitors enjoy experiencing a glimpse back in time to a slower pace of life while touring this majestic house and grounds only 28 miles north of Sedona.
Activities
During your visit to this unique Arizona state park you can take a tour of the historic mansion and its grounds, explore the exhibits inside the visitor center and bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park.
The Visitor Center and gift shop are housed inside the Riordan family automotive garage. It features displays on the history of the Riordan family and their contributions to the Flagstaff community. Inside the gift shop you will find a selection of books and guides as well as souvenirs and apparel.
There are several ideal locations inside the park for weddings or other special events, including the Veranda and Courtyard of the Mansion, for those looking for a memorable background for their special day.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park:
Tour the Mansion at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Riordan Mansion was built by two brothers, Timothy and Michael Riordan, as two separate family dwellings. These two close-knit families’ homes were connected by a common area known as the billiard room.
The Riordan brothers were prominent and influential Flagstaff businessmen during the early 1900s; they owned the highly successful Arizona Lumber and Timber Company and were crucial to the development of Flagstaff.
Today the inside of Riordan Mansion may only be seen by guided tour. These daily tours begin on the hour and lead guests through the East House and then along through the West House. The East House features the Riordan family’s personal mementos, hand-crafted furniture and many original artifacts.
At the end of the tour guests are allowed to wander through the first floor exhibits inside the West House and get a closer look at the arts & crafts, Native American pottery and baskets and more.
American Arts & Crafts at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion’s interior looks essentially as it did in 1904 and features fine examples of early Stickley furniture. And the mansion itself is considered one of the finest examples of American Arts & Crafts-style architecture.
The two homes that make up Riordan Mansion were designed by Charles Whittlesey and built with the most modern technology and design of the early 1900s – indoor plumbing, electric lights, central heat and hot water.
This new architecture (at that time) used local materials, culture and traditions to create a uniquely American structure that also featured open floor plans, built-in storage, walk-in closets and more.
Wildlife Viewing at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is located in the city of Flagstaff. Many species of birds pass through, both native and migratory. During your visit you may see hummingbirds, bald eagles, crows, sparrows, finches, juncos, falcons, wild turkeys, ravens and more. On a quiet day you may also spot squirrels, chipmunks and lizards.
Pets at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Pets are allowed on the grounds but not inside any facility buildings at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Pets must be attended to at all times and kept on a leash no longer than six-feet. Please clean up after your pet
Become a Junior Ranger at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Junior Ranger Pledge: ‘As an Arizona State Parks Junior Ranger, I pledge to help the park rangers protect and preserve habitat, wildlife, and help keep the park clean and safe for visitors and wildlife.’
Encourage younger generations to do their part and help preserve the beauty of the parks for future visitors. If your child is between the ages of 6-12 they can become a Junior Ranger at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.
All they need to do is download and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Sheet and then request a Junior Ranger booklet at the park’s visitor center once you’ve arrived at the park. Complete each of the activities during your stay.
When all of the activities have been completed report back to a Park Ranger who will swear your Junior Ranger in and award them with a Junior Ranger Button. Kids can become a Junior Ranger at most Arizona State Parks and earn each park’s unique Junior Ranger Button. Check out the For Kids section on each park’s website.
Lodging Near Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Since Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is a day use area it doesn’t have overnight accommodations. There are many choices for places to stay overnight nearby whether you want to camp, stay in your RV, a hotel or B&B. Here are a few options nearby:
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Canyon Vista Campground – 7997 Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff
This rustic campground has 14 single unit sites with no hookups available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring/grill and access to drinking water and vault toilets.
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Flagstaff KOA Holiday – 5803 US-89, Flagstaff
Picturesque mountain campground with all of the amenities – electric hookups, modern bathhouses, on-site groceries and a cafe, laundry facilities, cable tv and WiFi, bike rentals, a natural playground and more. Stay in your tent, RV or one of their teepees, camping cabins or deluxe cabins (with bathrooms).
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Castle Rock Hotel – 1313 S Milton Rd, Flagstaff
Inexpensive yet comfortable rooms located in the heart of Flagstaff.
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Weatherford Hotel – 23 N Leroux St, Flagstaff
Historic hotel that dates back to 1900 and is near Northern Arizona University. Comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a lot of charm.
Attractions Near Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
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Slide Rock State Park – 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona
Tour the Pendley Homestead (a 43-acre historic apple farm and one of the last homesteads intact in the canyon), slide down the natural water slide of the 80-ft sandstone chute, explore the trails, swim, fish and enjoy the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon.
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Red Rock State Park – 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona
Explore the trails beneath the breathtaking red hills of Sedona and inside this nature preserve. The park also has an impressive environmental education center.
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Visit Flagstaff
Discover the historic downtown charm and beauty of Northern Arizona while shopping, dining, exploring, learning and playing. Nearby attractions include Grand Canyon National Park, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Meteor Crater. During your visit to Flagstaff you’ll appreciate breathing in the clean mountain air while having access to year round outdoor activities.
Park Fees & Hours
Visitor Center & Park Grounds Hours:
Open Daily 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Park Entrance Fees:
– Adult (14+): $2.00
– Youth (7–13): $2.00
– Child (0–6): FREE
Tours of Riordan Mansion (not included with Park Entrance Fee)
– Adult (14+): $12.00
– Youth (7–13): $7.00
– Child (0–6): FREE
*Tour Fees include Park Entrance Fee*
*Group Tours are also available with a two week advance reservation*
Park Location
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
409 W Riordan Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928.779.4395
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video providing some background about Riordan Mansion State Historic Park:
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