Accessibility

Guest Accessibility

Paver and asphalt paths connect the mansion, carriage house, gardener’s cottage, Ticket House, and parking lot. Some areas are uneven with moderate inclines. Visiting with a companion or using a power-assisted device is recommended, especially in inclement weather. Glensheen has some paved walkways on the estate that are wheelchair accessible. The carriage house is two stories; tours occur on the lower level; no elevator is available. An accessible west entrance is available.

The house itself has five floors available for self-guided tours, including the lower level, main floor, second floor, third floor, and attic. The second and third floor is accessed via the main stairwell, which offers a large, sturdy railing. The main floor and lower level are accessible without the use of stairwells, with wheelchair ramp accessible entrances to both levels, found at the front of the mansion, and at the east side lower level door. As a well-preserved historic site, unfortunately we do not have elevator access to the upper floors of the home, but video tablets are available, providing a virtual visit for any guest who would like to use them as part of our Limited Mobility Tour.

If you have accessibility needs or concerns, our staff can work with you on accessible options. Please contact [email protected] to make the arrangements. Accessibility is important to us, and we want everyone to be able to explore Glensheen together. If you have more questions, you can also call us at (218) 726-8910.

General Tips

Two wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Ticket House on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outdoor seating is available at the Ticket House, carriage house, and throughout the estate.
Indoor seating is available in most mansion rooms. Portable chairs are also available in the mansion.
Service dogs are welcome. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are available outside the Ticket House and in the mansion lower level.
Buildings on the estate are not air-conditioned.
Basic first aid supplies and AEDs are available.
No doors are power-assisted. Visitors are encouraged to bring a companion; staff are available to assist.
The second floor, third floor, and attic of the mansion are not accessible by wheelchair. However, we offer a mobile tour of the second floor via tablet for visitors who cannot reach these floors.

Accessible Parking

Six accessible parking spaces are available near the Ticket House in the southeast corner of the lot, each with an adjacent accessible aisle.

Accessible Restrooms

Grounds Tours: Outdoor accessible portable restrooms near the Ticket House.

Mansion Tours: Indoor accessible restrooms with accessible stalls on the lower level.

Accessible Entrances

Mansion – Lower Level:
Past the servants’ courtyard, turn right before the balcony.

Mansion – Main Entrance:
Ramp to the right of the main doors.

Accessible Parking:
Located in the southeast corner of the parking lot.

Carriage House:
Follow the main path then veer left; staff will open the doors.

Distances:

Parking Lot → Carriage House: 350 ft (107 m)
Carriage House (east) → Mansion: 386 ft (118 m)
Carriage House (west) → Mansion: 433 ft (132 m)

Inclines:

Carriage House → Mansion: moderate incline
Carriage House → Boathouse: moderate to steep incline

Discounted Admissions

Discounts available for limited-income guests, seniors, veterans, active military personnel and families, and children, and guests with limited mobility.

Museums for All

Classic Mansion Tour: $3 admission
Full Mansion Tour: $5 admission
Eligible with a current EBT or medical assistance card (MN & WI). Discount applies to the full family group.
Tickets must be purchased in person.

Blue Star Museum Program

As part of the Blue Star Museum program, Glensheen supports active military members and their families through free tour admission.
The Blue Star Museum program is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America.
While the national program runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Glensheen extends this benefit year-round.

Free Community Offerings

Community Days/Nights offered annually with free Classic Tours.
Additional free community events occur throughout the year.
Admission is first-come, first-served; capacity limits may apply.

Limited Mobility Tours

For those with limited mobility for who would not be able to climb stairs of all floors, we offer $5 Limited Mobility Tours that can be purchased via the phone or upon arrival. This tour includes stair-free wheelchair accessibility to the lower level and main floor as well as a video tablet, showcasing rooms of the second floor.

Why Are Some Areas of the Estate Not Accessible For Individuals with Mobility Challenges?

Due to the estate’s historical nature, many of its buildings are not accessible to individuals with mobility challenges. Elevators are not available in these buildings, meaning that visitors must be able to climb stairs to view certain areas.

While Glensheen has some paved walkways that are wheelchair accessible, many of our garden pathways have uneven ground, pebble paths, and a few stairs, making them challenging for some guests. Our historic buildings do not have automatic openers, which can challenge access in some spaces.

Are Guided Tours Accessible?

In general, guided tours of the estate are not accessible to individuals with mobility challenges because they include long periods of walking without rest, stairs, uneven ground, and pebble paths.

Mobility-friendly/Accessible tours for individuals can be arranged in advance by contacting [email protected]. Mobility-friendly/Accessible tours for groups can be arranged in advance by filling out our Group Tours Request form.

Does Glensheen offer solutions for visitors on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory needs?

Absolutely! We have a social story available. A social story is a narrative used to help individuals with sensory needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, understand and navigate social situations, routines, or expectations. These stories are designed to provide clear, concise, and visually-supported descriptions of what to expect and how to respond in specific scenarios, helping to reduce anxiety and improve social skills. Social stories can be tailored to address various sensory sensitivities, offering coping strategies and promoting a sense of security and predictability.

Download our Social Story

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