The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park offers visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of early 20th-century life in a small, frontier logging town. Built in 1904, this impressive residence was constructed for two prominent Flagstaff families – the Riordans – and stands as a remarkable example of “arts and crafts” style architecture.
Today, the mansion serves as a state historic park, allowing guests to explore its 13,000 square feet of history and architecture while learning about the impact of the Riordan family on the growth of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.
The Riordan Mansion is an architectural gem, showcasing the rustic and refined aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts movement. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the same architect behind the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon, the mansion features a striking combination of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The home has a total of forty rooms, including living areas and servants’ quarters, all thoughtfully designed to reflect the Riordan family’s status and the social dynamics of the time.
Timothy and Michael Riordan, two influential businessmen, built the mansion as a residence for their families. As the founders of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, the Riordans played a pivotal role in the development of Flagstaff’s economy. Their contributions were essential in shaping the region’s growth, both through their business endeavors and their support of community development. The mansion itself stands as a testament to their success and vision.
Visitors to the mansion can explore the home’s stunning architecture through a guided tour that provides a deeper understanding of the family’s legacy and the history of Flagstaff.
The house is divided into two main sections: the East House, which is furnished as though the family just stepped out, and the West House, which contains exhibits on Arts and Crafts, Native American pottery, and the local lumber industry. The tour also includes a model of historic Flagstaff, offering a visual glimpse into the town’s early development.
For those interested in delving further into the Riordan family’s history, the park’s Visitor Center, housed in the former family automotive garage, features introductory exhibits and interpretive displays.
The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is particularly enchanting during the holiday season. Throughout December, the home is decorated with period-appropriate holiday decorations. Evening tours from December 20-23 include special touches like Christmas lights on the mansion’s decorated fir tree and luminarias lighting the walking paths. Visitors can even meet Old Saint Nicholas himself on December 20, 2024, while enjoying a cup of warm apple cider as they stroll the grounds.
For more information on upcoming events, including holiday tours and special programs, or to book a guided tour, visit azstateparks.com.
