When walking through the endless displays at the House on the Rock, it feels as if you’ve stepped into the frantic, cluttered imagination of a restless dreamer. Oriental gardens; indoor historical streets; and eclectic collections of dolls, musical instruments, and art pieces overwhelm you. And what’s more is there are no plaques or attempts for the onslaught to explain itself. It’s dark, dusty, and easy to get lost in. If you’d like, you can escape the ordinary outside world here, adrift in the bizarre.
This American wonder of the world is a strange refuge perched atop a column of stone deep in the woods of Spring Green, Wisconsin. Legend says its creator, Alex Jordan Jr., originally made it to spite America’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, after Wright harshly criticized Jordan’s designs.
Although the House might feel ancient, it’s only been around since 1959. Jordan originally started the project with just the House proper, which features carpeted surfaces, low ceilings, and stained-glass windows. The architecture is modern, but takes on unique twists, becoming even more eccentric with the additions of the Gate House and Mill House.
The scale increases even further with its additions: the “Heritage of the Sea” exhibit; the “Music of Yesterday” with its hundreds of lightbulbs and interesting sounds; and the “Streets of Yesterday,” which features plenty of old-timey shops (none of which are actually operational). Must-see highlights for your visit include the famous Infinity Room, a token-operated orchestra of automatons, a monstrous two-hundred-foot whale sculpture, and the world’s largest indoor carousel, featuring 269 creatures but not a single horse.
Work on the house continued well after Jordan’s death in 1989, with a small museum dedicated to the man being the most recent addition. Today, there is an adjoining House on the Rock Resort where guests can enjoy a spa, pool, and golf course.
A day at House on the Rock involves several hours of walking, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. The regular season typically lasts from March to mid-November, with special Christmas attractions in late November and December. If you’re looking for something extra spooky, the House hosts the “Dark Side” haunted experience on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October. Note that some areas of the House are closed during this event. If you find yourself in Wisconsin, don’t skip this chance to spend a day you’ll never forget.