General frequently asked questions. For specific Reopening/COVID questions, please refer to Health & Safety.

  • What are your hours?

    Glensheen’s hours vary depending on the season. For the most up-to-date information, check out our current hours.

  • What is the price to take a tour?

    Prices vary for each tour and, often, the age of the individual. For Adults, prices start at $20 for a Classic Tour. You can see the full pricing information by visiting each tour page.

  • How do the tours differ?

    The main difference between tours is the areas visitors see. While the Classic Tour and Full Mansion Tours focus on various floors of the mansion. The Classic Tour includes Glensheen’s most famous rooms on the first three floors. While the Full Mansion tour includes all five floors of the mansion. For more information on the types of tours and how they differ, you can visit the individual tour pages.

  • Do I have to reserve tickets ahead of time?

    You do not need to reserve tickets ahead of time. If you prefer, you may purchase Classic Tour tickets in advance. Specific dates and times are not assigned when purchasing a Classic Tour. Simply arrive any day and time during our entry hours. Classic Tour tickets are valid to be redeemed up to one year from the purchase date. Est. Tour Time: 60 minutes

    During our peak seasons, (July – October, December, & holiday weekends) tours sell out fast. Pre-purchase tickets do not act as reservations and do not advance guests to the front of the line.

  • Are you offering guided tours?

    We are currently not offering guided tours until further notice.

  • Do you have onsite parking?

    Glensheen does have an on-site parking lot, which provides free parking for tour or event visitors. During our peak tour season, or during popular events, the lot can fill up quickly. When this happens, visitors are encouraged to find a legal space to park within the nearby city streets. Please see the City of Duluth’s alternate side parking calendar.

  • Will there be a tour guide?

    All tours are currently self-guided. The self-guided Classic Tour and Full Mansion offer interpretive signage, a downloadable app, and an optional audio tour.

  • How does the audio work on the Glensheen app?

    Download the Glensheen app via Google Play or the Apple App store by searching ‘glensheen’.

    Bring your own headphones. Or like many of our guests, simply play the audio out loud from a mobile device.

    Use the app by selecting your tour or explore via the map and points of interest.

    Click on room icons to read more about each room

    Need help? Ask a friendly Glensheen staff member for some assistance.

  • Does the tour include the grounds?

    Yes! Before and after your tour, you are welcomed to enjoy and explore the 12-acre Glensheen estate. The free Glensheen app also includes information about the estate.

  • How frequently do the tours start?

    Specific entry times are not assigned for Classic and Full Mansion tour entry, just visit us during our tour hours! Which is awesome because it gives you plenty of flexibility. More information on each tour can be found on the individual tour pages.

  • How long is the tour?

    Tour lengths vary depending on the type of tour and the desired experience. The Classic and Full Mansion tours are self-paced with most visitors spending about one hour inside the mansion. You can find each tour length and additional information on the individual tour pages.

  • Are the tours handicap accessible? Is there an elevator?

    The Carriage House, the first floor, and the lower level of the mansion are handicap accessible. Videos of the floors not accessible will be provided to any guest who is unable to navigate stairs. There is not a passenger elevator. For additional accessibility information, please refer to our accessibility page.

  • What should families with children know?

    The Classic Tour is a family favorite as this self-guided tour allows visitors to begin at a variable time and tour at one’s own pace.

    Additionally, both the Classic and Full Mansion tours allow for bathroom visits at any time. Simply notify a staff member who will point you in the right direction.

    Before or after the tour, save time to explore the grounds, gardens, and hammock forest. Complete the experience by visiting our Lake Superior beach, skipping a few rocks, and planning your next adventure.

  • Can I bring a stroller? Are there changing tables available?

    Strollers are welcomed while navigating the outdoor portions of the property. The estate is positioned on 12-acres with exterior paths (both paved and dirt).

    For indoor exploration, strollers are welcomed in the Carriage House; strollers are not allowed within the Mansion. At the start of a tour, stroller parking is available outside of the Mansion’s entrance.

    Changing tables are provided in the Mansion’s indoor bathrooms.

  • Can I bring my pet with me to Glensheen?

    At this time, Glensheen does not allow pets or emotional support animals on the property. We do welcome service dogs!

    For additional accessibility information, please refer to our accessibility page here.

  • Is information given about the murder during the tour?

    Tours at the historic Glensheen estate strive to focus on life in the early 20th century, the era during which the estate was constructed. The unfortunate 1977 event is but a tiny slice of the rich history of the Congdon family and their beloved Duluth home. Please understand that we do not highlight the tragedy because we choose not to exploit the event or allow it to overshadow the Congdon family legacy.

    If you would like to learn more about it, three books have been published on the subject and more information is available on the internet.

  • Can we bring our own food?

    Glensheen encourages visitors to bring a picnic lunch or have food delivered to enjoy outside on the grounds before or after tours.

    However, in order to keep the estate safe for all of our employees and visitors, alcohol and glass are prohibited.

    Food is restricted to outdoor areas, and only water is permitted inside the mansion.

    A valid ticket or grounds admission must be purchased for the same day of desired access.

  • Is there food available for purchase?

    Glensheen’s Gift Shop offers an assortment of sodas and water. We also offer coffee, donuts, ice cream, and drinks available for purchase.

    Many of our visitors enjoy bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds before or after their tour.

  • Can you take pictures or video? What about using a drone (UAS) on the property?

    Glensheen visitors are encouraged to take non-flash photos inside the mansion or on the grounds. If you post your photos on social media (#Glensheen), you could get a shout-out from the Glensheen staff or even win a prize! Videos, however, are prohibited while inside the mansion.

    At this time, we do not allow recreational or commercial drone use on or over the property. According to University of MN policy, the use of UAS (drones) by members of the public for all purposes besides teaching, outreach, public relations, or public safety is prohibited on University property and in airspace over University property. Use of UAS for all other purposes, including recreation, is prohibited on University property and in airspace over University property. See policy here. If you have questions about this policy or would like to learn more, please reach out to Marketing Manager Mike Mayou at mmayou@d.umn.edu.

  • Do you host any luncheons or dinners?

     

    Please contact our event staff at gevents@glensheen.org for more information about hosting an event.

    Additional information can also be found by visiting our Venue Rentals pages.