*The Nooks and Crannies tour is currently not offered – be sure to follow us on Facebook (Glensheen Mansion) and Instagram @glensheenmansion for updates on new and re-opened tours*
Glensheen has some pretty cool tours. It’s really just a fact. But in my mind, none of them can top the Nooks & Crannies tour.
This is a tour that brings guests behind the museum rope and rug and invites them to spaces that are typically never open to the public. The tour includes the upper level of the carriage house, where the Congdon’s carriages and sleighs are still stored today, along with an extensive collection of Congdon family treasures.
Honestly, the carriages themselves could be their own tour, especially when you consider the fact that this impressive collection was only one of the modes of transportation the Congdons had at their disposal.
The lift system, which was used to transport carriages and other heavy items from the main level of the building to the upper level, is also displayed on this tour.
While exploring the carriage house, guests will also make stops in the hayloft, which opens up to one of the property’s best views (aside from the porta-potties).
Guests also get an exclusive look at some of the mansion’s original appliances. This hunk of metal is the home’s original central vacuum, which was moved to the carriage house and now lives among the carriages.
While the carriages themselves are pretty interesting, there are a few gems hidden in the storage room that tie Glensheen’s history as a family home to the history of Duluth, including a barrel from Fitger’s Brewing Co., one of Duluth’s best-known landmarks.
Guests will also see an original Poirier Tent & Awning Co. canvas tent. If this company doesn’t sound familiar to you, it’s likely due to the fact that it has since evolved into Duluth Pack, another Duluth staple.
Certain items in this collection also tie the Congdon’s to some national trends as well, including this emergency supply of drinking water distributed by the Department of Defense, dated 1962.
The Nooks tour also brings guests through the family’s automobile garage, because yes, the Congdons did have cars when they moved into the home.