GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL TOURS

All tours spend time outside as well as inside the historic buildings. The weather can be changeable on the hilltop and can range from very warm conditions to cold, foggy and windy conditions on some days.  Plan to dress in layers to accommodate these conditions and wear comfortable shoes as the tour routes include stair climbing, standing and walking.  Tours are conducted in the rain and are canceled only if the inclement weather conditions pose a hazard to the safety of the visitors and staff.  The interiors of the historic buildings are not air conditioned in the summer.  Visitors who have medical conditions, special needs or other conditions may want to consider the Accessibly Designed Tour or check at the Visitor Center for current hilltop conditions before proceeding on tour.

All tours include two 15-minute bus rides up and down the hill for each tour and this 30-minutes of riding time is in addition to the hilltop time for each tour.

Accessibly Designed Tour

The Accessibly Designed Tour is an option for individuals who have difficulty with climbing up and down stairs, walking, or standing for any length of time.  The tour route is similar to the Tour 1 route but without any stairs.  Visitors may use their own wheelchair, borrow one from our facility, or can walk at a slower pace using ramps.  A specially equipped bus that can accommodate wheelchairs takes visitors up and down the hill to the historic estate.  Trams are used to escort visitors on the tour route.  The duration of the hilltop tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Tour 1 (The Experience Tour)

Tour 1 (The Experience Tour) consists of approximately 170 stairs (up and down) and a 2/3 mile route to walk.  The duration of this tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of stair climbing, standing and walking.

Tour 2 ( Casa Grande Tour)

Tour 2 (Casa Grande Tour) consists of approximately 404 stairs (up and down) and a 3/4 mile route to walk.  The duration of this tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of stair climbing, standing and walking. 

Tour 3 (Casa Grande Tour)

Tour 3 (Casa Grande North Tour) consists of approximately 343 stairs (up and down) and a 3/4 mile route to walk. The duration of this tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of stair climbing, standing and walking.

Tour 4 (The Garden Tour)

Tour 4 (The Garden Tour) consists of approximately 240 stairs (up and down) and a 1 and 1/10 mile route to walk.  The duration of this tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of stair climbing, standing and walking.  This tour spends the majority of the tour time outdoors.   This tour operates from April through October. 

Tour 5 (The Evening Tour)

Tour 5 (The Evening Tour) consists of approximately 308 stairs (up and down) and a 3/4 mile route to walk.  The duration of this tour is 1 hour and 40 minutes in length with a considerable amount of stair climbing, standing and walking.  Visitors experience a variety of visual lighting conditions ranging from daylight to twilight to darkness with both exterior and interior artificial lighting, ranging from dim to very bright.