PA Historic Places

15 Pennsylvania Mansions That Host Public Tours

A collage of four stunning historic mansions in Pennsylvania, each open for public tours. The top-left image showcases a brick castle-like mansion with arched windows and a turret. The top-right image features a grand stone estate with intricate architectural details and multiple levels. The bottom-left image highlights a Victorian-style mansion with ornate gables and a wraparound porch. The bottom-right image presents a stately stone mansion with a steep red roof and symmetrical design.

If you’re looking for information about historic mansions in Pennsylvania that host public tours, you’re in the right place!

Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of historic mansions, built by pioneers of the coal, iron, steel, and lumber industries, as well as other lucrative ventures.

A lobby area inside the Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The room features rich wooden paneling and a portrait of a distinguished gentleman hanging above an ornate wooden bench with blue upholstery. The space is elegantly decorated with floral arrangements and period furniture, leading into a warmly lit adjoining room with a dining table and chandelier visible in the background. The wooden ceiling beams add to the historical and refined atmosphere of the mansion. — Graystone Mansion in Chester County.

These grand homes serve as striking testaments to the opulent lives of the industrial titans who once occupied them, starkly contrasting with the often modest homes of their workers.

An elegant library room inside the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring rich wood paneling, built-in bookshelves, and an intricately carved fireplace. The room is adorned with decorative molding on the ceiling, a large area rug, and framed artwork, including a portrait above the bookshelves. Warm lighting from table lamps adds to the inviting atmosphere, and an open doorway provides a glimpse into another beautifully furnished room, highlighting the mansion’s refined architectural details and luxurious interior design typical of the late 19th century. — The Watson-Curtze Mansion in Erie.

Whether preserved as they were during their heyday or transformed into museum-like spaces, these mansions offer fascinating glimpses into the past.

Visitors explore the intricate interior of Fonthill Castle, surrounded by towering concrete pillars adorned with handcrafted tiles. The room is filled with built-in bookshelves, antique furnishings, and historic artwork, creating a rich, immersive atmosphere. The group observes the detailed craftsmanship and unique architectural features, soaking in the castle's blend of artistic and historical elements. — Fonthill Castle in Bucks County.

Some allow visitors to capture their grandeur through interior photography, while others prohibit it, adding an air of mystery to their lavish halls.

Dining room at the Baker Mansion in Altoona Pennsylvania. — Dining room at the Baker Mansion in Blair County.

Regardless of their differing policies, each mansion offers a unique and breathtaking experience for those eager to explore Pennsylvania’s rich industrial and architectural heritage.

Elegant historical room at Nemacolin Castle in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, with a grand fireplace, vintage portraits in golden frames, an antique clock, globe, and bookshelf filled with old books, all showcasing 19th-century décor. — Library at Nemacolin Castle in Fayette County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below (arranged alphabetically) to read more in-depth information about each mansion tour.

The formal ballroom at the Boal Mansion in Boalsburg Pennsylvania. — The formal ballroom at the Boal Mansion in Boalsburg, Centre County.

1. Asa Packer Mansion

The Asa Packer Mansion in Carbon County was the home of philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer.

The Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, PA.

Built in 1861 by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, the home was constructed over a span of two years at a cost of $14,000 dollars, and sits on a hill overlooking downtown Jim Thorpe.

View from the Asa Packer Mansion on October 20th.

2. Baker Mansion

The Baker Mansion in Blair County is a three-story, Greek Revival-style home built by ironmaster Elias Baker between 1844 and 1848.

The front façade of the Baker Mansion in Altoona is five bays wide and features six fluted columns.

Elias Baker got to enjoy the home for 15 years before he passed away in 1864; his widow and children then occupied the home until 1914.

A beautifully decorated parlor of n the first floor of the Baker Mansion in Altoona Pennsylvania. — A beautifully decorated parlor on the first floor of the Baker Mansion.

3. Boal Mansion

What is today known as Boal Mansion in Centre County started out as a simple stone cabin built by David Boal, a Scottish-Irish pioneer who founded the village of Boalsburg around a tavern he built in 1804.

Exterior of the Boal Mansion in Boalsburg Pennsylvania. — Exterior of the Boal Mansion.

Succeeding generations of the Boal family added onto the original house, and in 1978 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

A formal dining room inside the Boal Mansion in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, featuring a long wooden table set with an elaborate display of fine china, silverware, and glassware. The table is adorned with ornate serving dishes, cups, and plates in various patterns, with matching table linens. A large fireplace with a stone hearth and decorative mantle adds a historic ambiance to the room. Mannequins dressed in period clothing are visible near the back, and vintage furniture such as upholstered chairs and a glass-fronted cabinet filled with additional china complete the scene. The room is softly lit, highlighting the elegant decor and 19th-century atmosphere. — Dining area at Boal Mansion.

4. Cameron-Masland Mansion

The Cameron-Masland Mansion, a historic stone villa perched on a Cumberland County mountaintop, offers a scenic overlook that captures the essence of Pennsylvania’s picturesque outdoors.

The historic Cameron-Masland Mansion, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, featuring a large American flag and PA flag, surrounded by mature pine trees and autumnal decorations, under a cloudy sky.

The 32-room mansion was built in 1908 as a summer home by James McCormick Cameron, whose father and grandfather both served as United States Senators from Pennsylvania.

View from the stone terrace wall at Cameron-Masland Mansion overlooking the forested South Mountain and distant Cumberland Valley under cloudy skies.

After Cameron’s death in 1949, C.H. Masland and Son Carpet Company of Carlisle bought the mansion and 1,430 acres of land around it, transforming the mansion into the “Masland Guest House” and using it to train employees and accommodate clients.

Side view of Cameron-Masland Mansion with glass conservatory, stone architecture, and panoramic view of Cumberland Valley, PA.

5. Centre Furnace Mansion

Centre Furnace Mansion in State College served as the home for a series of “iron masters” in the late 1700s through the mid 1800s.

Fall foliage at Centre Furnace Mansion in Centre County.

It is also the birthplace of Farmers High School in 1855, a school that would grow into what is known today as Penn State University.

Dining room at Centre Furnace Mansion in State College Pennsylvania. — Dining room at Centre Furnace Mansion.

6. Clayton | The Henry Clay Frick Mansion

Clayton in Allegheny County is a Victorian-era mansion dating back to the late 19th century, showcasing the affluent tastes of Henry Clay Frick, a titan in the Pittsburgh steel industry.

A stately view of the Henry Clay Frick estate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showcasing the mansion’s elegant architectural details. The Victorian-style mansion features a combination of stone and stucco façades, ornate window frames, a grand enclosed porch with decorative railings, and multiple chimneys. The steeply pitched roofs are adorned with patterned shingles and finials, complementing the historical design. Leafless trees frame the scene, and the mansion is set against a backdrop of partly cloudy skies, highlighting its status as a preserved historical landmark. — Exterior of Clayton.

Visitors to Clayton can take a guided tour (no interior photography permitted) through rooms replete with period furniture and décor, offering a firsthand experience of the luxury the Frick family enjoyed.

The Frick estate mansion in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands majestically with its elaborate Victorian architecture, featuring steep gables, decorative trim, and an ornate enclosed porch. The creamy beige façade is complemented by the brownstone accents and slate roof, while the surrounding landscape is beginning to show signs of spring with leafless trees and a bright green lawn.

7. The Columns Museum

Housed in a stunning 1904 neo-classical mansion in Milford, the Columns Museum is now the home of Pike County Historical Society.

The Columns Museum, home of the Pike County Historical Society, is housed in a grand, white, two-story building with a classical architectural design. The front features large, imposing columns supporting an upper balcony, and a curved porch wraps around both sides of the entrance. The steps leading up to the front door are flanked by well-maintained shrubs and greenery. The building's historic charm is evident in its detailed trim and symmetrical design. A sign on the door indicates that the museum is open to visitors. The museum showcases various exhibits, including the "bloody Lincoln flag," personal effects of Charles Sanders Peirce, 19th-century clothing, and local memorabilia.

The mansion-turned-museum features two floors brimming with artifacts and memorabilia that chronicle the rich tapestry of Pike County’s past.

An exhibit at the Columns Museum in Pike County, PA, showcases a collection of personal effects and memorabilia related to Charles Sanders Peirce. The room features a white display cabinet filled with blue and white porcelain dishes, photographs, and other artifacts. Adjacent to it is a dark wooden bookcase containing books and a portrait of Peirce with a descriptive plaque. The room is furnished with an antique clock, an upholstered chair, a side table with a lamp, and a vintage sofa. Large windows with natural light and historical decor contribute to the museum's period-appropriate ambiance.

8. Curtin Mansion

Curtin Mansion in Centre County is part of Curtin Village, a beautifully-preserved and restored 19th century iron plantation, composed of the ironmaster’s mansion, the iron furnace, and the workers village.

The Curtin Mansion next to Eagle Iron Works is a beautiful spot to view fall foliage in Centre County Pennsylvania. — Curtin Mansion exterior.

On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from June through September , you can tour the insides of both the mansion and the iron works with docents who provide a wealth of information about the iron-making process, the Curtin family, and life in this company town in the 1800s.

Docent explaining how meals were prepared in the Curtin Mansion.

9. Fonthill Castle

Fonthill Castle in Bucks County is a sprawling 19,000-square-foot structure with European-inspired design that attracts visitors from across the globe.

A front view of Fonthill Castle captures its impressive and eclectic architecture, featuring numerous turrets, chimneys, and windows of various shapes and sizes. The castle's concrete facade showcases a blend of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine styles, creating a unique and visually striking structure. The expansive grounds surrounding the castle are well-maintained, offering a serene setting that highlights the grandeur and historic charm of this remarkable building.

Built between 1908 and 1912, this extraordinary structure was the vision of Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramicist, and scholar.

An interior view of Fonthill Castle shows a beautifully decorated fireplace, adorned with intricate tile work from the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. The tiles depict detailed scenes with vibrant colors, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic vision of Henry Mercer. To the left of the fireplace, framed artwork adds to the room's historic ambiance. A life-sized cardboard cutout of Henry Mercer stands beside the fireplace, offering visitors a glimpse into the persona of the man who created this architectural masterpiece. The setting reflects the eclectic and historical character of Fonthill Castle, with its combination of artistic elements and rich history.

10. Friendship Hill

Friendship Hill National Historic Site preserves the western PA home and estate of Albert Gallatin, often described as “America’s Swiss Founding Father”.

Albert Gallatin's home his western PA estate he named Friendship Hill. — Exterior of Friendship Hill.

Gallatin was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1761, emigrated to America in 1780, and purchased 400 acres in western PA in 1786, where he built the home he dubbed Friendship Hill.

A parlor room at Friendship Hill in Fayette County Pennsylvania. — A parlor room at Friendship Hill.

11. Nemacolin Castle

Nemacolin Castle in Fayette County, also known as Bowman’s Castle, is a historic mansion perched on a bluff overlooking the Monongahela River in Brownsville.

A historical red brick building with white windows and an Italianate tower, surrounded by greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The building features a white porch with decorative arches.

The castle began as a simple 2-room log structure and trading post in 1789, built by Jacob Bowman.

Historic kitchen interior at Nemacolin Castle with exposed stone walls, open hearth fireplace, rustic furniture, and vintage utensils.

As Bowman’s wealth and family grew, so did the residence, which he named in honor of the Native American chief, Nemacolin, who helped colonial settlers traverse the treacherous Allegheny Mountains in this area.

Interior of a room in Nemacolin Castle, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, with Victorian-style decor, including a red upholstered couch, ornate gold and crystal chandelier, heavy drapery, portraits in oval frames on blue walls, dark wood furniture, and a purple rug, illuminated by natural light.

12. Overholt Mansion

Overholt Mansion in Westmoreland County was the home of the Overholt Distillery’s founding family.

A front view of the West Overton Historical House, the birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, features a large brick building with two chimneys and a spacious front porch. The house is set behind a well-maintained lawn with a central pathway leading to the entrance, flanked by a white picket fence. The surrounding greenery and clear blue sky enhance the historical charm of the building. This site is part of West Overton Village, which preserves the history of whiskey production in Pennsylvania and showcases an extensive collection of artifacts.

Abraham Overholt took what began as a 263-acre family farm in 1803 grew into an industrial village that supported a prosperous whiskey distillery, as well as a grist mill, coal mine, farm, and other businesses.

A beautifully preserved bedroom at West Overton Village, showcasing period furnishings including an ornate four-poster bed with a patterned quilt, a marble fireplace, an antique clock on the mantel, a grandfather clock, and wooden window shutters. The room exudes 19th-century charm, reflecting the historic ambiance of this renowned whiskey production site in Pennsylvania.

13. The Peirce-du Pont House

The Peirce-du Pont House at Longwood Gardens in Chester County was the original home of the Peirce family, who owned the property that became Longwood Gardens before Pierre du Pont bought it in 1906.

The exterior of the Pierce-du Pont House at Longwood Gardens, covered in lush green ivy and featuring classic brick architecture. The house has multiple stories with green shutters and arched windows, surrounded by mature trees and well-maintained gardens. The bright blue sky and scattered clouds provide a picturesque backdrop to this historic building.

This historic house has been meticulously restored and now serves as a museum, offering insights into the early history of the gardens and the lives of its previous owners.

A study inside The Peirce-du Pont House at Longwood Gardens, featuring dark wooden bookshelves filled with books, a fireplace, and antique furniture. Portraits hang above the fireplace, and a globe and clock are displayed on a side table.

14. Terracina and Graystone Mansion

Terracina, built in 1850, and Graystone Mansion, constructed in 1889, are a pair of historic ironmasters’ homes at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County.

A view of Terracina, a historic home at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The house features a Gothic Revival architectural style with decorative woodwork, tall chimneys, and green shutters. The well-maintained lawn has a paved walkway leading to the front porch, and mature trees provide a picturesque backdrop. A brick-lined basement entrance is visible in the foreground, adding to the home's historic charm.

These homes provide a glimpse into the lives of the individuals who were instrumental in the iron and steel industry’s development in the Chester County region.

The parlor inside Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The room features rich wood paneling and large windows with wooden shutters, allowing ample natural light. A beautifully carved wooden fireplace with a decorative mantle serves as the focal point. The parlor is furnished with a set of antique wooden chairs and a sofa, all upholstered in deep red velvet. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding elegance to the space. A large rug covers the hardwood floor, and floral arrangements adorn the room, enhancing its historic charm.

15. Watson-Curtze Mansion

The Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie is a 24-room marvel built in 1891.

The front view of the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing its grand architecture with a stone exterior, red-tiled roof, and prominent chimneys. The mansion features rounded towers, large windows, and intricate stone detailing, reflecting its late 19th-century design. The well-kept grounds, with a central walkway flanked by manicured hedges and lantern-style lights on stone pillars, enhance the stately appearance of this architectural landmark, now part of the museum complex dedicated to preserving Erie County's history.

It stands out with its Richardsonian Romanesque style, stained-glass windows, and mosaic tilework.

A grand room inside the Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a large marble fireplace with intricate woodwork and decorative tile panels above the mantel. The space is adorned with dark wood paneling, a coffered ceiling, and a richly patterned red and navy area rug. An ornate chandelier and classic wall sconces add to the elegance of the room, while doorways lead into other lavishly decorated rooms, providing a glimpse of Victorian-era opulence in this historic home.

Inside the mansion, visitors can explore opulent rooms adorned with intricate woodwork and marble fireplaces.

An ornate dining room inside the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a large, elegantly set table with a fringed tablecloth and leather chairs. The room is adorned with rich wood paneling, intricate murals on the walls, and a beautifully carved fireplace with stained glass accents above it. A grand chandelier hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the space and highlighting the mansion's opulent Victorian-era design and attention to detail.

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