House on the Rock

PLANS for a summer getaway a few years ago pointed my wife, my parents, and me to the Upper Midwest and to the state of Wisconsin. From our starting point in Missouri, our automobile trip took us to The Dells and several other interesting places. There were enjoyable sites to see along the way - both on our journey northward and on the return ride back home. However, the most unusual and fascinating place we visited was not a part of our original plans at all. Only because of a couple of road signs, we were able to discover the House on the Rock.

The House on the Rock is located near Spring Green, Wisconsin - several miles west of the Capitol City of Madison. About fifty years ago a man by the name of Alex Jordon discovered a 60-foot chimney of rock where he decided to build a house as a weekend retreat. His original structure had fourteen rooms. When construction was completed, people from the surrounding area were clamoring to see this house which had been built on the rock. Soon thereafter, the enterprising Jordon began selling tickets for tours at fifty cents each.

Jordon was an avid collector. Much of the space inside the original house provides room for his various collections. A tour through the house has been described as "a trip through the wild imagination of Alex Jordon." In 1988 Jordon sold his House on the Rock to an associate, Art Donaldson - a collector and businessman who shared his broad interests.

Today, the House on the Rock attraction is a complex of many buildings, exhibits, and garden displays. The "ultimate experience tour" includes the gate house, the original house, the infinity room, the mill house, the heritage of the sea, a tribute to nostalgia, music of yesterday, the spirit of aviation, the carousel room, the organ room, the doll room, the circus room, the galleries, inspiration point, and other areas.

The regular season for touring the House on the Rock is late April until early November. However tours are also available during the winter, the Christmas season, and in early spring. Persons interested may call 608-935-3639 for open hours and additional information. The actual address of the House on the Rock attraction is 5754 State Road 23 near the village of Spring Green. In addition to the attraction, visitors may wish to stay at The Inn, or The Resort, both located nearby.

For our family, what was unplanned - and totally unexpected - became a unique destination and perhaps the highlight of our vacation. From my own perspective, the House on the Rock was a special attraction and leisure experience worthy of my lofty recommendation to others.