2024 Haunted Burpee Mansion Tour

Date: Saturday, October 26th Time: 5pm-8pm

Cost: ($5 adults | $5 kids 4-12) Not recommended for children under 3

In 1893, the Williams Fletcher Barnes house was built during a severe economic depression. It was one of the finest homes in Rockford, costing more than $30,000 at the time. A showplace with 15 rooms, a turret, two porticoes, and hand-carved solid cherry paneling in the foyer, reception area, and first floor hallway. During the building of the home, W.F. Barnes employed local immigrants to assist with the intricate interior woodworking, paying anywhere from $0.50 to $1.00 per day for their labor.

The home was the location for some of the fanciest, and most beautiful parties in Rockford. Popular "lawn parties" included an orchestra playing on the front steps of the home. The family inhabited the first and second floor of the home. The basement featured the family's kitchen, staffed by servants, and food was served by entrances to the living quarters through multiple servant doors coming out of the separate servant hallway.

* *The Barnes Mansion is NOT wheelchair accessible.

* *Check-in at the front desk of Burpee Museum for wristbands!

Host or Publisher Burpee Museum of Natural History