Learn More about our Participating Sites
Want to know when, where, and times a site will be open? Scroll below to learn about all of the historic houses, museums, and private homes of Historic Saint Louis.
Bellefontaine Cemetery
4947 W. Florissant, St. Louis, MO 63115
314-381-0750
Admission: free
Come visit the picturesque 314 acres of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Stop inside our main gate at 4947 W. Florissant and enter our Gate House (building on the left) for directions to a set of stops in the cemetery. While there pick up a little holiday cheer with some lite refreshments. Proceed into the cemetery to the Campbell, Field family lots and to Historic Hotchkiss Chapel. At each location Volunteers and Staff will be on hand to present information to each location, family and impact on St. Louis and Regional History. An exposure to the history of St. Louis and to a class II Arboretum, on the Morton scale, make a visit to Bellefontaine of interest for all that enter the gates.
1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House
409 S. Buchanan, Edwardsville, IL 62025
618-692-1818
Admission: Adults: $6, Children (6-12 years old): $3, Under 6: free
Blair Huse McAvoy Mansion
2043 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104
314-807-8346
Admission: Adults: $5, Children (under 16): free
Lafayette Square features one of its premier historic residences, the Blair-Huse Mansion, owned by Mike and Carolyn McAvoy. Originally a country home built for Montgomery Blair, a lawyer who represented Dred Scott in his famous freedom trial and served as Postmaster General during the Lincoln administration, the estate once covered the North side of Lafayette Park.
Following the Civil War, Blair sold the home to St. Louis Mayor James Britton, who in turn sold it to William Huse, a businessman successful in both steamboats and ice. Huse hired architect George Barnett to redesign and double the size of the house. It is similar to the Missouri Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City, also designed by Barnett. The home features a classic mansard roof, 14 foot ornate ceilings, walnut staircases and shutters and six fireplaces, arrayed for the holidays.
Campbell House Museum
1508 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 6310 314-421-0325
Admission: Adults: $8, Children (12 & under): free
Built in 1851, the first house in the elegant Lucas Place neighborhood, the Campbell House was the home of renowned fur trader and entrepreneur Robert Campbell and his family from 1854 until 1938. The museum contains hundreds of original Campbell possessions including furniture, paintings, clothing, letters, carriages and a unique set of interior photographs taken in the mid-1880s.
Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion
3352 DeMenil Place, Saint Louis, MO 63118
314-771-5828
Admission: Adult: $8, Children (under 12): free
Nicolas and Emilie Sophie DeMenil’s Greek Revival mansion is splendidly decorated for a “joyeux Noel” reflecting Victorian holiday traditions. Holiday crafts will be available for children 12 and under.
Thornhill Mansion at Faust Park
15185 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017
314-615-8328
Admission: Adults: $10 in advance $12 cash at the door, Children (4-12): $5, Under 4: free
Come experience the beauty of a holiday at Thornhill, the home of Governor and Mrs. Frederick Bates located in Faust Park. The customs of the 1860’s will surround guests on this self-guided tour through the festively adorned rooms with historically dressed docents in attendance. Thornhill is the oldest standing governor’s house in the state of Missouri and will be open Friday, November 30th 6-9 pm and Saturday, December 1st 10am-4pm & 5-9 pm.
Field House Museum
634 South Broadway, Saint Louis, MO 63102
314-421-4689
Admission: Adults: $7, Children (7-16) $4, Under 7: free
The Field House Museum is a dynamic museum and historic site focused on the Field Family. The historic house was once the home of Roswell Field, noted St. Louis attorney, and the birthplace of his son, Eugene Field, the “Children’s Poet” who was known best for his poems, Wynken, Blynken, & Nod and The Gingham Dog & Calico Cat. While living in the home, Roswell Field became the key attorney in the Dred & Harriet Scott Freedom Suit when he formulated the legal strategy that propelled the case to federal court. The house is designated as a National Historic Landmark and has an attached museum featuring the many collections of the museum. Guests will enjoy seeing our historic house, decorated for the holiday and featuring a beautifully adorned German feather tree. Stop by our kids’ activity spot to create a fun holiday activity.
First State Capitol State Historic Site
200 South Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301
314-565-1468
Admission: Free
Gittemeier House
1067 Dunn Road, Florissant, MO 63031
314-565-1468
Admission: Donation Encouraged
Griot Museum of Black History
2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106
314-241-7057
Admission: Adult: $7.50, Children (12 & under): $3.75
Hanley House
7600 Westmoreland Ave., Clayton, MO 63105 314-290-8553
Admission: $5 per person
Martin Franklin Hanley built the Historic Hanley House in 1855. The farmstead is the oldest structure in the City of Clayton and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restored home is today an historic house museum filled with original family furnishings, artifacts, and letters that together represent an honest portrayal of 19th century Missouri life. The holiday season is particularly important in the interpretation of the site as it was historically a time when M.F. Hanley, his wife Cyrene, their 10 children and extended family would try their best to gather in St. Louis to celebrate.
Hawken House
1155 S. Rock Hill Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119
314-968-1857
Admission: Adult: $5, Children (12 & under): free
The Historic Christopher Hawken House is one of the oldest houses in suburban Webster Groves. Christopher Miller Hawken came from a family of gunsmiths who handcrafted the “Hawken rifle” and built this elegant Federal/Greek Revival style farmhouse in 1857 for his bride, Mary Ann Kinkead Eads. The house originally stood on Big Bend Boulevard along Grant Road, and was moved to Southwest Park in 1970 in order to preserve the structure. It was the first home in Missouri to receive federal funds for restoration, which matched the amount raised by the citizens of Webster Groves and is listed on the National Historic Register. It is now maintained and operated by the Webster Groves Historical Society. Furnished entirely in the Victorian decor of that period, it is open to the public and special tours are available.
Historic Daniel Boone Home
1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO 633419 636-798-2005 Website Contact Admission: Adult: $8, Senior (60+): $6, Children (5-12): $5, Under 5: free
Historic Sappington House
1015 South Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63126 314-822-8171
Admission: Adult: $5, Children (under 12): $1
During Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, Thomas Sappinton built this frontier home for his bride Mary Ann. The 210-year-old house is judged to be the oldest surviving brick home in St. Louis County and is a rare example of Federal architecture in Missouri. Meticulously restored, elegantly refurbished and decorated with Christmas greenery, Sappington House is a window that allows visitors to look back to life in early 1800’s. Through a whimsical, yet historical skit, the costumed Sappingtons will enjoy the joyous season with other St. Louis families. Holiday treats will be served by The Barn restaurant.
Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site
124 E 1st St, East Saint Louis, IL 62206
618-332-1782
Admission:
The Jarrot Mansion Project and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering a special holiday event on December 1st: a chance to meet and learn the story of St. Nicholas and tour the beautiful and historic Jarrot Mansion. St. Nicholas – or Pere Noel, as he became known to the French – was a 4th century bishop whose story of helping the poor eventually transformed into the story of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas will be at the Jarrot Mansion to greet guests and explain who he is and how he inspired our modern Santa Claus. The Jarrot Mansion was built in 1810 for the wealthy merchant Nicholas Jarrot, and is one of the oldest brick buildings in Illinois. The Mansion will be decorated for the holiday season in traditional frontier French style, and guides will be available to explain how the Jarrot family celebrated the Christmas season.
Laborer’s House – Jefferson Barracks
360 North Road, St. Louis, MO 63125
314-615-8880
Admission: Adults: $3, Children (5-12): $1.50, Under 5: free
Please join us and celebrate Christmas in 1860 at the Laborers House in Historic Jefferson Barracks Park. Meet the Ordnance Keeper’s family of 4 and a naval officer who rented a room from them as well. You will experience Christmas during the holiday period of 1860. Learn about our homemade decorations and our favorite treats. Father Christmas (Santa Claus) will be there for photo opportunities and you’ll enjoy treats like hot chocolate, mulled cider and cookies. Enjoy the ambiance of lit candles and a time when life was hard work, but yet simpler times.
Magic Chef Mansion
3400 Russell, Saint Louis, MO 63104
314-664-3400
Admission: Adult: $15, Children (6-12): $8, Under 6: free
The Magic Chef Mansion was built in 1908 for Charles Stockstrom who founded the Magic Chef Stove Company. Come and see the original lighting, period furniture, bowling alley and carriage house decorated for Christmas.
John B. Myers Home
108 Dunn Road, Florissant, MO 63031
314-921-4606
In 1867 John B. Myers purchased a fifty acre tract in Florissant on what was then Taylor Road. In 1869 John Myers died with only the cellar of the present house completed. His widow completed the house according to the plans of her husband, which pinpoints the construction of the house between 1869-1870. The house has been preserved due to its architectural significance. It demonstrates remarkable persistence of the classical palladian tradition continuing into the Victorian era with its vertical proportions and elaborate details. Of particular interest is the extensive fresco work. The preservation of the Myers House is a precedent setting case in Missouri. It was saved from demolition for a highway because it had officially been designated a landmark by the City of Florissant. Currently the John B Myers House is divided into a weaving shop on the first floor and a private home on the second floor. The entire home is open to the public.
Mudd’s Grove
302 W. Argonne Drive., Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-965-5151
Admission: $5
Mudd’s Grove was built in 1859 in the heart of Kirkwood by John Hoffman. The imposing 3 story red brick building is in the Greek Revival style of architecture. Today the lovely furnishings reflect the Victorian Era when the home was occupied by Mr. & Mrs. Henry T. Mudd and their seven children. While living here Mr. Mudd traveled extensively through the Western Territories as a land developer. He held a number of political positions including St. Louis County Auditor. He was a member of the Town Board of Kirkwood and the Missouri State Legislature. Mudd’s Grove was purchased in 1992 by the Kirkwood Historical Society and extensively restored. Today the home not only serves as a museum but includes a comprehensive library for historical research.
Old Courthouse
11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 314-655-1600 Admission: free
Scott Joplin State Historic Site
2658 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
314-340-5790
Admission: Adult: $6, Children (6-17): $4, Under 6: free
Come to the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site for our Victorian Holiday Tour. Enter into the past (1902 to be exact) and delight in his historic apartment, complete with gas lights and calcimine paint decorated for the season. Visit next door to the Rosebud Cafe and enjoy authentic turn-of-the 20th century beverages and tasty treats. Experience the music of the season that Scott Joplin might have enjoyed during his time living here.
Sutter-Meyer Farmhouse
6826 Chamberlain Ct., University City, MO 63130 314-862-4569
Admission: free
The Sutter-Meyer Farmhouse is the oldest house in University City. It was originally built by William (b. 1846) and Julia Sutter on 8.33 acres of land inherited from William’s father, John Sutter (1815-1867). John Sutter came from Germany with his family in 1831. He had 16 children. John Sutter was a dairyman whose business supplied major St. Louis hotels. The community on Olive near the Sutter farm became known as Sutter, Missouri and had its own post office! In 1875, William Sutter sold his house and property to Roman Meyer (1847-1913), another German immigrant. Meyer was a truck farmer. In 1906 the area was incorporated into the new municipality of University City. The farmhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The City of University City now owns the farmhouse and adjacent land. It is leased by the Sutter-Meyer Society, formed in 2008 to perserve and maintain this University City treasure.
Taille de Noyer
1896 S. New Florissant Rd., Florissant, MO 63031
314-409-9478
Admission: Adult: $3, Children: $2
Taille de Noyer, the more than 200-year-old house, will be decorated for the holidays – guests are invited to tour all four floors of Tallie – the lower level contains memorabilia from Florissant homes and businesses including a bar from a saloon that closed during the Prohibition where one can enjoy a sample of mulled cider today; the first and second floors are the living quarters where you will find stockings hung on the fireplace and gifts from the period unde the tree. The aroma of spices coming from the kitchen will add to the holiday spirit. The third floor is home to the Period Clothing Collection that spans more than a century.
Tappmeyer Homestead
2 Barnes West Drive, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314-795-9322
Admission: free
Constructed in 1880, the Tappmeyer Homestead is an understated elegant Victorian Italianate farmhouse now located in Creve Coeur’s Millennium Park, behind Barnes West Hospital at Olive St. Rd. and Mason Rd. (#2 Barnes West Drive). The finely detailed and gracefully proportioned front porch is the entrance to the house. This, coupled with three high dormers on the front, causes the house to take on a playhouse-like appearance, which belies its actual size. Arriving from Germany, the Tappmeyer family settled in the area and became grain farmers, living in the home continuously for 108 years. Family lore is wagon loads of potatoes were delivered to the city, returning with lumber to build the house. The 600 ton house was moved from its prominent location on Olive in 2003, with a first floor restoration in 2008. The majority of the house is original including the beautiful corbels, interior and exterior trim, and balustrades. An interior wall of the house has been left exposed showing the brick nogging construction and balloon framing and is covered with original plaster and stenciling. The house will be decorated in holiday fashion consistent with the time period of its construction.
Twillman House
11840 Bellefontaine Road St. Louis, MO 631381 314-615-4386 Admission: Free
(We are having a giving tree; donations of a NEW scarf, gloves, socks or mittens to hang on our tree would be appreciated.)
Come visit Twillman House and see how it has been transformed from a country farm house to a community center. It is a historic town house built around the late 1800’s by John Henry Twillman built a fancy farmhouse on 374 acres in Spanish Lake (at Bellefontaine and Redman Roads). Three generations of this family lived in the home. In 1945 the house was sold. It then became the Meadowlark Restaurant and later the Old Homestead Restaurant. In 2005 the Spanish Lake Community Association purchased the house and renovated it to be the community center for Spanish Lake. We are currently using the house for community activities and private rental events.
White Haven
7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 314-842-1867
Admission: free
Themes
Connections Across Time
Can you trace the degrees of separation from Daniel Boone to Edward Bates, Pierre Laclede to Dred Scott, Samuel Hawken to Ulysses S. Grant, and Thomas Hart Benton to seven Saint Louis historic sites? Do you want to learn parlor games not to be attempted at home? Come travel through Saint Louis history and listen in as interpreters and costumed characters provide pieces of these puzzles.
African-American Sites
Tour sites that not only shaped the history of Saint Louis, but also the nation:
Benjamin Stephenson House
Blair Huse McAvoy Mansion
Field House Museum
Griot Museum of Black History
Hanley House
Historic Sappington House
Old Courthouse
Scott Joplin House
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Civil War Sites
Take a trip through Civil War history at the following sites:
Blair Huse McAvoy Mansion
Field House Museum
Griot Museum of Black History
Hanley House
Hawken House
Mudd’s Grove
Old Courthouse
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Country
See the sites of the country when you travel to the following sites:
Benjamin Stephenson House
Daniel Boone Home
Gittimeier House
Hanley House
Historic Sappington House
Hawken House
Sutter-Meyer Farmhouse
Taille de Noyer Farm House
Tappmeyer Homestead
Thornhill Governor’s Mansion
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Early American Sites
Explore some of the earliest settlements in the Saint Louis area when you visit these houses:
Benjamin Stephenson House
Daniel Boone Home
Historic Sappington House
Thornhill Governor’s Mansion
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
French Heritage Sites
Enjoy a trip in French history when you visit the following sites:
Blair-Huse McAvoy Mansion
Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion
Jarrot Mansion Project
Old-Courthouse
Germanic Sites
Learn about Saint Louis’ German ties as you travel to these historic sites:
Field House Museum
Magic Chef Mansion
Tappmeyer Homestead
Geographic
Wanting to stay close to one central location? Visit these clustered sites:
Cluster 1:
Gittimeier House
John B. Meyers House
Taille de Noyer House
Cluster 2:
Blair-Huse McAvoy Mansion
Campbell House Museum
Field House Museum
Old Courthouse
Scott Joplin House
Town
Explore the sites of the “big city” when you visit these venues:
Blair-Huse McAvoy Mansion
Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion
Field House Museum
Griot Museum of Black History
Magic Chef Mansion
Old Courthouse
Victorian Sites
See high society at its best when you visit these historic sites:
Blair-Huse McAvoy Mansion
Campbell House Museum
Hawken House
Mudd’s Grove
Tappmeyer Homestead
Thornhill & Faust Park
