The Glensheen Mansion is a stunning example of an essential era in Duluth. The 20,000-square-foot, 39-room mansion was constructed in the early 1900s and exhibits Jacobean architecture on the exterior, combining Arts and Crafts, Federal-Style, and Art Nouveau touches on the interior. The Glensheen Mansion was built as a residential home for the prominent Congdon Family—the patriarch Chester Adgate Congdon was a lawyer and capitalist from Rochester, New York.
The University of Minnesota Duluth now operates and maintains the historic property as a museum, which is a beautiful representation of this time as most of the furnishings and designs are original to when the Congdon Family resided here. During the holidays, the mansion is transformed into a glowing wonderland, with trees dressed in twinkling lights and ornaments, garlands, and a festive scavenger hunt, fun for all ages.
Before you start filling your itinerary during your getaway to Minnesota, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Duluth Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to stay. Perched on the shoreline of Lake Superior, our cozy Inn is the perfect place for a relaxing winter retreat with gorgeous views, warm service, and a thoughtful and home-prepared breakfast each morning. Our perfectly appointed guest suites are equipped with luxurious amenities, and you’ll want for nothing during your time at Solglimt Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast.
We have a few open dates around the holidays; head to our calendar and book today!
Tour the Fascinating History of the Glensheen Mansion
Visiting the Glensheen Mansion is a fantastic activity all year-round, but it’s a special treat if you get a chance to visit during the holidays. It’s no surprise that a tour at the Glensheen Mansion has earned nearly 900 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and holds a spot in the top ten things to do in Duluth.
Here’s what to expect on a tour of the historic Glensheen Mansion:
- The Classic Tour is self-guided and gives you access to roam the 12-acre grounds and the palatial house at your own pace. We suggest the Full Mansion Tour, which includes all five floors, including the previously closed 3rd floor and attic.
- Along the self-guided tours, you’ll find signage and information about the family and the stories collected over the years. Unfortunately, not all of the history is positive, as the Congdon murders occurred in 1977 when Elizabeth Congdon and her nurse were killed by her son-in-law. This event has been profiled in documentaries, and the house has served as a backdrop for films over the years.
- The Holiday Tours this year are especially exciting, as the design team is creating a brand new festive experience with never before seen decorations. This includes 27 trees and a fun scavenger hunt with 25 elves hidden in the mansion. If you’re heading to Duluth with romance in mind, book the Candlelight Tours at the Glensheen Mansion for a special evening in the twinkling lights.
- This historic mansion is set on 12 beautiful acres with gardens, trails, and shorelines on Lake Superior. The view from the grounds is spectacular year-round. Just grabbing admission to the grounds during warmer months can be a lovely way to explore the North Shore on stone, woodchip, and paved paths. In the wintertime, snowshoes are encouraged for crisp, snowy treks. Don’t forget to get your best photos for Instagram; the Glensheen Mansion account will share the best posts on their page!
Enjoy the Holiday Season at our Duluth B&B
We love to decorate for the seasons at our Duluth Bed and Breakfast, which only adds to our already welcoming and comfortable atmosphere at the Inn. You’ll enjoy cozy nights by the fire with warm drinks, festive treats, and fantastic company. In the mornings, enjoy piping hot mugs of our very own Alakef Coffee blend, which pairs perfectly with our delicious three-course breakfast, which changes daily and right along with the seasons.
Join us in Duluth this winter and book your next getaway today!
