Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Deanne
“These are the weirdest collections I’ve ever seen.”
“I’ve never seen so much weirdness in one spot.”
“Strange, strange place.”
“This place is so weird – and I mean that in a good way.”
“I don’t even know how you describe this to people.”
“I wish I knew the story behind this. This is insane.”
Those are all quotes made by my husband as we toured the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin. He’s not alone in his reaction. This popular attraction, which is part house, part museum, and part architectural wonder, is home to some of the weirdest collections you can imagine. And not just a few. The enormous assortment of oddities pushes the boundaries of imagination and piques your curiosity to the point that you may leave with more questions than you started with. At the very least, you’ll leave with an overwhelming sense of awe.
Let’s explore.
House on the Rock tours
Open for public viewing since 1960, the House on the Rock was built on top of a column of rock called Deer Shelter Rock. Originally just a house, it expanded through the years into a large complex of buildings and exhibits.
The House on the Rock is divided into separate sections to tour – all of which are self-guided. You can choose to tour one, two, or all three sections of the house and grounds. I highly suggest touring Sections 1 and 2 at the very least. It’s not worth the visit to just tour Section 1 since you’ll miss most of the quirky exhibits. Plus, you won’t want to miss the House on the Rock carousel – the largest in the world – in Section 2.
(Check out our article Top Things to do in Spring Green for more fun things to add to your Spring Green itinerary.)
The Original House on the Rock, Infinity Room
The tour starts with a journey through the original house. It has 13 rooms, all intertwined with dimly lit passageways, small nooks with sunken furniture, dark wood, rock walls, mysterious blue and red lighting, and low ceilings.
Not a place to be if you’re claustrophobic. That is until you get to the infinity room. Then you might be concerned if you’re scared of heights.
The House on the Rock infinity room is made of walls of windows that stretch outward 218 feet to a point, unsupported, towering 126 feet over the green valley below. It’s an impressive sight, as it’s made from more than 3,000 pieces of glass. Walk out towards the end and you can feel the structure move slightly under your feet.
While the original house is unique and strange in itself, it’s the numerous additions of buildings, sprawling galleries, and assortment of weird collections that draw visitors from all around.
Among the weirdest collections in the world
It’s hard to describe all the displays inside the House on the Rock. Pictures don’t do it justice. Imagine a labyrinth of rooms brimming with random oddities that have no real connection to each other from room to room.
Suits of armor in one area. Dolls in another. Then a pair of whale eardrums and walrus tusks. Over 200 model ships.
Angels hanging from the ceiling. A collection of old cars, including a completely tiled car.
A stash of old guns. Musical instruments and organs. And a truly unique and unforgettable sight – a 200-foot-tall whale-like creature being attacked by an octopus.
(It’s impossible to get the entire two-story creature in the frame of your camera.)
** Important Tip: Buy House on the Rock tokens
Be sure to bring cash to buy tokens as you begin the tour. You’ll use tokens to activate various music machines and exhibits along the way. There are small, coin-operated dioramas near the beginning, but you are better off saving your tokens to use when you reach the music machines later in the tour, some of which fill an entire room. (Unless you want to be silly like me and use a token to test yourself on the Throne of Passion.)
Themed sections
The tour takes you through separate themed areas, including Streets of Yesterday, Heritage of the Sea, Music of Yesterday, and Spirit of Aviation, among others. You’ll find yourself walking down a red-brick road peeking into windows of 19th-century homes and storefronts, a sheriff’s office, a barber shop, and more.
All meticulously decorated as if it was real life. Although, I would hope the prisoner’s head in a glass jar on the sheriff’s desk is not a real-life depiction! (I told you this place was strange.)
Be prepared for sensory overload as you explore the weirdest collections of mechanically operated music machines and a full orchestra all lit up in a dizzying display of lights and music.
We were fascinated reading the collection of newspaper clippings about aviation feats, disasters, and key moments in the Spirit of Aviation room. Look up while you’re there to see all the model airplanes hanging from the ceiling. In fact, that’s a useful tip for anywhere you find yourself in the House on the Rock: Look up. You never know what peculiar items may be just above your head.
The House on the Rock Carousel
The House on the Rock carousel is probably the most anticipated part of the tour. It’s the largest carousel in the world and it will wow you! Twenty-thousand lights shine from this enormous ride featuring 269 animals – of which none are actually horses. You aren’t allowed to ride the carousel, but there are separate animals to pose on for a photo with the glowing carousel circling behind you.
One frustration while exploring the House on the Rock and all its peculiarities is the lack of descriptions next to many of the collections. You’re left to guess what some things are, where they came from, and the biggest question of all – “Why?”
But one thing’s for sure, From the moment you step inside the House on the Rock, you’ll be fascinated, astonished, and immersed into a world of odd creativity you won’t soon forget.
House on the Rock FAQ’s
Who built the House on the Rock… Frank Lloyd Wright?
No. While it might be natural to think that Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built the House on the Rock given that he lived and worked in Spring Green just a few miles from here, and the House on the Rock has characteristics resembling a Wright design, he did not.
The House on the Rock was built by Alex Jordan, a man described as eccentric and reclusive. In 1945 after coming to the area many times to camp on the rock, he decided to build a more permanent retreat to take in the amazing view. Later it became known as the House on the Rock. Jordan accumulated some of the weirdest collections over time and eventually opened his house to public tours in 1960 – although reluctantly at first. Expanding it through the years, this massive collection and famed attraction now draws visitors from all over the world.
Where is the House on the Rock located?
The House on the Rock is located in southwestern Wisconsin on Hwy 23 between Dodgeville and Spring Green. Drive time is one hour from Wisconsin Dells, Madison, and Dubuque, Iowa, and less than 2.5 hours from Milwaukee. For more area attractions and things to do, read our article: Top Things to do in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
Where do I buy House on the Rock tickets?
You can buy House on the Rock tickets online at this link: House on the Rock tickets
How much time should I allow exploring the House on the Rock?
Their website says to allow 3-3.5 hours there, and that was enough for us. But those who want to take their time could easily spend 5+ hours or the majority of a day here.
Things to keep in mind:
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a LOT of walking and part of the facility includes walking on uneven floors in dark, narrow, passageways.
I noticed the temperature was a bit cool at the start of the tour, so I was glad I grabbed a sweater to wear even though we visited during the summer.
Have you been to the House on the Rock? Would you consider this unique museum among the weirdest collections in Wisconsin – or the world? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
While you’re in Spring Green, check out American Player’s Theatre – a Wisconsin hidden gem!
Spent a weekend there, visiting the house, sleeping at the don Q inn, and next day at cave of the mounds. Would suggest that to anybody, great time. don Q is also a little different. Check it out
Sounds like a great weekend getaway! Thanks for the comment, Raymond.
Been coming to House On The Rock since 1984. Visited 37 times now, and still my favorite place in the whole world. I know alot about everything and would love someday to give private tours to explain backgrounds on the exhibits. The fascination and excitement of your experience will never be lost at House On The Rock!!
37 times… Wow! That’s impressive. You definitely should be giving private tours. Thanks for the comment, Sue.
I was hoping you could tell me about a room that I remember as a child. I remember an area where you walked through or it had stairs. Everything was made out of old wooden toys. Wooden blocks and wooden beads hung from the ceiling, and wooden airplanes, cars, and any toy back in the day that was made from wood made this area up. It had to be around 1992 ( I was 10) I just went back this year 2024 and the room I remember the most wasn’t there. I asked a few workers on site, but no one could remember anything.
I’m not sure about a room filled with wooden toys… I didn’t see one during my most recent trip in 2023. I toured The House on the Rock when I was a child, too, but I can’t remember specifics. I just remember this overall feeling of awe. Sorry, I’m not much help!
I have been there 2 times and I am ready to go back…. I just love the house on the rocks…. I say it’s an ultimate experience you could never experience ever again…… the house on the rocks has so many weird and amazing stuff in there…. Diana Fowler Des Moines Iowa
Yes, agreed! I hope you’re able to go back again soon.