The mansion will be closed November 11 through 21 for holiday decorating. Holiday tours begin November 29. If you want to take part in our Donor Holiday Preview November 22-24, please visit our Supporter Fund page to learn how you can contribute to Brucemore’s mission.
Tour Options
Explore over 100 years of Cedar Rapids history with these available tour options.
A Brucemore Christmas
November 29 – December 29
Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sundays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Entry times are every 30 minutes. Last entry time at 3:00 PM.
This self-guided tour of the mansion is sure to fill you with holiday cheer! Explore our award-winning holiday experience, complete with over a dozen dazzling Christmas trees, sparkling seasonal décor, and a glimpse into the holidays of the past at Brucemore. Follow in the footsteps of the families of Brucemore as you explore the history of the mansion.
Brucemore donors receive early access to tickets.
Holiday Nights
Select evenings December 1 – December 26
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Additional tours on Tuesday, December 17, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Entry times every 30 minutes. Last entry time at 7:30 PM.
Experience the festive cheer of the mansion aglow in holiday lights. With over a dozen Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights, this breath-taking view of Brucemore is sure to bring Christmas alive for the whole family. These self-guided tours give you the opportunity to indulge in the cozy splendor of the season on select evenings in December.
Brucemore donors receive early access to tickets.
Guided Mansion Tours
Guided tours are on hiatus for the holiday season. Please check back in spring 2025 for guided tour availability.
Hear the stories of Brucemore during our guided tours. These tours take you through the first three floors of the mansion and the basement.
Tickets may be purchased at the mansion at the time of visit. Space is limited on each tour and ticket sales at the door are subject to availability.
Nooks and Crannies Tours
Satisfy your curiosity about Brucemore with this behind-the-scenes experience. Explore typically closed buildings and areas of the mansion and learn the answer to a frequently asked question: “what’s behind that door?”
Nooks and Crannies Tours will return in spring 2025. Sign up for our email list to learn when tickets go on sale.
Please note: Only guided tours are available through November 10. All holiday tours will be self-guided. Tickets are required to enter the mansion. The landscape is free to explore whenever the gates are open. Please see our calendar for complete tour and landscape access hours.
2024 Closures:
Mondays and Tuesdays
January 1 & 2; January 15; February 19; March 31; May 27; June 19; July 4; September 2; October 14; November 11; November 28; December 23-25
Group Tours
For groups of 16 or less, please use the links above to purchase tickets for a scheduled upcoming tour. For adult or student groups of 17 or more, please contact us to inquire about opportunities to schedule your own visit. Group tour availability may be limited, and subject to capacity restrictions.
Ticket Policies
Refund and Exchange Policy
Ticket sales are non-refundable. A request to transfer the value of unused tickets into a tax-deductible contribution in support of Brucemore’s mission may be made up to 24 hours prior to the program or to exchange the value of the tickets to a different date or time of the same program, subject to availability. Other policies may vary.
Inclement Weather Policy
Tours and events may be canceled if weather or other conditions could jeopardize the safety of anyone involved. Outdoor programs may be held in a light rain or be delayed to allow inclement weather to pass. News related to canceled programs will be posted on the website.
If Brucemore cancels the program before it begins or before intermission (as applicable), guests may have options to exchange tickets for another offering of the same event (pending availability). Tickets are non-refundable, however, the ticket value may be credited as a tax-deductible contribution to Brucemore within seven days. Policies may vary with partner events.
Ticket and Tours FAQ
General
Do I need to pay to enter the estate and walk on the grounds?
No. Visiting the Brucemore estate during grounds hours is free. Tickets are only required for scheduled tours and events, and they can be purchased in advance online.
Is a reservation needed to visit Brucemore?
You do not need a reservation to visit the grounds on your own. You do need a ticket to go inside the mansion. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online or by calling 319-362-7375 for any of our mansion tours or other scheduled special themed tours due to limited capacity. Please visit our calendar to see upcoming opportunities and to purchase your tickets.
Touring the Mansion
Can I take pictures inside the mansion?
Yes. Photography is allowed during tours for personal, non-professional use. Tripods, selfie-sticks, or other photography equipment will not be permitted. Photographs should not distract from others’ enjoyment.
How large is the mansion?
Brucemore is approximately 15,000 square feet.
How many fireplaces, rooms, and floors does Brucemore have?
There are 21 “main” rooms, 14 fireplaces and four floors plus an attic.
Is all of the furniture original to the house and families?
Much of the furniture you will see on display belonged to the second or third families to live at Brucemore; however, some pieces had to be replaced with replicas or similar antiques.
Is the mansion handicap accessible?
The Brucemore mansion includes multiple floors and several staircases. Because of the historic architecture, some spaces are not accessible. Due to preservation work, the wheelchair lift that offers accessibility to the first floor is not available at this time. An elevator is not available from the first floor to the other floors at any time. Learn more about accessibility at Brucemore.
Group and School Tours
Is there an age requirement for students visiting Brucemore?
You do not have to be a certain age to visit or attend a program at Brucemore. Different programs are best suited for different ages. Tours of the mansion are recommended for 4th grade students and older.
Where do we park?
Parking is available on site a short walk from the mansion or carriage house. Buses must follow special instructions. Large events may not be able to accommodate on-site parking; please see the event calendar information for exceptions.
Is bus parking available?
Yes. Bus parking is available near the carriage house. Buses must arrive via special directions as they are unable to fit in our historic gates.
Is there a lunch area at Brucemore?
There are a couple of small picnic tables in the orchard and Adirondack chairs in pairs across the property to utilize during the warmer months. You are also welcome to bring your own blanket or chair to picnic on the grounds. Please carry out any trash to help our small staff keep the grounds beautiful.
Does my group have to arrive together?
Your group does not have to arrive together, however, parking on site is limited.
What is your payment policy?
Brucemore admission for group tours is often requested to be paid prior to the visit and a deposit may be required. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card and should be paid in one sum.