The other Yelp reviews do such a good job of evaluating this historic attraction; I'm not sure I could add anything more. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this FLW home, our guide was informed and enthusiastic. We found the design of this city home more formal than Fallingwater in PA. If you are the least bit interested in architecture or FLW, we recommend visiting this place during your stay in Springfield. read more

See all

Spectacular. This incredible example of Wright's visionary design is also filled with Wright-designed furniture. It is totally incredible. The history of the owner is also pretty interesting. If you are at all interested in architecture, art, design, or anything else - you should see this house. It is a good #2 for the Lincoln Museum in town. And the tour is only $5 for adults - ridiculous! read more

This was definitely a treasure to come across in Springfield. We lucked out and had a tour all to ourself, and Valerie was an amazing guide with tons of knowledge and insight to share with us. I highly recommend a visit here, and knowing about the Victorian Christmas display slated for this winter has us debating another visit for that. read more

I LOVE this house! I wish more rooms where open to the public though. I don't feel you get the full picture.

Its not all Lincoln in Springfield this house is amazing and I can't say much more than all the other reviews have except that if your even mildly interested in architecture this is a must see in Springfield the original furniture and glass ornaments are just beautiful. This is one site that even tho I live here i revisit all the time. read more

The Dana Thomas house is absolutely beautiful and amazing. The staff is friendly and knowledgable, making your experience both delightful and educational. The gift shop is an added plus at the end of your tour. read more

This home is breathtaking. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but the detail inside is amazing. It's easy to drive past and never stop, but you really should check it out when you can. read more

This was my first visit and I would highly recommend it. The tour covers a great deal of the house, and Valerie - our tour guide - was fantastic. She clearly has done a lot of research, both about the house and about the fascinating life of its original owner, Susan Lawrence Dana. If you have any interest in architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, late 19th and early 20th century history and culture then you have to visit the Dana-Thomas house. read more

I never really cared much for FLW until I took this tour. I had to be sort of dragged into this, but I'm glad I went. This is a stunning display of his work. Gorgeous open space that flows from room to room, with obsessive detail in the "non" detail. I left wondering what kind of mind could create such a beautiful place. read more

Prairie Style architecture is normally characterized by its restraint in ornamentation. The Dana-Thomas House is an example of Prairie Style executed in opulent fashion. The muscular massing is imposing, but as one walks around the house, the edges and angles of the walls, roof, and windows reveal their balance as they make new, elegant compositions. The house announces itself with it's exterior, but the interior is what makes the Dana-Thomas house one of the jewels of Prairie Style. The rooms demonstrate Frank Lloyd Wright's flowing use of space, as well as his ethos that all the elements of interior environments should combine harmoniously. However, it's the ornament and decorative art of the house that leaves the visitor stunned. I counted five or six different patterns of light screens, and I'm sure there were some I missed. Lamps designed to throw patterns of colored light on to nearby walls, intricately carved furniture, and patterns and motifs repeated in wood, glass, and textiles... the house is in a word, resplendent. To take it all in at once is overwhelming. The Dana-Thomas House operates under the auspices of the State of Illinois. Recent budget cuts have resulted in a list of State-administered sites being closed indefinitely, on which the house is included. The closing date for the house has been postponed twice since the initial announcement, and as of this writing, is scheduled for December 1, 2008. There was a tangible sense of uncertainty and urgency communicated by the volunteers at the house. Fans of Frank Lloyd Wright and those who value historic preservation are strongly urged to contact their representatives as well as Governor Rod Blagojevich. Those interested in supporting the house should schedule a visit soon (tours are available Wednesday through Sunday), make a donation, and/or purchase items from the Sumac Shop (which has an excellent book selection, including titles I haven't seen at either Robie House or the Home & Studio). read more

The kids and I took a trip to Springfield over the summer and this was on our to-do list. I really enjoyed the tour of the house. The tour guide was so sweet and knowledgeable. There is no entrance fee, only a donation suggested. The history of the home is fascinating. read more

A house with no doors! It is very interesting and a great story about the house. The dining room is pretty cool too. This is one of Springfield's gems and I go on the tour every time I'm visiting friends in Springfield. Great gift shop too with lots of Frank Lloyd Wright stuff. read more

A very impressive house both inside and out. It only takes a few minutes to walk through, so why not? They lose a star because they wouldn't let me live here. read more

A must-see if you enjoy Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. Wonderfully maintained home with friendly, knowledgeable tour guides.

Beautiful house! So fun to hear the history behind the architecture and owner. Great tour but wouldn't recommend for kids under 13. Or kids who really don't c a really about that stuff as I could see how it would be boring for them. I however love that stuff! Don't forget to leave a donation! The upkeep is expensive and the workers do a great job!! read more

It is so beautiful. We had a fantastic guide that gave us so much information it trasports you back to the house's prime. You can't beat the price. Its a suggested donation. Its a house full of stories of love. Love of architecture, parties, family, and children. You have to go. read more

We spent a summer day in Springfield and stopped in for a tour of the house. It lasted about an hour and was very informative, explaining the history of the property while showing you most of the house. There were many unique facts given. A true Illinois gem. One quick piece of advice though. Don't touch anything in the house. I accidentally put my hand on one of the chairs and it was swiftly swatted away by the women giving the tour. :) read more

We took a day trip to Springfield (from St. Louis) and this was our first stop. We wanted to make sure we didn't run out of time and we are SO glad we did! This house is amazing! It is so large and absolutely beautiful. This is a MUST SEE in Springfield, IL! read more

Amazing, beautiful house designed by FLW. The tour was over an hour long and well done. The windows are wonderful and those ceiling lamps in the dining room are stunning. You can park across the street in the YMCA lot if you go to the Y and buy a token for a quarter to feed the gate slot. LOVE THIS HOUSE! read more

This really is the hidden gem of Springfield. This Frank Lloyd Wright designed home is breathtaking and its free to take a tour of, though if you are able you should donate and further support this landmark. One tip is to attend one of the candle lit tours which I believe are held on some Saturday nights during the summer. It is a totally different way to view the home that is really cool. I am surprised by the number of people from Springfield I meet that have never taken a tour of the Dana Thomas House. It's a must do in Springfield. read more

What an incredible place; absolutely fascinating, stunningly beautiful and pure genius. If you have never been inside a Frank Lloyd Wright house -- or even if you have! -- this is the place to go. The man was clearly brilliant. This is an Illinois state historic site. The community and we tourists are lucky that a publishing company bought it in the 1940s from the original owner and kept it almost completely intact; thence completely restored by the state. This is one of the few (or only one?) where Wright was given a blank check to build it, so he really went all out. My tour guide, a wonderful young man named Chuck, is clearly in love with his subject and considers his position a dream job. I had the pleasure of being the only tourist on a 12:30 Sunday tour with him and had the luxury of asking a million questions, with Chuck indulging every single one; I think I spent about 2 hours on the tour. The house is 12,000 sf. A couple of quibbles: the parking lot and walkways could/should have been better salted/sanded due to ice. And the gift shop/Foundation needs to do whatever it can to get its hands on -- and make available for purchase -- products (trivets/tiles) moulded from the incredible plaster/terra cotta frieze on the house. There apparently is some work being done to make this possible, but I would say it is overdue. Admission is a suggested $10 donation and well worth the price. This is a fabulous gem. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9-4, free parking. If you are in Springfield and can only see one thing, skip all the Lincoln stuff and go to the Dana-Thomas house! read more

This was my first visit after being a life long resident of Springfield. I always write it off, but the Dana-Thomas House is both historically and artistically important. Absolute gem. Our guide was awesome too. Go Jack! You're a great guide! read more

Frank Lloyd Wright was many things, most remembered as an architect with foresight. Susan Dana-Thomas hired him to dramatically change the home she grew up in and inherited from her parents. The well-trained tour guide knew many inside stories of the house design and the building process. The tour is very worthwhile, not to be missed! read more

I went in the regular tour in June with my mom and loved it. Visiting with relatives for Christmas we thought it'd be amazing, and there was a luminaria tour. Packed everyone up and went. For double the donation myself, my pregnant cousin, and my 87 yr old grandma were rushed through by a very pushy, rude tour guide. The holidays are busy sure, but there wasn't even time to see the decorations, let alone the intricacies that make a Frank Lloyd Wright house a work of art. everyone left extremely disappointed, and speaking to the staff didn't help. My aunt had been so looking forward to it, and it was so disappointing for her and all of us. We got in and out so fast that it wasn't even dark enough to enjoy the luminarias. Extremely unfortunate. I wish it could have been a wonderful holiday exploration. It wasn't. read more

This is a beautiful example of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture tucked in between real businesses and functioning railroad tracks - it's stuck right in the middle of everything in Springfield, which gives it a very real feel that you don't get at other historic homes, which are built on several acres of countryside or hidden behind landscaping. It's easy to imagine this as the home of a wealthy socialite, so it's a great history lesson too. Thankfully, it was reopened after the budget cutting, and I recommend it to any visiting architecture, history, or arts and culture buffs. You really do learn something new every time you go! read more

Interesting design. Drove from St. Louis just to see this home. It is worth your time.

This beautiful house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and every detail of this house was well-thought out and was placed there for a reason. There is a guided tour with suggested donation. The guide was quite friendly and knowledgeable. If you appreciate great architecture, this is a great place to visit. read more

this tour was really neat. i can not believe that andrew lloyd weber was thinking this stuff up in 1902. (my dad kept saying andrew lloyd weber instead of frank lloyd wright) anywho the story about this house is just as interesting as the house itself. the only bummer part about it is the realization that i will never live anywhere that awesome. it's definitely a must see. ( i think it's more of a must see than the lincoln museum) read more

Excellent house and excellent tour. A must-see for any fan of Frank Lloyd Wright or any fan of great architecture for that matter. It's not too far from the other Springfield IL attractions. I think the tour was about an hour in length and didn't cost very much. Hurry before they decide to close it. read more

Oh My! - I have been to many FLW homes. Each has impressed me in its own unique way. This home nestled in Springfield far exceeded my expectations. There is lots of original furniture and the home has been beautifully restored. It is neat to see a variety of the elements that you see in his other homes. The size and scale of this home let him do it all. The stained glass is very impressive. A great surprise to our Lincoln focused excursion. read more

Frank Llyod Wright done it again. What an amazing structure of creativity beyond his time!! He was truly talented and left a legacy of outstanding architecture! I marveled at the slightest detail and mentally transported myself back to the day the house was built as the tour guide shared the story behind the design for this true gem!! If ur in Springfield please don't bypass the Dana Thomas House it will be worth ur trip I can assure you!! read more

Fantastic house and great tour. I have been in several Frank Lloyd Wright houses, including Fallingwater, and this is one of the best. The home layout is very interesting and complex and the furnishings are outstanding, with a ton of original pieces. I would suggest not taking children in the house, and sadly, it may not be a good choice for anyone with difficulty with stairs or eyesight problems, as the lighting is quite low. I am glad we went. read more

This was an interesting hour and 15 minute tour for the cost of donations. The guide was very informative. It is a beautiful house, but not a practical one. read more

An absolutely amazing place. One of the hidden treasures of Springfield.

My husband and I toured this house two days ago. I had only seen the outside of a few of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses before this, and the interior of this house far exceeded my expectations. It was just magical. Wright's use of space was amazing as he played with different levels, room sizes, and ceiling heights, and the details of the Wright-designed windows, lamps, and furniture were just beautiful. Our tour guide, Pat, was very pleasant and really knew her stuff, and the gift shop staff were delightful. I highly recommend this tour--you won't be disappointed! read more

Now open again! Wonderful 1 hr tour. Glad we took the time from our long drive through Ill. This Wright home is the most furnished and complete. Hidden gem! read more

After going to both the Lincoln Presidential Museum and The Dana Thomas House I can by far say that for the money the Dana Thomas House is the biggest bargain in tourism in Springfield. Don't get me wrong, if you are looking for a Disney-esque tourist destination in which you and your kids can learn a little and pay alot, the Presidential Museum is for you. When stepping into the house the feeling that you are in another place/time is immediate. The wonderful use of all the things that were available to Mr. Wright at the time this house was built is fantastic. Stained. Glass. Heaven. Also very neat pieces of furniture, pottery and wall art. Thank goodness Ex-Governor Thompson went on a spending spree in the 80's to ensure it got most of it's contents back from private collectors. Tour went by very fast 45-60 min. Could've gone again, just to see things I'm sure I missed the first time. Gift shop is brimming with FLR collectibles and merchandise. Absolutely amazing that this stands in the middle of Springfield with little to no fanfare. If you can afford it make a donation to help keep this place going! read more