Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the Glensheen Mansion is a history museum housed in a breathtakingly beautiful mansion. Maintained and operated by the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Glensheen Historic Estate is the perfect place for visitors to learn about Minnesota’s rich history.

  • When was the Glensheen Historic Estate donated to the University of Minnesota Duluth?

    • The Glensheen Historic Estate was donated to the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1968 after Elisabeth Congdon was given the estate as a place to call home until she passed away.

  • When did the Glensheen Historic Estate open to the public?

    • Although the Glensheen Historic Estate was given to the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1968, it wasn’t open to the public until 1979.

    • When it first opened, visitors were not allowed to explore the third floor or attic due to safety concerns. However, in 1992, small groups were permitted to tour these areas.

  • What happened at the Glensheen Historic Estate in 1977?

    • The Glensheen Historic Estate is known for being the place where Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, Velma Pietila, were murdered on June 27, 1977.

    • Elisabeth’s adopted daughter, Marjorie, was charged with working alongside her second husband, Roger Caldwell, to commit murder.

    • Although Marjorie was acquitted, Caldwell was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to two life sentences. His conviction was overturned five years later, but he confessed to the crime and pled guilty.

    • Caldwell was eventually released but committed suicide in 1988. Marjorie later spent 12 years in prison for two convictions of arson.

  • Do Glensheen Historic Estate tours discuss the 1977 murders?

    • For many years after the 1977 incident, tour guides at the Glensheen Historic Estate disregarded any mention of the murders.

    • However, tour guides now regularly answer questions about the 1977 incident towards the end of the tour.

  • What can visitors expect to explore at the Glensheen Historic Estate?

    • The estate spans approximately 12 acres of land.

    • Visitors can explore an intricate design of gardens with architectural structures, such as bridges.

    • The famous mansion has 39 rooms and features an intricate 20th-century design.

    • Visitors must tour the Glensheen Historic Estate with a tour guide and group.

  • Are there any educational opportunities at the Glensheen Historic Estate?

    • Every guided tour at the Glensheen Historic Estate provides visitors with historical information, making the tour an educational experience.

    • Aside from the guided tours, there are no other formal educational programs offered.

  • What types of tours are available at the Glensheen Historic Estate?

    • There are three main categories of tours: Year Round, Elite, and Seasonal.

  • What are the Year Round tour options?

    • Classic – A general tour of the Glensheen Historic Estate.

    • Full Mansion – A glimpse into the overall estate, including the third floor.

    • Nooks & Crannies – A look into secluded portions of the estate, such as the attic.

    • Servants – An exploration of the areas where the servants resided.

  • What are the Elite tour options?

    • Premier – An all-inclusive experience into each and every room of the 27,000-square-foot mansion, including restricted areas and outside gardens.

    • Director’s – Offers an even more exclusive look into areas only the Director has access to, such as the silver safe, and includes special stories.

  • What are the Seasonal tour options?

    • Flashlight – A tour of the mansion in the dark, with only a flashlight for illumination.

    • Grounds – Available from June through August, offering an in-depth tour of the gardens.

    • Kayak – Available in the summer, allowing visitors to explore Glensheen from Lake Superior.

    • Candlelight Christmas Evenings – Offered in December, showcasing Glensheen decorated with holiday lights, Christmas trees, and festive decor.

Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55804, Phone: 218-726-8910

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