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Lanier Mansion State Historic Site

4.9 (14 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Historic marker
Ken N.

On a chilly December day, I was able to go on a private tour of the Lanier Mansion. So Cool! During the "off season", this is the only local mansion open to the public. After buying my ticket at the visitors' center next door ($11 for adults), I waited for the top of the hour and was led by the tour guide over to the mansion. Note that there are steps to get into the mansion and there is a basement and three levels to view, so if you have mobility issues, this may not be the tour for you. Local banker and businessman James F D Lanier was extremely successful in the early 1800's as our state was being formed. In fact, he was so wealthy that he loaned the state $400,000 to help equip the troops of the state to help fight in the Civil War. The tour fills in a lot more details about this man, his family (11 kids with 2 wives), and the purpose of each room as you go through. I won't say I know a lot about history or about antiques, but I do enjoy seeing all the beautifully maintained furniture, the fine architectural details, and learning about key figures in our history. This house is loaded with items and features that made me marvel. Well worth my admission fee. Review #3396

Leslie W.

Gorgeous, Greek Revival mansion in downtown Madison. On a recent trip to this sweet town, we were lucky that the Lanier Mansion was open for tours as many of the other historic homes are only open seasonally. It was just the two of us in our morning tour of the house. Our guide took us through each of the rooms giving brief history of the man who commissioned the building, his importance in IN history, and background information on his family. Even though there aren't many of his original objects remaining, the artifacts in the house are period. The woodwork is spectacular - especially the doors, stairs, and crown moulding. The reproduction wallpaper and floor covering are also impressive. The state has taken good care of this landmark since making it a museum in 1925. The formal garden that faces the river was bare, since it is February. But, photos show that it's impressive when in bloom. I'll have to make another trip when the trees and flowers bloom.

Erin B.

I'm not a history buff by any means, but I still thought this place was pretty cool. From the huge pillars outside to the 10+ft high doorways, there is something intriguing around every corner of this mansion. There are fake doorways, curved doorways, small doorways, and regular ol' doorways. Our tour guide was helpful and answered any questions that our group had. Keep in mind that there are three floors in this house. If you're not good with steps, you might want to skip it. Mr. Lanier was very important to Indiana's history. Go there and learn about him yourself!

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Wonderful tour. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting. If you're ever in town, I recommend it.

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Highlight of our Madison trip. Beautiful house with very interesting historical significance.

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Review Highlights - Lanier Mansion State Historic Site

I'm not a history buff by any means, but I still thought this place was pretty cool.

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Schimpff's Confectionery - Making chocolates

Schimpff's Confectionery

4.7(174 reviews)
37.3 mi
$

We were in town visiting family when they brought us to this adorable confectionery…read more The decor is quaint and vintage. You can even watch the owner and staff prepare the candies. We especially loved the heart shaped red hot candies. They give out samples to taste. The red hots are perfect! Not burn your mouth hot! I bought several bags to take home to friends in California. We enjoyed exploring the museum room with all of the candy tins from years past. They have original candy making equipment and all of the history to offer a nostalgic experience. Be sure to try the marshmallow, chocolate carmel and pecan treat. The Modjeskas definitely came home with us to share with family and friends. I love these little town treasures!

Imagine you order some McNuggets, you open the bag, and find they gave you extra. It's an amazing…read morefeeling, isn't it? Now, imagine the nuggets were sold by the pound, and you paid for the extra ones you didn't want. I fully accept the fact that I might be wrong, but when I sat down just outside, I found more than I'd expected/wanted, and I paid for it. Okay... maybe it was an "oopsie-doodle", it was near my birthday, so all is forgiven. What about the chocolates? I can't deny that the selection is amazing, however, where it comes to quality, I have to admit I was not blown away. That isn't to say I felt they weren't great - they were! At the same time, there are other candy stores with similar products and concepts whose products are no worse. So, what does that leave us with? Schimpff's Confectionery is a very good, old-timey candy store. However, while I can't say their ranking as #1 best candy store in America in 2025 by USA Today is undeserved. However, I personally wouldn't go too far out of my way to get some of their chocolate candies.

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Schimpff's Confectionery - Soda fountain

Soda fountain

Schimpff's Confectionery - Chocolate pretzels

Chocolate pretzels

Schimpff's Confectionery - 09.02.25 proud purveyor of quality candy to the Kentuckiana area since 1858

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09.02.25 proud purveyor of quality candy to the Kentuckiana area since 1858

French Lick West Baden Museum

French Lick West Baden Museum

4.8(16 reviews)
67.9 mi

There's much more to French Lick, Indiana than I had understood and so much of it was spelled out…read morefor me through the displays and exhibits at the museum. Frankly, this museum is much nicer, informative, and engaging than it has any right to be. The very friendly docent on duty welcomed us warmly into the lobby and, after we paid our small admission fee, she took us through everything we needed to know about accessing the audio tour, the basics of the exhibits and I'm sure anything else that we had wanted to know. She was very friendly. The exhibits wind through the building with an early focus on the founding of the town. The major portions of the museum, however, are devoted to the flashier aspects that really shine of this small burg in the Midwest: the circus and laxative waters! Massive exhibits are devoted to the sulfur water that was an early cure-all which gave rise to the large spas that drove tourism to town. The most square footage is devoted to the huge, massive, enormous circus in miniature. My partner is all about miniatures and was totally engrossed in this display. And rightfully so; it is very impressive! Everything was above average for cleanliness, order, and functionality; which, if you've visited other small-town museums, you know isn't always the case. I left having a much greater appreciation for the town and its history!

This is NOT a holiday inn, it is truly a RESORT. The word luxurious only begins to describe the…read moreresort. Well worth EVERY dollar

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French Lick West Baden Museum
French Lick West Baden Museum
French Lick West Baden Museum - Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Diorama

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Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Diorama

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site - museums - Updated May 2026

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