Flagstaff, Arizona is towards the northern section of the state. Most of Arizona is a desert, and Flagstaff is not too different from this. There are a few more hills and trees than other areas, making it slightly more attractive to most tourists. When visiting Flagstaff, visitors can stop at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. The park is fairly new considering the age of the land. Riordan State Park officially opened on August 4, 1983.
The land was settled by Michael and Timothy Riordan. They built two identical homes in 1904. These homes were connected by a rendezvous room, and together made 13,000 square feet. The family was very prominent in Flagstaff helping develop northern Arizona with lumber, railroads, cattle, banking, and politics. The brothers hired Charles Whittlesey to build their homes. The man had already worked on the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. The structures were built with stone, wood shingles, log planks, and a rustic exterior. The porches added more style to the homes. Descendants of the Riordan family were still living in Flagstaff in the 70's and 80's. Mr Chambers a descendent offered his portion of the home to the state for a park. The family did discuss removing some of the stain glass windows and interior decor that they wanted to keep.
In the agreement a number of original artifacts from Timothy and Michael were gifted. Household accessories, photographs, personal items, furnishings, letters, and even maps were part of the gift. One entrance was constructed into the park from the north. Once the sale was complete another area was opened up. The second part of the house went to the state in 1986, one year after the owner's death. In 2002 Michael Riordan's section of the home was opened for tours.
The park is open November through April from 10:30am to 5pm. From May to October the park is open 8:30am to 5pm. The park is closed for most major holidays like Christmas. Tours are given of the home on the hour. Typically these tours will take up to an hour. Photography and videotaping are not permitted during the tours. There is a visitor center on the property where the tours leave from. The visitor center has a slide show and maintains all of the exhibits. There are picnic tables on the land that can be used by visitors each day. There are also special events, meetings, and private functions that can be held at the mansion. Weddings are often held there because the house is one of beauty and style.
Park entrance fees are $6 for adults and $2.50 for children 7 and older. There is a children's touch table in the visitor center for children to learn about the area from. Each year at the park is an annual Christmas celebration. The home is decorated in turn of the century decor. Wreaths, garlands, greenery, and a fir tree are all part of the decorations at Riordan Mansion State Park.
