20 Iconic American Historic Homes To Visit In 2026

Updated on August 9, 2026

What Are the Most Famous American Historic Homes to Visit?

The most famous American historic homes to visit include the Biltmore Estate in Asheville (the largest private house in the U.S. at 178,926 square feet), George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia, Monticello (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hearst Castle in California, and Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. From Gilded Age mansions to presidential birthplaces and literary retreats, these 20 properties span the full sweep of American history and architecture.

The U.S. is blessed with some incredible mansion houses that have been transformed into museums and luxury hotels. Put these stunning American historic homes on your bucket list!

Iconic Historic Homes in the U.S.

From the birthplaces of former Presidents to the country retreats of industry tycoons, these historic houses are very diverse in style. What these old homes have in common is striking architecture and a well-thought out visitor experience.

Why not take a road trip and visit a few of these historic properties in one go. The unique features of these old houses are an important part of American history.

20. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Akron, Ohio

Stan Hywet Hall is a Tudor Revival mansion built between 1912 and 1915 for Frank Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The name means “stone quarry” in Old English, a nod to the sandstone quarry once located on the property.

At 64,500 square feet, Stan Hywet is the sixth-largest house museum in the United States. The estate includes 70 acres of gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Warren Manning, including a Japanese Garden, an English Walled Garden, and a Great Meadow.

Now a National Historic Landmark, Stan Hywet is open for self-guided and guided tours, and the grounds host seasonal events including a well-known holiday lights display (Deck the Hall) each December.

Address: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

19. Filoli, Woodside, California

Filoli is a Georgian style country estate on the San Francisco Peninsula, built in 1917 for William Bowers Bourn II, a gold-mining and water utility magnate. The name is derived from Bourn’s own motto: “Fight for a just cause, Love your fellow man, Live a good life.”

The 36,000 square foot mansion passed to the Roth family, who donated the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975. Filoli’s 16 acres of formal gardens are considered among the finest in the country, with sunken gardens, a Rose Garden, and a Woodland Walk.

Film and television fans will recognize Filoli’s exteriors as the fictional Crawley House in Downton Abbey, as well as a filming location for Dynasty and Heaven Can Wait. The house and gardens are open to the public for tours throughout the year.

Address: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062

18. Rosecliff, Newport, Rhode Island

Rosecliff was built in 1902 for Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, who wanted a grand setting for lavish entertaining. Architect Stanford White modeled the house on the Grand Trianon at Versailles, and it features the largest ballroom of any Newport mansion.

Rosecliff is best known on screen as a filming location for The Great Gatsby (1974) and True Lies, as well as several other productions drawn to its sweeping heart-shaped staircase and terraced gardens overlooking the Atlantic.

The Preservation Society of Newport County operates Rosecliff, and it remains a popular wedding and event venue alongside its museum tours.

Good to know: unlike some of the other Newport mansions, Rosecliff keeps a shorter season. It’s open daily from June through September, then Saturdays only from May into late August, with guide-led tours on a timed ticket. Check the Newport Mansions website before you plan a visit outside peak summer.

Address: 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840

17. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York

The Vanderbilt Mansion is considered one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. The mansion was built in 1898 as a country home for Frederick William Vanderbilt, a member of the Vanderbilt family who made their fortune in railroads and other industries.

The 54-room mansion was designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The estate covers over 200 acres and includes formal gardens and greenhouses.

In 1940, the Vanderbilt family donated the mansion and surrounding land to the National Park Service, establishing it as the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. These days, visitors can tour the mansion’s lavishly furnished rooms and experience the elegance of the Gilded Age.

Address: 4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

16. Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee

Pabst Mansion is a popular tourist attraction in Milwaukee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides a window into the luxurious lifestyle of one of Milwaukee’s most prominent families in the late 19th century.

The luxurious mansion was built in 1890 as the home of Captain Frederick Pabst, the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. The mansion was designed by architect George Bowman Ferry in the Flemish Renaissance Revival architectural style.

Considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era architecture in the United States, it features intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and lavish interiors. After the Pabst family moved out, the mansion went through various owners and uses.

Today, the Pabst Mansion is open to the public as a museum, offering guided tours that allow visitors to see the opulent living spaces and learn about the Pabst family’s history.

Address: 2000 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

15. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield

The home of former president Abraham Lincoln and family from 1844 to 1861, this is one of the top attractions in Springfield, Illinois. Abraham and Mary Lincoln bought the Greek Revival style house for $1,200.

The only home that Lincoln ever owned, it has twelve rooms spread over 2 floors. It’s actually free to visit Lincoln’s home, although donations are encouraged.

You should arrive as early as possible at the Visitor Center front desk and groups of 15 or more should book 6 months in advance.

We were fortunate to visit this historic house museum before and loved the four block neighborhood, which is also part of the site. There are sometimes costumed volunteers playing traditional games here, and it’s fun to join in with them.

Address: 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701

14. Fallingwater, Mill Run

One of the most famous houses designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is located in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. Built as a vacation home for the Kaufmann family who were department store owners, Fallingwater is a perfect fusion of architecture and nature.

The house stands over a waterfall and the architect created the house to resemble a diving board. Floor to ceiling glass windows bring the outside in.

Local sandstone was used in the construction, which was completed in 1939. This historic gem is one of the rare Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the public domain with its original furnishings, artworks and setting all intact.

Donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy by Edgar Kaufmann Jr., Fallingwater is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since public tours began in 1964, over 6 million visitors have come to admire the house and grounds. There are 5,100 acres surrounding the house, known as the Bear Run Nature Reserve.

You can see another fine Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Springfield Illinois: Dana-Thomas House.

Address: 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464

13. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West

The former home of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s is a Spanish Colonial style house in the Florida Keys, built in 1851. When the writer and his then wife Pauline purchased the home in 1931, it was in a bad state.

They renovated the property and lived there until 1939, and it is now a National Historic Landmark. Hemingway wrote the novel To Have and To Hold here, as well as The Snows of Kilimanjaro, a selection of short stories.

Now the most popular tourist attraction in Key West, Hemingway House is famous for its six-toed cats. There are around 60 of them living on the grounds – descendants of Hemingway’s own polydactyl cat, named Snow White.

Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

12. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami

Situated on Biscayne Bay in what is now the Coconut Grove area of Miami, Villa Vizcaya was the home of James Deering. The Deering family made their fortune in agricultural machinery, and James was the Vice President of International Harvester Company.

The Deering Estate in South Dade was owned by James’s brother Charles and is another interesting Florida visitor attraction. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built between 1914 and 1922.

James Deering’s friend, the designer Paul Chalfin was actively involved in the project. Inspired by the country estates of the Veneto region of Italy, Vizcaya features many Mediterranean architectural elements. It is one of the most beautiful historical homes in Florida.

The house had quite a few design innovations, being built of reinforced concrete. A modern water filtration system was integrated, as well as a central vacuum system and an automated telephone switch board. In the grounds you’ll find a Secret Garden, maze, Fountain Garden, mangrove shore and iconic gondola dock.

We’ve visited Vizcaya twice – on our honeymoon and again this year and it never disappoints!

Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129

11. The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

With an unbeatable location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the most spectacular mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. The Breakers was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

Commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1893, the house was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. Built in an Italian Renaissance style at a cost of 7 million dollars, it was one of the most expensive buildings in the world. In today’s money that would be around 259 million dollars. This Vanderbilt mansion was inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin.

Inside the 70 room palazzo, we were amazed by the Morning Room with its platinum-leaf walls and ceiling. Originally thought to be silver-leaf, it was found after analysis by the Winterthur Museum laboratory in Delaware to be platinum. This explains why the surface never tarnished.

Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840

10. Ca’ d’Zan, Sarasota

One of the highlights of The Ringling in Sarasota, Ca’ d’Zan is a Venetian Gothic style residence. Completed in 1926 as the home of John and Mable Ringling, it’s now a popular Florida tourist attraction.

Ca’ d’Zan means the House of John in Venetian dialect. The well-known circus owner and his wife spent Winter seasons here.

Highlights of the property include the glazed exterior tiles, the Mable Ringling Rose Garden, the 82 foot high Belvedere tower and an Aeolian organ with 2,289 pipes. We loved our visit here and recommend that you allow at least a couple of hours to see the house and gardens.

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

9. Monticello, Charlottesville

The former home of President Thomas Jefferson, Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Located close to Jefferson’s birthplace, on land that he inherited when he was 26, Monticello was designed and rebuilt over more than 40 years.

This Albemarle County landmark was also a 5,000 acre plantation where more than 400 enslaved individuals worked. Among them was Sally Hemings, with whom it is thought that Jefferson had several children.

Jefferson called Monticello his essay in architecture. The name Monticello means little mountain in Italian and the house is built on top of a mound. The views of the Blue Mountains from the house are spectacular.

Guided tours of Monticello are available daily throughout the year. Tours of the outdoor gardens are offered from April to October.

Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902

8. Nemours Estate, Wilmington

The 300 acre estate of Alfred I. duPont, Nemours has a distinctly French appearance. This neoclassical mansion in Wilmington has 105 rooms spread over 5 floors.

Intended as a gift for Alfred’s second wife, Alicia, the estate was completed in 1907. It is named after the French town that Alfred’s great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General.

The interior of the Nemours Mansion is impressive, and includes many of Alfred’s inventions. The Chauffeur’s Garage with its collection of vintage cars is another highlight, and the grounds are thought to be the largest formal French garden in North America.

The Long Walk features two impressive elk sculptures and a fountain with 157 jets of water. The mansion and gardens are open to the public. Visitors must pre-book their ticket.

Address: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803

7. Longwood Mansion, Natchez

Not to be confused with Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, the Longwood Estate in Mississippi is a unique octagonal shaped house topped with an onion dome. Also known as Nutt’s Folly, the mansion is a National Historic Landmark.

Designed by the architect Samuel Sloan in 1859 for Dr. Haller Nutt and and his wife Julia, the home’s upper levels were unfinished. Work stopped during the Civil War and Dr. Nutt passed with pneumonia in 1864.

The contrast between the completed basement level and the unfinished upper floors is striking. Daily tours are available via Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.

Address: 140 Lower Woodville Rd, Natchez, MS 39120

6. Oheka Castle, Huntington

This luxurious hotel in the Hamptons was originally the home of banker and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn. The name Oheka comes from the first letters of his names, O-He-Ka.

Built in 1919 on top of an artificial hill, the French style chateau has 127 rooms and ornate formal gardens. In fact, Oheka Castle was the second-largest private residence in the United States.

The building appeared as Xanadu in the opening sequence of the movie Citizen Kane with Orson Welles. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oheka Castle is a member of Historic Hotels of America®. This is one of the most popular Long Island wedding venues.

Address: 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743

5. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Virginia

The former estate of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife Martha, Mount Vernon is located in Fairfax County, Virginia. Washington and Martha are buried in the family vault here.

One of the most visited historic estates in America with an average of more than 1 million visitors per year, Mount Vernon is located on the banks of the river Potomac. As well as the 18th century house, there are over a dozen historic outbuildings including a blacksmith and stables.

George Washington personally oversaw the garden landscaping. He favored a naturalistic English style.

Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121

4. Graceland, Memphis

The former home of Elvis Presley in Tennessee, Graceland is an elegant mansion in the Classic Revival style. Set in 13 acres of grounds, Graceland Mansion is now owned by Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley.

Discover Elvis’ living quarters, the Jungle Room tiki bar, Trophy Building, Racquetball Building and Meditation Garden on an interactive iPad tour. Separate exhibits include Elvis’ custom jets and the Memphis Entertainment Complex.

There are several places to eat in Graceland, such as Vernon’s Smokehouse and Gladys’ Diner. And if you can’t tear yourself away, stay at The Guest House at Graceland.

Address: Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116

3. Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie

This former plantation in Louisiana takes its name from the canopied path of oak trees planted in the early 18th century, before the house was built. Enslaved labor constructed the property, which was owned by Jacques Roman.

One of these slaves was Antoine, a skilled gardener who mastered grafting techniques. He created an award-winning type of pecan that you could crack open with your hands, named Paper Shell.

Oak Alley Plantation was designed in the Greek Revival style, featuring 28 Doric columns. These correspond to the 28 oak trees in front of the house. They were planted in the early 18th century (circa 1710–1720) by an unknown French settler and are of the Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) species.

Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090

2. Hearst Castle (La Cuesta Encantada), San Simeon

One of the most iconic American historic homes, Hearst Castle is the former home of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. This National Historic Landmark is also known as La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill).

One of the finest examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture, Hearst Castle overlooks the Pacific Coast in San Simeon, California. Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic American mansion was built between 1919 and 1947. She was the first woman licensed as an architect in California and she designed over 700 buildings.

The indoor Roman Pool and exterior Neptune Pool are two highlights of this American stately home. In the Stanley Kubrick movie Spartacus, the Neptune Pool is used as the entrance of Crassus’ villa.

Temporarily closed to the public, Hearst Castle will require advance reservations to visit when it reopens at the end of August 2026.

Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452

1. Biltmore Estate, Asheville

The largest home in America, the Biltmore Estate is now a popular North Carolina museum. The number of annual visitors is estimated at 1.3-1.4 million. Spread over 178,926 square feet in Asheville, this Gilded Age mansion is still owned by the descendants of George Vanderbilt.

George commissioned the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape artist Frederick Law Olmsted to build the house in 1889. Completed in 1895, Biltmore House is a French Renaissance chateau with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

Set in 8,000 acres, the grounds include 75 acres of formal and informal gardens. Daytime visitors to the Biltmore Estate receive a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. George Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A.V. Cecil, planted vines in the 1970s and the winery itself was established in 1985.

There are several places to stay in Biltmore Village, including The Residences at Biltmore. This all-suite aparthotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center just 900 yards from the Biltmore Estate.

Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

How to Plan Your American Historic Homes Road Trip

With 17 remarkable properties spread across more than a dozen states, visiting American historic homes rewards a little advance planning. Here are the practical essentials before you set off.

●Book ahead for the most popular sites. Nemours Estate requires pre-booked tickets, and Hearst Castle requires advance reservations when it reopens. Groups of 15 or more visiting Lincoln Home National Historic Site should book at least 6 months in advance.

●Cluster by region to save travel time. The Northeast is particularly rich: Vanderbilt Mansion, The Breakers, and Oheka Castle are all within a few hours of New York City. In the South, Oak Alley Plantation, Graceland, and Monticello make a logical multi-day loop.

●Check seasonal tour availability. Monticello offers outdoor garden tours from April to October only. Fallingwater’s Bear Run Nature Reserve trails are best visited in spring and autumn when foliage is dramatic.

●Some homes are free to enter. Lincoln Home National Historic Site charges no admission, though donations are welcomed. Mount Vernon and Biltmore Estate charge entry fees, with Biltmore including a complimentary wine tasting.

●Combine with a hotel stay. Oheka Castle is a luxury hotel as well as a historic landmark, letting you sleep inside a piece of American history. Graceland also has on-site accommodation for guests who want the full immersive experience.

American Historic Homes: Architectural Styles at a Glance

One of the pleasures of touring American historic homes is seeing how dramatically architectural fashions shifted across the centuries. Here is a quick breakdown of the main styles represented in this list.

●Beaux-Arts is the grand European-trained style of the Gilded Age, best seen at Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, designed by the celebrated firm McKim, Mead & White.

●Italian Renaissance Revival defines The Breakers in Newport, inspired directly by 16th-century Genoese and Turinese palaces and built at a reported cost of 7 million dollars.

●French Renaissance chateau style gave us the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the largest private home ever built in the United States at 178,926 square feet.

●Mediterranean Revival is the hallmark of Hearst Castle, designed by architect Julia Morgan and built over nearly three decades between 1919 and 1947.

●Organic/Prairie architecture is represented by Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece that uses local sandstone and floor-to-ceiling glass to dissolve the boundary between house and waterfall.

●Greek Revival appears twice on this list: at the modest Lincoln Home in Springfield and at the columned grandeur of Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana.

●Spanish Colonial closes the tour at Hemingway House in Key West, an 1851 building that the author renovated into the literary retreat he needed.

Key Takeaways

●The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the largest historic home in America at 178,926 square feet, with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

●Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and Monticello in Virginia are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this list.

●Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois offers free admission for individuals, though donations are encouraged.

●Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York and Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee both offer overnight stays inside their historic walls.

●Hemingway House in Key West is home to around 60 six-toed cats, all descendants of Hemingway’s original polydactyl cat, Snow White.

●Hearst Castle in San Simeon is temporarily closed and will require advance reservations when it reopens, so check the official site before planning your visit.

●The Northeast is the richest cluster for a road trip: Vanderbilt Mansion, The Breakers, and Oheka Castle are all within a few hours of New York City.

Related reading: The Largest Castles in the World

Final Thoughts on The Best American Historic Homes

These are a few of the many incredible historic homes in America that are definitely worth taking the time to visit. If you’re interested in learning more about American history and culture, be sure to check out our other articles about the United States. From theme parks to natural wonders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this great country!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which American historic home is the largest?

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the largest historic home in America, covering 178,926 square feet. Commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1889 and completed in 1895, it has 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. It remains privately owned by Vanderbilt descendants to this day.

Which American historic homes are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Two homes on this list hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status: Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia (designated 1987), the former home of President Thomas Jefferson, and Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece completed in 1939.

Which historic homes in America can you stay overnight at?

Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York operates as a luxury hotel, so guests can stay overnight in the 127-room French chateau. Graceland in Memphis also offers on-site accommodation. For other historic homes on this list, the nearest hotels are typically found in the surrounding towns and villages.

Are any American historic homes free to visit?

Yes. Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois charges no admission fee, though donations are welcomed. Visitors are advised to arrive early at the Visitor Center front desk. Mount Vernon and Biltmore Estate charge entry fees, but Biltmore includes a complimentary wine tasting with daytime admission.

What architectural styles are most common in famous American historic homes?

The most common styles among famous American historic homes are Beaux-Arts (Vanderbilt Mansion), Italian Renaissance Revival (The Breakers), French Renaissance chateau (Biltmore Estate), Mediterranean Revival (Hearst Castle), Greek Revival (Lincoln Home, Oak Alley Plantation), and Organic/Prairie architecture (Fallingwater). Spanish Colonial and Flemish Renaissance Revival also appear on the list.

How many visitors does Fallingwater receive?

Fallingwater has welcomed more than 6 million visitors since public tours began in 1964. The property sits within the 5,100-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, and is one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the public domain with its original furnishings and artwork fully intact.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for these historic homes?

Booking requirements vary by property. Nemours Estate in Wilmington requires pre-booked tickets, and Hearst Castle will require advance reservations when it reopens. Groups of 15 or more visiting Lincoln Home National Historic Site should book at least 6 months in advance. For individually visited homes such as Monticello and Biltmore Estate, booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly during peak summer and autumn seasons.

What is the Hemingway House famous for besides Ernest Hemingway?

Hemingway House in Key West is famous for its six-toed cats. Around 60 polydactyl cats currently live on the grounds, all descendants of Hemingway’s own cat, Snow White. The cats are a beloved part of the property and a major draw for visitors, making Hemingway House the most popular tourist attraction in Key West.

Who designed the Biltmore Estate?

The Biltmore Estate was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who was commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1889. The landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Completed in 1895, the French Renaissance chateau remains the largest privately owned home in the United States and is still owned by Vanderbilt descendants.

Can you visit Hearst Castle in 2026?

Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California is temporarily closed to the public. When it reopens, advance reservations will be required to visit. Check the official Hearst Castle website for the latest updates on reopening dates and ticketing before planning your 2026 trip.

Can you visit Kykuit (the Rockefeller Estate in 2026)?

Kykuit tours are on hiatus for 2026 and are expected to resume in 2027. In the meantime, the grounds are still accessible via nearby Philipsburg Manor, and it’s worth bookmarking for a future visit once tours reprise.

How many visitors does Fallingwater receive each year?

Fallingwater has welcomed more than 6 million visitors since public tours began in 1964. The property sits within the 5,100-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, and is one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the public domain with its original furnishings and artwork intact.Collapse ↑

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