The Dana-Thomas House was designed and built between 1902-1904 by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was constructed for Susan Lawrence Dana, who collaborated with Wright to design a home in which she could advance her ideas about democracy and education. When completed in 1904 it was the largest and most extravagant home Wright had designed thus far in his independent career as an architect. Today it is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as a State Historic Site; with most of its original furnishings and art glass still intact, it is one of the most complete of Wright's Prairie style homes in the United States today.
General public tours are offered almost every day of the year; information about those can be found by clicking this link: Dana-Thomas House - Central Region (illinois.gov)
If you're interested in exploring the site in greater depth, expert guides offer specialty tours of the site at select dates and times. Specialty tours focus on a specific aspect of the site in greater detail, and offer additional stories and information, even for guests who have toured the site before.
Specialty tours are generally 1-2 hours in length; space is limited and reservations are required. Current availabilty of these tours can be found at the links below; you can request additional dates and times for these tours by contacting our Site Superintendent at DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
Current Specialty Tour Offerings
Attention to Detail - focuses on the details of Wright's design and the development of his architectural style. Current availability and reservations can be found at https://AttentionToDetailDanaThomasHouse.eventbrite.com
Of Glass and Wood - focuses on the original art glass and furniture collections of the Dana House. Current availability and reservations can be found at https://OfGlassAndWoodDanaThomasHouse.eventbrite.com
Art Glass at Night - explores Wright's iconic art glass designs in the evening light. Current availability and reservations can be found at https://ArtGlassAtNightDanaThomasHouse.eventbrite.com