2020 Special Events at the David Davis Mansion

The Mansion is open for regular tours each week 9am-4pm, Wednesday-Saturday, except holidays. The events below are separate opportunities to visit, during times and dates noted, when special programs are planned for your pleasure. Call 309-828-1084 with questions.

Mechanical Tour, Sat., Oct. 3rd, 8:30-10:30am FULL & 12:30-2:30pm OPEN

TOURS:  8:30-10:30am FULL   ---   12:30-2:30pm OPEN  Advance Tickets required

Have you ever wondered, "What's up that staircase?" or "What do they keep behind those STAFF ONLY doors?" Have you always wanted to explore the attic or the basement of the David Davis Mansion? Would you really like to know how something specific works inside the mansion? Do you wish you could learn more about the house than is explained during a standard tour? If so, this special behind the scenes tour is for you.

Here are just SOME of the things you will learn:

• How was the Davis Mansion lit?
• What was the source?
• Where did it come from?
• Did the water come from a well?
• Did the city have water available in 1872?
• What about lighting the gasoliers?
• How was that performed?
• How was the boiler fired?
• What's in the attic?

These questions and more will be answered during the Mechanical Tour. This is NOT AN ONLINE EVENT.

Tickets for this special experience are $20/each in advance, and may be purchased at the David Davis Mansion Visitor's Center with exact change (cash or check) during regular business hours, Wednesday-Saturday from 9am-3:30pm. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see the mansion like never before!

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this tour is limited to 10 people and social distancing and masks are required.

TOURS:    8:30-10:30am FULL   ---   12:30-2:30pm OPEN 
Questions? Call 309-828-1084

Event Properties

Event Date 10-03-2020 12:30 pm
Event End Date 10-03-2020 2:30 pm

Ongoing Events

Prologue to Presidency: Abraham Lincoln on the Illinois Eighth Judicial Circuit

Ongoing Exhibit

Funded by a total of $33,000 in grants from several organizations, this is the first of such major exhibits to be created in the local Lincoln legacy programs, and is housed in the Lincoln-era barn on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion. The project is sponsored by the former Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of McLean County as part of the celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial. The exhibit development was also supported by the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition. The Heritage Association of McLean County is working with the Davis Mansion staff and Foundation to promote the exhibit and create related educational programs and special events. For more information, contact the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site at (309) 828-1084.

Looking for Lincoln and Davis

Special exhibits and educational programs related to Abraham Lincoln and David Davis are part of a statewide tourism program. Call (309) 828-1084 for more information.

David Davis Mansion

1000 Monroe Drive
Bloomington, Illinois 61701

Contact Us

Phone: (309) 828-1084
Email: [email protected]

Hours of Operation

Wednesday - Saturday
9am - 4pm