Brucemore, Iowa’s sole National Trust Historic Site, has been named one of the top ten “Best Holiday Historic Home Tours” in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition marks the fifth year Brucemore has secured a spot on the list.
The Cedar Rapids estate first earned a nomination by 10Best local experts, placing it among 20 historic homes nationwide, and advanced to the top ten through public voting in November.
“Each year Brucemore welcomes visitors from across the country to celebrate the season with tours of the beautifully decorated Victorian mansion,” a release stated. “Special artifacts from Brucemore’s collection bring the story of Christmases past to life. This year, visitors can also enjoy new print, audio, and video elements that will bring Brucemore’s history to life with vintage holiday tunes, home movie footage, and highlights from archival materials.”
Two distinct tour options are available through the end of December:
- A Brucemore Christmas: A self-guided exploration of the mansion, running Wednesday through Sunday until Dec. 29. Admission is $15 per adult and $5 per student.
- Holiday Nights: Offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings until Dec. 26 with timed entry every 30 minutes beginning at 5:00 p.m. The last entry time will be at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $18 per adult and $5 per student.
Both options include access to notable areas of the mansion, such as the Tahitian Room and Grizzly Bar, accompanied by staff guides. Advanced reservations are recommended due to limited capacity.
Brucemore will be closed Dec. 23–25 for the Christmas holiday.
For additional details, visit brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.
About Brucemore
Brucemore is a living landmark that charts the history of Cedar Rapids. The independent non-profit preserves and shares the estate through innovative, collaborative programming that inspires those who visit today. The site’s story is a lens to the past and a reminder of the people, the events, and the drive that shaped the Cedar Rapids community.
