Have you ever wondered what’s behind the scenes at the historic Barker Mansion? Brand new this summer, the Nuts and Bolts Tour will journey into the nooks and crannies of the building which are normally off-limits. Guests will discover remnants of the past such as the central vacuum system, the furnace, and intricate electrical panels. The tour will take participants on back stairways and into the basement.
The Barker Mansion is located at 631 Washington Street in Michigan City, IN. The 38-room mansion was built by freight car industrialist and philanthropist John H. Barker in 1905. Barker took advantage of the mansion’s location right next to the Haskell and Barker Car Company, bringing many of the factory’s advanced mechanical amenities to the home.
Advance registration and payment of $10 per person is required for the Nuts and Bolts Tour which takes place on Wednesday, June 10 at 7 pm. A special Barker Mansion flashlight will be included with the tour fee, which will allow for up-close investigation. Nuts and Bolts Tours will be offered on July 8 and August 12 at 7 pm as well. Call (219) 873-1520 to reserve your space.
Aside from the Nuts and Bolts Tour, general tours of the mansion are offered Monday through Friday at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm. Additionally, tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 2 pm beginning in June. Cost for a tour is $5 per adult and $2 per child. Reservations are not necessary for regular tours.
