The House on the Rock may not be as famous as Wisconsin Dells or as popular for a getaway as Door County, but it’s a standout attraction in Spring Green, Wisconsin, about an hour west of Madison.
This quirky landmark has gained attention through pop culture, appearing in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods (both the 2001 novel and 2017 TV series), the 2017 film American Fable, and music videos by bands like 10,000 Maniacs and the Raconteurs. Despite its cult following, many Wisconsinites either haven’t heard of it or aren’t sure what it actually is.
So, what is the House on the Rock? Is it an architectural marvel like Frank Lloyd Wright’s nearby Taliesin? A museum? A spooky experience full of oddities? Or a nostalgic trip to the past? The answer: it’s all of these things!
A Dreamer’s Creation
The House on the Rock is the brainchild of Alexander John Jordan, a Madison native with a big imagination. In the 1940s, he started building a retreat on top of Deer Shelter Rock, a 60-foot-tall rock formation. As curious locals began to visit, Jordan decided to charge admission.
By 1960, it became a full-fledged business. With the income, Jordan expanded the house and filled it with an eclectic mix of creations and collections. Today, it’s home to fascinating attractions like:
- The world’s largest indoor carousel.
- A 200-foot sea creature in the “Heritage of the Sea” exhibit.
- A Japanese-style garden.
- An enormous collection of mechanical music machines.
- The “Infinity Room,” a walkway suspended over a cliff that can make even the bravest visitor feel dizzy.
Jordan sold the property to a business associate in 1988, but his whimsical vision continues to draw visitors to this weird and wonderful destination.
If you’re ever near Spring Green, the House on the Rock is worth the detour for its one-of-a-kind blend of art, oddities, and imagination.