Be Our Guest
Victorian House Museum - 906 East 2nd Street, Superior, WI
Fairlawn Mansion is Superior’s Victorian home that was a private residence from 1890 to 1920 and a Children’s Home for 42 years. Fairlawn Mansion is open for tours year-round. All guided tours depart from the Carriage House Gift Shop at the top of the hour. Everyone 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Online bookings can be made up to one month in advance.
Please note: private rentals and special events can cancel public tours; calling ahead or reserving online is recommended. Complimentary, library and membership passes are not valid for special tours and events. Fairlawn is closed for the following holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day, New Year’s Eve & Day.
All ticket sales are final. Exception: if Superior Public Museums cancels the tour/event due to weather, private event, or COVID-19, guests will have the option to reschedule, donate the amount, or get a full refund.
Tour Hours
Please note the daily tour schedule may change based on staffing. Please visit "book your tour today" above for the current schedule.
Fairlawn is open year-round. Remainder of 2023 schedule coming soon!
January 2 - March 31, 2023
Last tour departs at 3PM
Last tour departs at 3PM
Last tour departs at 3PM
Last tour departs at 3PM
The Heritage of Fairlawn
Built as the family home for lumber and mining baron, Martin Pattison, his wife Grace and their six children, Fairlawn was completed in 1891 at the cost of $150,000; an equivalent of well over $3 million today. The mansion stands as an enduring testament to Pattison’s success and standing in the community.
The Queen Anne Victorian house, featuring a four-story tower complete with widow’s watch overlooking the bay, is a unique and well recognized landmark in the City of Superior. In summer, gardens dot the expansive lawns with traditional flower varieties such as peony, rose, hydrangea and lily. Guests are welcome to stroll through the grounds at their leisure and may photograph the gardens and exterior of the mansion.
The fully restored first floor of the mansion features gilded murals on the ceilings and frieze, a grand entrance hall and open staircase, marble and tile fireplaces, and original leaded and stained glass windows. The second floor of the mansion includes access to the master bedroom suite, furnished much as it was during the Pattisons’ time in the house. The third floor is dedicated to the Children’s Home era from 1920 to 1962, when the mansion served as a home to the less fortunate.
Donate Today
Your donations help support our historical sites and programming for the local community. You may choose to give to the general operating fund, or the museum(s) of your choice, or a specific program or event. Please contact us for more information on how you can help support Superior Public Museums. Superior Public Museums is a 501(c)3.