House on the Rock: Tickets, Prices, Hours & Complete Visitor Guide
There is an incredible place in Spring Green, Wisconsin called House on the Rock, and no photo, video, or description can fully prepare you for what it is like to walk through it. We have been going as a family for years, multiple times a year, and we still find something new every single visit. It is one of those places that genuinely has to be seen to be believed.
If you are planning a trip and want to know what House on the Rock tickets cost, what the hours are, how long to allow, and what to expect inside each section, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What Is House on the Rock?
House on the Rock started as one man’s dream. In 1945, Alex Jordan began building a man-made retreat high on a 60-foot chimney of rock in the Wisconsin countryside, with sweeping views of the valley below. He opened it to the public in 1960 and what started as a private retreat has grown into one of the most extraordinary and bizarre attractions in the entire United States.
Today the House on the Rock spans three massive sections with 20 different experience categories. Your self-guided tour takes you through the original house, an enormous indoor carousel, automated orchestras, a 200-foot sea creature, a 19th century street recreated indoors, the famous Infinity Room, and rooms full of collections that defy easy description. If you have read Neil Gaiman’s American Gods or watched the television series, House on the Rock plays a significant role in the story, and seeing it in person makes that very easy to understand.
A few things you will see:
- Huge indoor carousel
- Automated Orchestras and music machines
- Larger than life sea creatures
- One of the largest doll house collections
- A huge unique gun collection
- A 19th century street indoors with storefronts
House on the Rock Location and Address
5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588
Phone: 608-935-3639
House on the Rock is about 4 hours northwest of Chicago, 2 hours west of Milwaukee, and 1 hour southwest of Wisconsin Dells. It makes for a great day trip if you leave early or a natural stop on a longer Wisconsin road trip. We wrote a full guide to day trips from Chicago if you want to plan the whole drive.
House on the Rock Hours
House on the Rock is open March through December. It is NOT open year round so check the dates before you plan your trip. Here are the current seasonal hours:
Regular Season Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Open days vary by season — Thursday through Monday in spring and fall, daily in summer.
Spring Season: March through mid-May, Thursday through Monday
Summer Season: Mid-May through September, Daily
Fall Season: Late September through mid-November, Thursday through Monday
Christmas Season: Mid-November through end of December, Thursday through Monday. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Dark Side Halloween: Fridays and Saturdays in October, 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Important timing notes: some areas start closing at 2:00 pm. Doors close promptly at 5:00 pm. Plan to arrive early, most visitors need 3 to 4 hours to see everything.
House on the Rock Tickets and Prices
Tickets can be purchased in person or online. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted. Checks are not accepted. We strongly recommend buying online in advance because you get a discount and you can skip the line at will call when you arrive.
One important tip: the cell signal at House on the Rock is not great and there is no WiFi, so screenshot your confirmation or write down your ticket number before you leave home.
Regular Season — Online Tickets (Ultimate Experience, all 3 sections)
Adults (18 and up): $32.95
Junior (7-17): $17.95
Children (6 and under): $4.95
Regular Season — On-Site Tickets (Ultimate Experience, all 3 sections)
Adults (18-61): $35.95
Senior and Military (62 and over): $32.95
Junior (7-17): $19.95
Children (6 and under): $5.95
Regular Season — Highlight Experience (sections 1 and 2 only)
Adults, Senior and Military (18 and over): $29.95
Junior (7-17): $16.95
Children (6 and under): $3.95
Regular Season — Original House Experience (section 1 only)
Adults, Senior and Military (18 and over): $19.95
Junior (7-17): $11.95
Children (6 and under): $1.95
Christmas Season Tickets (sections 1 and 2, section 3 is closed)
Adults (18-61): $29.95
Senior and Military (62 and over): $27.95
Junior (7-17): $16.95
Children (6 and under): $5.95
Dark Side Halloween Tickets (October Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30-9:00 pm)
Dark Side only:
Adults (18 and up): $19.95
Junior and Children (17 and under): $11.95
Dark Side plus Ultimate Experience (same day):
Adults (18 and up): $45.95
Junior and Children (17 and under): $25.95
Note: Dark Side tickets are not available for purchase online. Dark Side is a Halloween themed walkthrough with dim lighting, strobe effects, fog, and performers. It may not be suitable for everyone. Confirm current dates at houseontherock.com before visiting.
Group rates for 20 or more people are available. Contact House on the Rock directly for group pricing.
All prices were accurate at the time of writing. Check houseontherock.com for current pricing before your visit.
Parking at House on the Rock
Parking is free. Follow the long driveway and keep left to reach the large parking lot above the Welcome Center. If you are in a larger vehicle or RV, stay to the right.
A Dream Turned Into An Ever Evolving Reality
The dream began with Alex Jordan in 1945. His dream was to build a man-made retreat high upon a rock with an amazing view. This dream came true and in 1960 Jordan opened his dream to the public.
His dream and house have grown to a massive scale. The House on the Rock now includes 3 different sections and 20 different experience categories. Your self-guided tour will take you through gardens, the original house, an organ room, see a 200-foot whale and so much more. Including the Famous Infinity Room and the Carousel.
What to Bring
Cash for tokens. This is the one thing most people forget. Throughout the house there are automated music machines that require tokens to operate and they are absolutely worth using. Bring singles because the token machines often do not accept larger bills. The good news is you can exchange unused tokens back for cash at the gift shop at the end of your tour so there is no risk in bringing extra.
Comfortable walking shoes. This is a walking tour through a large property with uneven terrain in some areas. You will be on your feet for several hours. Leave the dress shoes in the car.
Layers. Some sections take you outside between buildings so dress for the weather. Even in summer it is worth having a light jacket since you will move between indoor and outdoor areas throughout the tour.
Your ticket confirmation number. Cell signal is poor at the site. Screenshot your confirmation or write the number down before you leave home so you can check in at will call without fumbling with your phone.
Where to Eat
About halfway through the house there is a restaurant and food court serving snacks, meals, and drinks. It is open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are visiting with kids, this is a good natural stopping point in the middle of the tour.
Near the parking lot there are also picnic tables if you want to bring your own food. Outside food and beverages in non-sealed containers are not allowed inside the attraction areas.
If you want to read more about the Christmas Experience and see more pictures, read about it here: House on the Rock Christmas Experience
The Three Sections of House on the Rock
The house is divided into three sections. If you are short on time or budget, Section 1 and 2 contain most of the iconic experiences. Section 3 is worth it if you have the time, the Circus Room and Doll Carousel are genuinely impressive.
Section 1
The Alex Jordan Center: Dedicated to Alex Jordan and the history of how House on the Rock came to be. A great place to start for context.
Gate House: Features a massive fireplace and a music machine that replicates a full chamber orchestra. A taste of what is to come.
The Original House: The 13-room house where it all started. The design and scale feel impossible and intimate at the same time.
The Infinity Room: A glass-enclosed room that extends 218 feet out over the valley below. One of the most unique and memorable architectural experiences you will ever have. Do not skip this.
Section 2
Mill House: One of the world’s largest fireplaces, an enormous doll collection, suits of armor, antique guns, and mechanical banks.
Streets of Yesterday: A fully recreated 19th century brick street lined with shop displays, a fortune teller, and period storefronts. Incredibly detailed and atmospheric.
Heritage of the Sea: Home to a massive 200-foot sea creature suspended from the ceiling, over 200 model ship displays, and the Octopus’s Garden sea creature band. The sheer scale of this room is staggering.
Tribute to Nostalgia: Vintage automobiles, signs, and shops, plus the restaurant.
Music of Yesterday: Mechanically operated orchestras and music machines from different eras. This is where your tokens come in handy.
Spirit of Aviation: A sky full of model planes suspended from the ceiling.
The Carousel: The crown jewel of House on the Rock. An enormous indoor carousel featuring 269 animals, 20,000 lights, and 182 chandeliers. It does not carry riders — it is purely an artistic display and it is breathtaking. One of the most photographed things in Wisconsin.
Section 3
Organ Room: A labyrinth of bridges, walkways, and staircases leading in unexpected directions, anchored by three enormous theatre organ consoles.
Inspiration Point: An outdoor area offering a view of the House on the Rock and Infinity Room from below. Great for photos.
Doll House Room: One of the world’s largest collections of miniature doll houses.
Circus Room: A massive miniature circus display that is anything but small.
Galleries: Exotic collections from around the globe including unusual firearms, armor, and lavish crown jewels.
Doll Carousel: Two carousels filled with handcrafted dolls.
Note: Section 3 is closed during the Christmas Season.
The House on the Rock rules
Below are a few rules to go by:
- Outside food and alcohol are not allowed. Non-sealable, non-bottled beverages are not allowed past the admission areas.
- This is a non-smoking facility. Smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapor or smoke is only allowed in marked designated outside smoking areas.
- Only service animals working and performing tasks for an individual with a disability as defined by ADA are allowed.
- Pets are NOT allowed.
Other rules and up to date information can be found at: www.thehouseontherock.com
The information is courtesy of The House on the Rocks website and personal experience.
Thanks for reading!
Where to Stay Near House on the Rock
The House on the Rock Resort is right on site, a full resort with spa and golf course at 400 Springs Drive, Spring Green, WI 53588. Beyond the resort there are hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds throughout Spring Green. If you are making a weekend of it, an Airbnb in the area is a great option and lets you explore at a relaxed pace.
What Else to Do Near House on the Rock
The Spring Green and Blue Mounds area has several great stops worth combining with your House on the Rock visit.
Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds is about 30 minutes away and one of the most beautiful limestone cave systems in the Midwest. We love this place and have a full guide and video. Read our Cave of the Mounds visitor guide here.
Mount Horeb is a charming small town about 20 minutes from House on the Rock known for its Troll Trail, a walking tour of hand-carved wooden trolls along the main street. Great for a quick stop especially with kids.
Wisconsin Dells is about an hour northeast and is worth its own dedicated trip. The waterparks are the obvious draw but there is a lot more to the area beyond that.
Our Honest Take
We go to House on the Rock multiple times a year and it is one of our favorite places in the entire Midwest. That might sound like an exaggeration but we genuinely mean it. Every time we visit we find something we missed or see something familiar in a new way. It is the kind of place that rewards multiple visits in a way that almost nothing else does.
Our recommendation is to buy the Ultimate Experience ticket online to save money and get into all three sections. Arrive when it opens at 9:00 am. Take your time in each room. Bring tokens and use them. And do not rush the Carousel or the Infinity Room, those are the moments you will remember.
If you are visiting in the fall or winter, check out our full guide to the House on the Rock Christmas Experience for everything you need to know about the holiday season specifically. Watch our video below for that visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do House on the Rock tickets cost?
Regular season Ultimate Experience tickets (all three sections) cost $32.95 for adults when purchased online, or $35.95 at the door. Junior tickets (ages 7-17) are $17.95 online or $19.95 on-site. Children 6 and under are $4.95 online. Buying online saves money and lets you skip the ticket line.
Is House on the Rock worth the money?
Yes, without question. We have been dozens of times and it is still worth every dollar. There is genuinely nothing else like it anywhere in the world. Budget at least 3 to 4 hours and buy the Ultimate Experience ticket to see all three sections — the Carousel and Infinity Room alone justify the price of admission.
How long does it take to see House on the Rock?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours for all three sections. If you are thorough and use the music machines, budget closer to 4 to 5 hours. Some areas start closing at 2:00 pm so arrive early to see everything at a comfortable pace.
Is House on the Rock open year round?
No. House on the Rock is open March through December with varying days and hours depending on the season. It is closed in January and February. Always check houseontherock.com for current hours before making the drive.
Is House on the Rock good for kids?
Yes, kids love it. The carousel, the enormous sea creature, the music machines, and the sheer scale of everything makes it endlessly fascinating for children. Be aware that some areas have uneven terrain and stairs, and not all sections are stroller-friendly.
Can you buy House on the Rock tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets are available on-site. However on-site prices are higher than online prices and on busy summer weekends the lines can be long. We always recommend buying online in advance at houseontherock.com to save money and time.
How far is House on the Rock from Chicago?
House on the Rock is about 4 hours northwest of Chicago, making it a long but very doable day trip if you leave early. It also works well as a weekend trip — Spring Green and the surrounding Wisconsin countryside have plenty of great places to stay and explore.
What is the Infinity Room at House on the Rock?
The Infinity Room is a glass-enclosed cantilevered room that extends 218 feet out over the valley below with no support underneath. Walking to the end of it and looking down through the glass floor is one of the most memorable experiences in the entire attraction. It is completely safe but genuinely thrilling.
