- Attraction: The House on the Rock
- Location: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588
- Industry: Tourist Attraction
- Website: https://www.thehouseontherock.com/
Alex Jordan Jr. had a wild vision in 1960 when he opened his extraordinary creation to the public – a house literally built atop a 60-foot column of rock that has since morphed into Wisconsin’s most bewildering and mesmerizing attraction.
What started as Jordan’s personal retreat has evolved into a labyrinthine wonderland that defies all logic and expectation, where you’ll encounter everything from a 200-foot sea creature to the world’s most spectacular carousel spinning beneath thousands of twinkling lights.
You’ll quickly discover this isn’t your typical tourist attraction.
The House on the Rock is a sensory adventure that takes you through three distinct sections of increasingly surreal exhibits, from the original house with its famous Infinity Room extending unsupported over the valley, to underground streets recreating America’s past, to massive halls housing Jordan’s extraordinary collections that span decades of obsessive gathering.
Key Highlights & Must-See Attractions
The Infinity Room: This architectural marvel stretches 218 feet out over the Wyoming Valley without any support underneath, narrowing from 30 feet wide at the entrance to just one inch at the tip. You’ll walk on over 3,000 pieces of glass while taking in breathtaking views of the forested valley below. The glass floor sections add an extra thrill that will test your fear of heights as you peer straight down through the treetops.
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Keep Exploring →World’s Largest Indoor Carousel: Prepare to be absolutely mesmerized by this 85-foot diameter, 35-foot tall spinning spectacle featuring 269 handcrafted animals – but not a single horse. Jordan wanted something completely unique, so you’ll see dragons, peacocks, centaurs, and mermaids pulling royal carriages, all illuminated by more than 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers. The ominous orchestral soundtrack creates an almost mystical atmosphere as this $4.8 million masterpiece rotates before your eyes.
Heritage of the Sea: You’ll feel dwarfed in this cavernous hall that houses a 200-foot sea creature sculpture as long as the Statue of Liberty is tall, along with over 200 model ships and a detailed Titanic display. The giant animatronic octopus and Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” playing in the background create an underwater fantasy that’s both enchanting and slightly surreal.
Streets of Yesterday: Walk down these meticulously recreated indoor brick streets that transport you to early 20th century America. You’ll discover vintage storefronts, antique shops, and period displays that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The attention to detail in these underground streets is remarkable.
Music of Yesterday: This section will delight you with dozens of coin-operated musical machines, including orchestrions, player pianos, and mechanically operated symphony orchestras. Bring plenty of dollar bills to exchange for tokens – these automated musical marvels come to life with the drop of a coin, filling the halls with melodies from bygone eras.
The Original House: Jordan’s actual living space showcases his eclectic taste for Asian art, exotic furniture, and colorful silk pillows. The low ceilings, exposed stone, and dark woodwork create an intimate atmosphere that feels like exploring a wealthy collector’s private retreat from the 1940s.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Décor
Sensory Overload Experience: You’ll find yourself in a dimly lit wonderland where every room offers a completely different atmosphere and soundtrack. The complex deliberately gets weirder and more overwhelming as you progress deeper, creating an almost dreamlike journey through Jordan’s imagination. The thick carpeting throughout most areas adds to the surreal, muffled quality of the experience.
Asian Garden Serenity: Before entering the main attraction, you’ll stroll through beautifully maintained Asian gardens with water displays and peaceful walkways that provide a calm introduction to the chaos that awaits inside.
Underground Maze: Most of the attraction exists underground in a series of connected buildings, creating a labyrinthine experience where you’ll lose track of time and direction. The rope barriers guide you along a specific path, but you’ll feel like you’re exploring a secret underground world.
Themed Restrooms: Even the bathrooms are works of art here, with gorgeously decorated spaces that feel like exhibits themselves. You’ll find walls of illuminated glass vases and other artistic touches that make even the most mundane stops memorable.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The Ultimate Experience admission runs around $35-40 for adults, which includes all three sections and typically takes 3-4 hours to complete. While it’s not budget-friendly, the sheer scale and uniqueness of what you’ll see makes it worthwhile for those seeking an unforgettable experience. The Original House Experience is a cheaper option at around $18 but only covers the first section.
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Keep Exploring →Physical Demands: You’ll do a significant amount of walking on uneven surfaces, ramps, and stairs throughout your visit. The complex spans multiple buildings connected by walkways, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Rest areas and benches are scattered throughout, but be prepared for several hours on your feet.
Token Strategy: Bring plenty of dollar bills to exchange for tokens at machines throughout the complex. You’ll want 10-15 tokens minimum to fully enjoy the interactive musical displays and automated machines. These tokens can also be used toward gift shop purchases if you have extras.
Timing Your Visit: Arrive no later than 2 PM for the Ultimate Experience, as sections begin closing early and your admission options become limited. The complex completely closes at 5 PM, and you’ll want to allow at least 3 hours to see everything without feeling rushed.
Family Friendly Quirks: While suitable for all ages, younger children might find some areas overwhelming or scary due to the dim lighting and surreal displays. The attraction has a slightly musty smell in some sections due to the age and thick carpeting, though it’s generally not problematic for most visitors.
Parking & Accessibility: Free parking is available, and the facility accommodates wheelchairs and scooters (under 52 inches long with 750-pound weight restriction). However, some areas have stairs and uneven surfaces that may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
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Discover MoreThe House on the Rock
📍 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588
