The House on the Rock

[killerleft]

Has anyone ever been to The House on the Rock, a former home turned into a tourist attraction near Dodgeville, Wisconsin?

http://www.thehouseontherock.com/HOTR_AttractionMain.htm

I first read about it in a Neil Gaiman novel, American Gods. The fantastic descriptions in the novel led me to believe it was not a real place. But it is.

Don't know when I might arrange a visit there, but would like to hear some input on whether the House on the Rock is as tourist-worthy as it sounds.

[2535Miles]

Has anyone ever been to The House on the Rock, a former home turned into a tourist attraction near Dodgeville, Wisconsin?

http://www.thehouseontherock.com/HOTR_AttractionMain.htm

I first read about it in a Neil Gaiman novel, American Gods. The fantastic descriptions in the novel led me to believe it was not a real place. But it is.

Don't know when I might arrange a visit there, but would like to hear some input on whether the House on the Rock is as tourist-worthy as it sounds.
Wow this seems really cool. Roadsideamerica.com (very cool website for planning road trips) has a report (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2254). I'd love to hear some feedback to because I think this is going on my list of places to see in America.

[killerleft]

I'm a sucker for tourist-traps. The House on the Rock sounds like a great place to blow a reasonable amount of money.

[bfree]

I went when I was about 14... about 10 years ago... I remember it being truly bizarre.

[tbyers11]

I grew up outside Madison, Wisconsin and went to the House on the Rock once about 17-18 years ago when I was 13 or 14. My memory is a little fuzzy but the Infinity room was awesome. The giant sea monster room was cool and the carousel room was impressive.

The report linked by 2535 Miles is correct in that the whole place gives a very claustrophobic feel and is not for people who are against walking up inclines. It was warm, but not hot, and musty due to lack of A/C. The thing that I remember the most is thinking how did he get all of this crap into a house on top of a bluff.

It is a very unique experience but if you are a sucker for tourist traps and kitsch I think it would be right up your alley.

Several Frank Lloyd Wright buildings (including his long time home in Taliesin) and the American Players Theatre (http://www.playinthewoods.org/) (which puts on plays, including a couple by Shakespeare, every summer in a beautiful outdoor setting) are both within 15-20 minutes of the House on the Rock between Dodgeville and Spring Green, Wisconsin.

Madison (~ 200,000 people) is about an hour away and is the closest city to HOTR. If you ever decide to visit and want some advice on the area, let me know.

[Uncle Drew]

I've heard at dinner time they call everyone to eat by screaming, "do you smell what the house on the rock is cooking"!!!!!!!!!!!!