National Historic Landmark in La Salle

The Hegeler Carus Mansion
before restoration

The Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle, IL has always intrigued me. 

Like many people in the Illinois Valley area, I remember going to the Julius W. Hegeler 1 Home across the street from the Mansion for art, dance, sewing and babysitting classes. The home was the original location of the Illinois Valley YMCA.

As a kid, I road past the Mansion on my bike and let my imagination go wild, especially if it was getting dark.  The Mansion is a huge Victorian masterpiece...and for most of my life, it was a little spooky.  Over one hundred years of time, weather, and wear had not been kind to the structure. I always wondered what it must be like inside-who lives there? What incredible lives they must have!

The Hegeler Carus Mansion
today

Today (many years later) as Executive Director of the Hegeler Carus Foundation, I am fortunate to be managing the restoration of both of these amazing homes.  The Foundation began working on the Hegeler Carus Mansion in the 1990's.  The exterior restoration is 80% complete and the Mansion is open for tours as a "house museum." 

The Mansion is virtually unaltered since the 1870's.  Visitors get a glimpse into the past and learn about a fascinating family whose history is woven with the Illinois Valley and the world.

The Julius W. Hegeler 1 Home, to the south of the Mansion was built for the Hegeler's oldest son.  It is being restored now and will once again be a community center for arts and education.  We plan to hold classes, lectures, concerts, parties, weddings and many community events in the home when it is finished.  We started repairing the brick structure this summer and are raising money now to finish the exterior project.

To learn more about the Mansion and learn about our events, concerts and lectures, visit the website at http://www.hegelercarus.org/.  You can also follow our new blog "Stories from the Big House".

The Mansion is a great place to visit.  We hope to see you soon!

The Hegeler Carus Mansion is located just a few blocks from the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which makes it a great stop along the Heritage Corridor, the Illinois River Road or a fun addition to a trip to Starved Rock State Park.