Blog

Brucemore Plants 400 Trees as Part of Landscape Restoration

November 1st, 2022

Brucemore planted 400 trees and understory shrubs in the three-acre wooded area of the property earlier this month. This completes phase I of a multi-year effort to restore the nationally significant 26-acre landscape after the 2020 derecho windstorm, which caused more than $3 million of damage and the loss of 70% of the tree canopy. Phase I work was funded by donations to Brucemore’s Preservation Fund and a significant gift of plant material through the Planting Forward initiative by the Monarch Research Project.

“Experts believe the devastation was among the worst suffered by a cultural landscape in the United States in the last century,” said Brucemore CEO David Janssen. “We have a tremendous amount of work ahead to restore the remainder of the landscape over the next few years, however, seeing the evidence of hundreds of new trees in the ground has been very gratifying.”

The work behind-the-scenes kicked off in May of 2021 and included research into the organization’s archival materials such as diaries and letters, consultation with experts in various fields on best practices, and a review of modern maintenance needs. The process aims to ensure the authenticity of the site, which provides a rare example of a 20th century country estate and a landscape design by Ossian Cole Simonds, a leading landscape architect of that time whose credits include Graceland Cemetery and Lincoln Park in Chicago, Ill.

The design process for Phase II is currently in progress with the possibility of work beginning as early as next spring, pending raising necessary funding.

Donations to support Brucemore’s landscape restoration efforts can be made to the Preservation Fund, as well as by calling (319) 362-7375 or by sending a check to 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

General

Do I need to pay to enter the estate and walk on the grounds?

No. Visiting the Brucemore estate during grounds hours is free. Tickets are only required for scheduled tours and events, and they can be purchased in advance online.

Is a reservation needed to visit Brucemore?

You do not need a reservation to visit the grounds on your own. You do need a ticket to go inside the mansion. We recommend advance reservations for any of our mansion tours or other scheduled special themed tours due to limited capacity. Please visit our calendar to see upcoming opportunities and to purchase your tickets.

Touring the Mansion

Can I take pictures inside the mansion?

Yes. Photography is allowed during tours for personal, non-professional use. Tripods, selfie-sticks, or other photography equipment will not be permitted. Photographs should not distract from others’ enjoyment.

How large is the mansion?

Brucemore is approximately 15,000 square feet.

How many fireplaces, rooms, and floors does Brucemore have?

There are 21 “main” rooms, 14 fireplaces and four floors plus an attic.

Is all of the furniture original to the house and families?

Much of the furniture you will see on display belonged to the second or third families to live at Brucemore; however, some pieces had to be replaced with replicas or similar antiques.

Is the mansion handicap accessible?

The Brucemore mansion includes multiple floors and several staircases. Because of the historic architecture, some spaces are not accessible. Due to preservation work, the wheelchair lift that offers accessibility to the first floor is not available at this time. An elevator is not available from the first floor to the other floors at any time. Learn more about accessibility at Brucemore.

Group and School Tours

Is there an age requirement for students visiting Brucemore?

You do not have to be a certain age to visit or attend a program at Brucemore. Different programs are best suited for different ages. Tours of the mansion are recommended for 4th grade and older due to the concepts and historic collection.

Where do we park?

Parking is available on site a short walk from the mansion or carriage house. Buses must follow special instructions. Large events may not be able to accommodate on-site parking; please see the event calendar information for exceptions.

Is bus parking available?

Yes. Bus parking is available near the carriage house. Buses must arrive via special directions as they are unable to fit in our historic gates.

Is there a lunch area at Brucemore?

There is not a designated area indoors or outdoors to eat; however, you are welcome to bring your own blanket or chair to picnic on the grounds. Please carry out any trash to help our small staff keep the grounds beautiful.

Does my group have to arrive together?

Please let group members or chaperones know where they can meet the group.

What is your payment policy?

Brucemore admission is to be paid prior to the visit and a deposit may be required. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card and should be paid in one sum.

Do I need to make an appointment to tour the mansion?

You must have a ticket to a tour or program inside the mansion. Many tours do sell out in advance; purchase online or by calling 319-362-7375 in advance of your visit to guarantee your spot. See the schedule here.

Is the mansion wheelchair accessible?

The mansion is not currently accessible to wheelchairs due to preservation work. The mansion includes multiple flights of stairs. Most of the outdoor areas of the site are accessible. See our full accessibility information and contact us with additional questions regarding your visit.

Can I walk on the property?

Yes, the grounds and gardens are open daily most of the year. Several self-guided interpretive panels and tours via QR codes are available. See hours here.

What is Brucemore’s ticket policy?

Tickets are non-refundable, but may be rescheduled for comparable programs as space allows. Learn more.

I’m attending a large event at Brucemore. Where do I park?

Large events may require you to park offsite. Please read the event details on the calendar for specific information for each event.