Women's History Tour

In Her Steps

Meet the women who shaped Brucemore!

From Caroline Sinclair building the mansion to Margaret Hall gifting the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, women are at the heart of Brucemore’s story. This tour is your opportunity to meet the women who shaped Brucemore and learn how they impacted Cedar Rapids’ history. Along the way, you’ll discover how their stories intersect with topics of labor, class, and philanthropy.

This 90-minute staff-led tour is offered exclusively during Women’s History Month. Returning visitors will enjoy diving deeper into Brucemore’s stories while first-time guests can experience an introduction to the site with a focus on the women who influenced it.

Tickets for this tour must be purchased in advance on our website or over the phone. Space is limited and this popular tour frequently sells out.

Please check in at the mansion for this tour.

Admission

  • $18.00 Adult
  • $10.00 Student
  • Brucemore supporters receive a $5 discount per ticket.
  • A $4.00 processing fee will be applied to all online and phone orders.

Tour Dates

  • Thursday, March 6, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 13, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 20, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 27, 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Here are a few of the women you’ll learn about on this tour!

Join us for this Women’s History Month experience to learn about these amazing women and others who shaped Cedar Rapids history.

What to expect from this tour

  • This tour is best enjoyed by visitors ages 12 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • In Her Steps does not include access to buildings other than the mansion during the tour.
  • This tour covers the first, second, and third floors of the mansion and includes content that is not part of standard guided tours.
  • Tours of the mansion consist of substantial walking and standing. The historic mansion is not currently wheelchair accessible. There are several stairs to access the first floor, and several flights of stairs to see the other floors. The mansion does not have an elevator.  Please make the best decision for the accessibility of your party with this knowledge.

What to do when you arrive

  • Enter through the gate at 2160 Linden Dr. SE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Please do not use the exit gate on First Avenue to enter the site.
  • Once onsite, follow signs towards the mansion.
  • Use the on-site parking a short walk from the mansion entrance. You may use the circle drive for drop off, but parking is not allowed in this area.
  • Please check in with staff at the mansion at the time on your ticket.
  • The mansion entrance is on the south side of the building, through the front door next to the circle drive.

Tips for your visit

  • For site navigation tips, please watch this video. A labeled Google Map of the site is available here.
  • Please consider leaving bags or other large personal items in your vehicle. A coat rack is available, but it is not monitored during the tour.
  • Early admittance may not be available and there is not an indoor lobby to wait for the tour to begin. If you arrive onsite more than 10 minutes before your scheduled tour, please enjoy exploring the grounds before entering the mansion.
  • In Her Steps starts promptly at 5:30 PM. If you miss your tour start time, you may be subject to a shortened tour or asked to reschedule to another tour date, subject to availability.
  • Food and drink are not allowed inside the mansion during tours. We encourage you to enjoy a meal at one of Cedar Rapids’ local restaurants before or after your visit.
  • All ticket sales are non-refundable. Please read our ticket policy here.
  • Tours may be canceled if weather or other conditions could jeopardize the safety of anyone involved. Brucemore will contact ticket holders by phone and email in the event of a tour cancellation. Tickets are non-refundable, however, the ticket value may be credited as a tax-deductible contribution to Brucemore within seven days.
  • Photography is allowed inside the mansion for personal, non-professional use. Tripods, selfie-sticks, or other photography equipment are not permitted. Please read our photo policy here