the octagon house

helenz

We have lived in Watertown for more then 50 years. Early when our children were in school a visit to the Octagon House was a regular on our agenda. Now years later we have visited several times in the past years with our granddaughters. I realize more than before the wonderful architecture and history within the house. The first Kindergarten building located on the same property serves as a reminder of the beginning of early childhood education in our country.

362terrym

This historic site will appeal to all ages. It includes the first Kindergarten and the eight sided house all in authentic, period décor.

sierraphoenix

The tour of the octagon house is classic. It's informative, the tour guides wear clothing from the period and are so knowledgable about the history of the home and the town. There is a lot to see. Ask questions! If you're lucky, you might be able to join the Civil War Band for the ice cream social, or catch the Christmas play during the holiday season. All very cool, not to be missed. You will even learn how the high school got its mascot, the gosling!

jhartig1

We almost passed on seeing the Octagon House on our way to Door County but I am sooooo glad we stopped. You definitely have to make this a destination because the signage to get here is sooooo bad. But once you are there, you get to see the "first" kindergarten and tour an incredibly modern and unusual house. The modern touches reminded me of Monticello--the owner of the Octagon House and Thomas Jefferson were quite forward thinking. The puzzle for me was the wife--she did all the cooking and cleaning for this huge home. Unreal. The home is beautifully restored and our tour guide was a young man who was on his way to the University of Wisconsin to study history. He was an absolute delight and he was part of the reason we so liked the tour. The gift shop was amazing and I bought more here than I do in bigger places. What a special find!

257suet

We really enjoyed the tour and the feeling of actually being a part of that great history. They have taken great pride in making the Octagon House a site that should make people want to visit time and time again.

mar326

If you are coming to Watertown this is an interesting place to see. Its fullof history of our fine town.

971dennisp971

Visitors will find this 1850s five-floor home to have been ahead of its time, especially where heating and cooling are concerned. A trip up the spiral staircase is a special treat. The well-informed tour guide gave an interesting presentation. After the house tour, there are other structures on the property to explore, as well as a gift shop, so be sure to allow some extra time. In all, it's a good value for the reasonable admission fee.

AdamGOGC

I have visited the Octagon House several times. This most recent trip was the best. I had not been in a while and we took some friends of ours to see it. The tour guide, Adam, did a fantastic job. He was knowledgeable and spoke clearly. You could tell he liked his job. For those that enjoy history, this is a must-visit. The house has some amazing features to it (especially when you consider the time period it was built) and you also can check out the very first kindergarten in the US. There are old items of all kinds that can be seen, most of them are from the Richard's family or the surrounding area.

Ginhenna

The tour was very nice. Especially the tour guide. Extremely well maintained and truly a treasure to the city of watertown We highly recommend this home as a destination to everyone. The interior of the house is a passage to the past.

AngelaL407

If you love historical sites, you must visit the Octagon House in Watertown sometime! The last time my girls and I were there was during Watertown's Winter Festival and saw a production of "The Gift of the Magi" put on in a "traveling" play through the rooms on the first floor of the house! Very cool! The First Kindergarten building in the backyard of the house is also very interesting!

MaryJ88

Excellent guides provide informational tours. The house is well maintained and it is easy to view all of the interior. Great family activity.

UIAlums

This is a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The staff is very good and the place is interpreted very well. Not everyone has the opportunity to visit an Octagon House since few were built when they were popular in the mid 19th century.

skm822

This is a surprising historical gem built before the Civil War. Fascinating history of the family and a unique house. Our tour guide was amazing. She talked for an hour and I am sure she could have talked for another hour. The house had heat, running water, air conditioning and a beautiful cantilevered spiral staircase. If you are in the area to see Taliesin, make the detour to see the Octagon House.

MaryR137

I just enjoy the architecture of the home and the staff are always proud to show you around. I have been here more than once. I will continue to go in the future.

MargeW879

A good historical place to see in Wisconsin. Lots of history to it.