Large historic mansion with red brick facade, ornate white trim, and a mansard roof surrounded by a lush, landscaped lawn with trees and greenery.

About the Ellwood House

Vintage photograph of a large Victorian-style house with ornate architectural details, multiple windows, and ivy vines climbing the walls. The building is surrounded by trees, with a pathway leading to the entrance.

The Ellwood House Museum is a historic site situated on ten acres of parkland in the heart of DeKalb, Illinois.

The museum campus consists of seven historic structures, including the 1879 Ellwood Mansion and 1900 Ellcourt House, four gardens, and 6,000 square feet of exhibit space in the Patience Ellwood Towle Visitor Center, a converted and expanded 1912 multi-car garage.

Originally built for barbed wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood, the Mansion was home to three generations of the Ellwood family from 1879 to 1965. In 1965, the Ellwood Mansion was given to the DeKalb Park District by Mrs. May Ellwood and her three children. In 2011, Mrs. Shirley Nehring donated the Ellcourt House to the non-profit Ellwood House Association, Inc.

Today the Ellwood House Association and the DeKalb Park District operate the entire site as a museum.

Quick Links

Large brick mansion with white columns and trim surrounded by green lawn and trees.

Book a Tour

Book your visit today and learn about the significance of the Ellwood family and their importance to barbed wire. We offer tours of two historic properties Wednesday through Sunday.

Elegant room setup with round tables covered in white tablecloths, each decorated with a vase of pink and white flowers, around a classic wooden fireplace with a green tile surround.

Rentals

We offer a variety of spaces for all of your special moments. From historic spaces to beautiful gardens we have the perfect space for your event.

A quaint, beige-colored Victorian house is situated in a green landscape. Large trees with bare branches surround the house, while others have vibrant green and yellow leaves, indicating a fall setting. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the picturesque scene.

Become a Member

Become a member of the Ellwood House Museum and help support the preservation of this unique landmark. Membership starts at just $25.