The House on the Rock is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Built on top of a 60-foot tall rock, it was originally designed as a private residence by architect Alex Jordan Jr. Today, it is open to the public as an elaborate complex of displays, exhibits, gardens, and shops. One of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the House on the Rock is how much it costs to stay there overnight.
Overnight Accommodations at the House on the Rock
Unfortunately, it is not possible to stay overnight at the actual House on the Rock. It does not offer any hotel rooms or vacation rentals. However, there are several lodging options located nearby that provide easy access to exploring the House on the Rock and the surrounding area:
- House on the Rock Inn – Located just down the road from the attraction, this inn offers standard hotel rooms and suites starting at around $120 per night.
- House on the Rock Resort – Adjacent to the House on the Rock property, the resort features deluxe rooms, suites, and villas with rates ranging from $200 to over $400 per night depending on room size and amenities.
- Landmark Resort – This larger resort in nearby Wisconsin Dells offers various room types starting at around $100 per night during the off-season.
- Vacation home rentals – The Spring Green area has over 100 vacation home rentals available, with nightly rates starting at around $150.
- Campgrounds – For a lower budget option, there are campgrounds in the Spring Green vicinity starting at around $25 per night for tent camping.
So while you cannot actually spend the night inside the House on the Rock, there are convenient and affordable lodging choices in the vicinity.
Ticket Prices for Visiting the House on the Rock
During daytime hours, the House on the Rock is open for guided tours. Tickets are required for admission. Here is an overview of the ticket prices:
- Standard House Tour – $31.99 per adult, $15.99 per youth (ages 4-17)
- Premium Tour (includes Standard Tour plus the infinity Room and carousel) – $36.99 per adult, $20.99 per youth
- Ultimate Tour (includes all attractions) – $39.99 per adult, $23.99 per youth
Children ages 3 and under get in for free. Discounted rates are available for seniors, military members, and tour groups. Special event ticket pricing may apply for certain dates.
In addition to the core building tours, there are extra-charge attractions and activities:
- Musical Jukeboxes – $1 per play
- Carousel Rides – $1 per ride
- Rooftop Tour – $8
- Guided Garden Tour – $5
- Gift Shops – Prices vary
- Snack Bars and Cafes – Menu prices vary
As you can see, the base admission ticket gets you access to the main guided tours, but there are small additional costs if you want to enjoy the rides, food, and extras around the complex.
Types of Tickets and Passes
The House on the Rock offers several options when it comes to tickets and passes:
- Single day tickets – These provide one-time admission to the Standard, Premium, or Ultimate tours for the date selected.
- 2-day tickets – Allow access to the tours over two consecutive days.
- Annual passes – For frequent visitors, annual passes provide unlimited admission for one year and start at $75 for individuals.
- Guest passes – If you have an annual pass, you can purchase discounted guest passes for friends and family.
Tickets and passes can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket counter on site. Advance purchase is recommended as some tour types may sell out, especially during peak season.
When to Visit to Get the Best Deal
If you are looking to save money on your visit to the House on the Rock, timing your trip strategically can help:
- Weekdays – Admission is cheaper Monday through Thursday versus weekends.
- Winter – Rates are lower in the winter months between November and March.
- Group rates – Take advantage of discounted group tickets if visiting with 4+ people.
- Coupons – Look for promotional coupons which sometimes provide $3-5 off per ticket.
- Annual pass – If planning several visits throughout the year, an annual pass often provides the best overall value.
Avoiding the peak summer months and visiting earlier in the day on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday typically provides the most affordability on admission to this one-of-a-kind Wisconsin attraction.
Average Total Cost for a Visit
To estimate what you might spend for a full day visiting the House on the Rock, here are some average costs to plan for:
Expense | Average Cost |
---|---|
Admission (Standard Tour adult rate) | $32 |
Additional attractions/rides | $5-10 |
Food/drinks | $15 |
Souvenirs | $10-25 |
Parking | $5 |
Total average cost for 1 adult | $70-85 |
Of course, costs can range higher or lower depending on factors like tour type, number in your party, extra attractions visited, food purchased, etc. But in general, budgeting about $70-85 per person provides a comfortable amount for a full day at the House on the Rock.
Membership and Season Pass Options
For those who plan to visit the House on the Rock more than once per year, there are membership and season pass options that can create savings:
- Individual annual pass – For $75, provides unlimited admissions for one year.
- Dual annual pass – At $130, covers admissions for 2 people for one year.
- Family annual pass – For $199, allows unlimited visits for 2 adults and up to 4 youth in one household.
Annual passholders receive benefits like free parking, guest passes, shopping discounts, early admission on certain days, and exclusive dining coupons. For frequent visitors, a pass almost always generates significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Visit
Here are some additional ways to get the most value during your time at the House on the Rock:
- Pack snacks/drinks – This lets you avoid higher costs at on-site snack bars.
- Fill up on gas beforehand – The nearest gas station is 8 miles away.
- Wear comfortable shoes – There is a lot of walking so you can skip rental scooters.
- Ask about discounts – Inquire with staff about any unadvertised specials or coupons.
- Shop late in the day – Some gift shops may mark down items near closing time.
- Watch for coupons – Check websites and flyers for periodic coupons.
- Photograph – Taking photos allows skipping costly souvenirs.
With a little advance planning and some budgeting techniques, you can control costs and enjoy the uniqueness of the House on the Rock without overspending.
Conclusion
The House on the Rock is a one-of-a-kind attraction that appeals to people with diverse interests. While you can’t actually spend the night in the House itself, the surrounding area offers many lodging options that allow you to enjoy this fascinating place over multiple days. Ticket prices vary based on which type of guided tour you select, but average $30-40 for adults. Visiting on off-peak days, bundling tickets as a group, and looking for coupons can yield savings on admission. Most guests budget about $70-85 total per person when accounting for food, activities, shopping and parking. For frequent visitors, annual passes provide a great value. Using tips like packing your own food and minimizing souvenir purchases allows you to responsibly enjoy this unique Wisconsin landmark without breaking the bank.