The Wyeth-Tootle Mansion

We went on national museum day, so admission was free. Very cool museum. Surprisingly, it is full of conservation information. A beautiful mansion. We also went to a fire-dancing performance in the yard there this summer. Love the community events!

We attended an event on the first floor of this striking, elegant white stone mansion in St. Joseph. The mansion was built in the late 1800's. The downstairs is apparently used these days for special events. There is a gorgeous painted ceiling on the first floor; most or all of the woodwork appears to be original.The upstairs includes a Victorian bedroom, and also showcases a few pieces of fine clothing and a delicate pair of women's shoes that are over 100 years old, I think. There were also some other assorted items on display. Some, but not all, of the items upstairs relate to outlaw Jesse James, who lived elsewhere in St. Joseph.Note: You may wish to bring a jacket or sweater if visiting in the winter.

Great place to visit I was surprised they didn't have the Indians they use to have Car show was great

If you love old Victorian, or just elegant old homes make a stop at the Wyeth-Tootle Museum. Access to the mansion is very easy of the interstate and a neighborhood is walk is well worth the admission.Check the hours, it's only open a couple of days a week (Friday and Saturday right now), but if you are near and can work it in make the trip. It's a self guided tour of three floors. The first floor is the mansion, second has more mansion displays as well as some local history, and the third floor is dedicated to the story of a flood in the 1990's. We were there to see the mansion so the rest of the displays were just local color. The staff member was very knowledgeable of the building's history and very accommodating when had questions. The building and interior shows some neglect and bad decision in the past, but there is still plenty to give you an idea of it's bygone splendor.The big plus is that after a hour or more in the mansion you can go out and you are surrounded by some magnificent Victorian homes in various states of repair. Some of the private homes are in superb condition while others clearly need a kind and caring owner. It's a great walk around a couple of uncrowded blocks to let you witness a history lesson of wealth and decline.We spent about two ours there and enjoyed every minute.