Ruthmere Museum

You are invited to tour Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley's home This opulent Beaux- Arts mansion designed by E. Hill Turnock, features carved mahogany woodwork, silk wall coverings, elaborately hand-painted ceilings, fine art and exquisite furnishings.

Once the gathering place of local society, Ruthmere is now one of “ America’s Castles” featured on A&E. Group Amenities: Two complimentary admissions per motorcoach. Refreshments served for minimal fee.

Dates of Operation: May - December, Group Tours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday only by appointment.

Tour Length: 1 hr 15 min Admission: $7 per person, $3 per student grades K-12 Misc: Motorcoach Parking, Gift Shop, Guided Tour Quilt Gardens location.

“Witches Brew Tea” with Willow the Witch at Ruthmere--$25 pp incl

Following your mansion tour, groups enjoy the “Witches Brew Afternoon Tea”. You’ll shiver as the ghostly shape materializes right before your eyes! You’ll hear the wolves howling announcing your arrival at THE WITCHES BREW TEA! A special guest is expected to fly in all the way from the wicked west - Willow the Witch! But, don’t be afraid, my pretties, you will be among friends. (You hope!) Come; pick your poison - ah - tea, at Ruthmere’s Witches Brew Tea. There will be ample parking for your broomsticks or bicycles. You’ll have a bewitching time with delicious teas and tea foods!

Downton Abbey Afternoon Tour & Tea at Ruthmere--$30 pp incl (25-50 persons)
Step into the past and experience what life was like for the affluent at the turn of the previous century. Tour the opulent home built in 1910 by Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, a prominent Elkhart couple. Admire the elaborate window treatments, silk wall coverings, carved mahogany woodwork, revival-style furnishings and fabulous art works that adorn the mansion. Peek into Elizabeth’s boudoir where dresses still hang in the closet. Then enjoy a “Downton Abbey” style afternoon tea complete with hot tea, cold lemonade, tea sandwiches and fresh fruit served in the Game Room or on the covered Piazza if weather permits. Everyone goes home feeling grand.

120 minutes with tour and tea
$30 pp incl (25-50 persons)

Jazz Club Cocktail Hour & Tour at Ruthmere
Bring the early 20th century to life and create unforgettable memories for your group at Ruthmere’s Jazz Club event. Take a late afternoon tour of the lavish Beaux Arts style home built in 1910 by Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, a prominent Elkhart couple. Get glimpses of their affluent lifestyle admiring the exceptional collection of art works, elaborate furnishings and silk wall hangings that grace the home. Then step into the Game Room transformed to a swinging 1920s Jazz Club for an evening of lively musical entertainment, light hors d’oeuvres and a variety of vintage cocktails. It’s sure to get your group’s evening off on a good foot.    

120 minutes
$40 pp incl (25-50 persons)