The turn-of-the-century Rockcliffe Mansion offers an impressive hour-long docent Guided Tour. In addition to the spectacular views from the estate grounds, this breathtaking Gilded Age Mansion houses many original furnishings, priceless L.C. Tiffany lighting fixtures and stained glass windows, and a fascinating history. See the Grand Staircase where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) addressed 300 of Hannibal society during his last visit to Hannibal in 1902.
The History of Rockcliffe Mansion
Rockcliffe Mansion sits high upon a limestone cliff with a commanding view of Hannibal and the Mississippi River–a view that seems fitting for this stately mansion that was home to Hannibal’s wealthiest lumber baron in the Gilded Age. John J. Cruikshank, Jr., wanted a grand home to richly display the finest woods and furnishings money could buy, yet one that would emanate warmth and a feeling of quiet dignity. Construction started on his 13,500 sq. ft dream residence in 1898 and the family moved in by 1900.
The family lived in Rockcliffe until Mr. Cruikshank passed in 1924. It was then closed, vacant and abandoned for the next 43 years. In 1967, Rockcliffe was scheduled for demolition, but just days before, its 30 rooms were saved. It is now open to the public for guided tours, and, for a fortunate few, to stay the night in the Museum. Decorated in the Late Victorian and Art Nouveau styles, most of the original antique furnishings, gas/electric combination lighting fixtures, high-end plumbing fixtures, and personal effects of the original family were preserved and are on display. Rockcliffe is filled with rich mahogany, and quarter sawn oak appointments, magnificent L.C. Tiffany and Palladian windows, and the finest interior decorations from America and Europe. Many of the unique architectural features of the Mansion would be difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate today.
In its day, Rockcliffe hosted such luminaries as Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), who entertained hundreds of Hannibal’s high society from the mansion’s grand staircase at a reception in 1902, during his last visit to Hannibal.
This Hannibal landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Touring Rockcliffe Mansion
Tour Hours: Guided Tours Daily From 10AM, running continuously all day, with the last tour of the day beginning at 4PM
Rockcliffe Mansion provides a grand docent-led guided tour through the “Turn-of-the-Century” Gilded-Age Mansion. if you’re not staying overnight at Rockcliffe Mansion, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take the guided tour of its unique and timeless character. Each day Rockcliffe Mansion is open to the general public for tours beginning at 10 a.m., running continuously all day, with the last tour of the day beginning at 4 p.m. Please click through to Rockcliffe’s website for current rates and discounts.
Staying at Rockcliffe Mansion
Best B&B 2019 – River Travel Magazine
TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence” Each Year Since 2014
B&B Hours: Check-in no earlier than 4 PM; check-out no later than 10 AM
Rockcliffe also provides a unique bed and breakfast lodging option in Hannibal. Although this historic home is open for public tours during the day, it also serves as a magnificent bed and breakfast after tour hours. This historic lodging option takes visitors back in time, offering a variety of accommodations, including: (a) three 2nd floor chambers – each accommodating up to 2 persons – with private ensuite bath; (b) two 3rd floor chambers – each accommodating up to 2 persons – each with a separate private bath just steps outside of the room; and (c) two 2nd floor suites – each accommodating up to 4 persons – a combination of two rooms – each suite sharing a private bath. Amenities at this bed and breakfast include a complimentary tour of the mansion, a complimentary wine & cheese reception each evening from 5:00-6:00 p.m., as well as a home-cooked breakfast served in the elegant formal dining room. Our B&B guests are free to wander the majority of the mansion’s 30 rooms at night for an up-close look at the history on display. Check-out is no later than 10 a.m., as public tours of the Mansion begin at 10 a.m. Check-in is no earlier than 4 p.m. as the last tour of day begins at that time. Please click through to Rockcliffe’s website for current availability, pricing, and to make a reservation. Free Wi-Fi, and ample on-premise parking. Sorry, no pets or children under 10.