Visit The Barker Mansion
Visit The Barker Mansion
Visit The Barker Mansion
Featured Exhibit
The Barker Mansion’s new permanent exhibit.
Join us at the revolutionary Haskell & Barker factory as we embark on the journey of a boxcar and explore the city where it all started.
We illuminate the present by bringing the past to life
The Barker Mansion serves to interpret the history of the Barker legacy and its context within Michigan City, Indiana. We accomplish this through interpretive tours, exhibits, lectures, musical performances, specialty tours, city walking tours, galas, crafts, and other special events. The mansion is also available for rentals for weddings, nonprofit meetings, family gatherings, photo shoots, conventions, birthday parties, and other events.
Through tours, lectures, and other public programs, the Barker Mansion’s architecture, collections, and social history create a living museum for both the scholar and casual visitor. The Mansion operates as a non-profit institution for schools, civic and cultural groups, and the public at large.
Book Your Special Event Today
From weddings and baby showers to birthdays and anniversaries; plan your event with the historic Barker Mansion as the backdrop.
Plan A Visit
About Us
Through tours, lectures, entertainment and other programs, the Barker Mansion’s architecture, collections and social history create a living museum for both the scholar and casual visitor……
Visit The Mansion
The historic Barker Mansion lives as a monument of industry, charity, and turn-of-the-century life in Michigan City, highlighting the legacy of the Barker family through community events……
Event Rentals
The Barker Mansion and grounds offer a beautiful historic background for any event. Our outdoor formal gardens and elegant indoor spaces can accommodate 50-70 guests……
Learn More
Open for The Holidays
Future Events
Philanthropy & Construction Update
Our Latest Reviews
This is a wonderful place to visit! The staff is just amazing and very well versed in the history of the Haskel and Barker factory and the Barker family. Every time I come I see or hear something new. It’s just beautiful and so well preserved. I also like that it is self guided, that way you can take your time and really enjoy all the details. Can’t wait to visit again!!
Barker Mansion was incredible! We found it so interesting--the history, restoration process, detailed workmanship, and the Christmas decor. There was even a Santa with the most amazing voice, belting out holiday favorites. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. This historic landmark is truly a must see!
Born and raised in Michigan City I'd been been in the mansion many times since the 1960s. My last time was a tour in the 90s. Had not been back since until today. As a MC west sider I heard my parents, my grand parents and my great grandparents speak of rhe Barkers. My great grandpa worked for the rail road. My grandpa retired from Pullman in 1966. As a long member of MC historical society, I felt that i had a decent knowledge of the Barkers, the mansion and the railroad car Co. I had no idea that I had so much more to learn. I had always been in awe of the elegance of the house. But I had seen that before. What captivated me most this time. Was the basement displays. I think i could have spent the whole day down there talking to the young attendant there to answer questions.There were friendly and very knowledgeable folks on every floor happy to answer any question that you may have. The house was so beautiful decorated for Cristmas and so well kept. Santa in the livingroom singing christmas carols as little ones stood in line to visit him. For me it was a wonderful day that i will never forget. Thank you so very much. Sincerely John F Wolf.
We walked in without tickets, only knowing new hours from website and we were so impressed by the restoration and information accompanying it all. The staff were all very friendly! We had a wheelchair with us (website also noted it was accessible). The staff was very accommodating, though some hallways and rugs made it difficult or made us nervous of causing damage. The lower level has a chair lift but the upper level is not accessible. Overall, we enjoyed the experience very much and have already shared with others about this hidden gem.
My wife and I along with some wonderful friends had the opportunity to tour the Barker Mansion in Michigan City, IN this week. Upon arrival we were greeted by Michele, and she gave us a brief overview of the home and then turned us loose to explore. To say the Mansion was mind blowing would be an understatement. The Mansion is filled with many antiques and original artifacts. The decorative carvings on the furniture, walls, ceilings are unbelievable. The gold metal flake in some of the wallpaper during the restoration had to be hand cleaned with que tips and it was magnificent. All the rooms were unique and spectacular. In the lower level there is a model setup of the Haskell/Barker property which illustrated what process was completed in each building and assembly of the railroad cars. There is so much information to absorb to take with you after the tour a person could write a book. The self-guided tour is awesome because you are not rushed and can really take the time you need in areas that interest you. Would highly recommend everyone to go see this historic gem. I believe we are very fortunate to have this in Michigan City. Bill J Michigan City, IN
We decided to take our girls to see Santa! The staff is so friendly and the self tour of the mansion is perfect. It was magical. This Santa is one of a kind! If your child is unruly I do not recommend it, as the history is too beautiful to chance them breaking something. My 7 year old did great.
The Mansion is so beautiful ! Christmas is amazing ! Beauty to be seen!