"Tis the Wind and Nothing More"

Step back in time over 100 years and tour The Octagon House with one of its most mysterious residents as your guide. The enigmatic Jessie Clarke lived in this house for nearly 25 years before her death in 1933, and we know little about that period aside from the fact that her "mental condition" required her money to be held in trust by relatives. In this engaging experience, Jessie comes back to lead you through her home and share a special seasonal performance of Edgar Allan Poe's beloved poem, "The Raven."

General Information

Our tours are conducted by highly trained docents and include both the exterior and interior of the home.

Tickets are required for all guests, including those under the age of 18. This experience is best suited for ages 12 and up - babies and toddlers (although delightful) are not appropriate to bring along for the tour.

Free parking is available on site, along our driveway or in the circle in front of The Octagon House, but it is limited. Please do not park on West Clinton Avenue.

We ask that you please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour time and depart within 15 minutes of the end of your tour. If possible, please carpool if coming as a group. This allows us to make sure all ticketed visitors have access to parking on the grounds.

The tour is not recommended for individuals who will have difficulty walking up and down three flights of stairs or those who cannot stand for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

We have limited restroom facilities, so we recommend planning ahead and using the restroom before arriving at The Octagon House. Especially during busy times, our restroom may be unavailable prior to the start of your tour.

Please leave all large belongings at home or in a vehicle, including luggage, large bags, tripods, and other similar items.

Picnicking is not allowed on the grounds or the veranda, and food and drink are not allowed inside the house. Please make plans to enjoy your meal at another location, and leave these items in your vehicle while on the property.

Pets are also not allowed inside the house or on the grounds whatsoever.

Photography

Non-flash photography is allowed inside the house, and we encourage sharing your tour experience on social media. Tag us in your posts! The Armour-Stiner Octagon House can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Please refrain from using selfie sticks, tripods, or any other photography equipment while on the tour. For more information regarding photo shoots or commercial photography, please reach out to us at [email protected] before making a reservation.

Private Home

The Octagon House is a private home. For this reason, we do not allow access to the gardens and grounds without a ticketed reservation, and certain areas of the home may not be available for viewing. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting these boundaries.

While touring, please stay with your guide and refrain from touching walls, finishes, furniture & objects. Please help us continue to preserve this magnificent home and its furnishings well into the future!

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A discount is available for members of The National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, please email [email protected] before making reservations.