Christmas Magic and History at Durkee Mansion and Kemper Center in Kenosha
Experiencing the Durkee Mansion's Historic Holiday and Kemper Center's Gallery of Trees wrapped us in the magic of the holidays. We definitely had to check out every sparkle and special detail during our recent visit. Enjoy a little splendor of this Kenosha holiday tradition:
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| Trees in the Gallery of Trees easily delighted. |
Gallery of Trees at the Kemper Center is an annual Kenosha highlight. Each year, trees decorated by local organizations, groups, and individuals are raffled off to benefit the Kemper Center. The Kemper Center holds a mission to promote an appreciation of local history and the arts while providing a historic setting for a range of cultural and educational activities. Beginning as the home of US Senator Charles Durkee, the Kemper Center eventually became an Episcopal boarding school for girls. Today, it is a community arts and cultural center.
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| This incredible solar system tree was my favorite in the Gallery of Trees at the Kemper Center. |
The Gallery of Trees will herald in the holiday season over the next week. The spectacular trees will be raffled off on December 4. Trees charm visitors on two floors of the center. We have explored a number of Christmas tree contests in the past and have to say that the trees of Gallery of Trees are some of the best we have seen. I especially loved the solar system tree! The tree is perfect for the Kemper Center because it does have an observatory.
If you are planning on visiting Kenosha this holiday season, consider enjoying a festive Harmonix show.
Historic Holiday at Durkee Mansion
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| Spectacular holiday decorations add more grandeur to the Durkee Mansion. |
The Durkee Mansion was home to Senator Charles Durkee, Wisconsin's first US Senator. The Italianate Victorian mansion was constructed in 1861 upon his return from Congress. Durkee would live in the home until he accepted the governorship of the Utah Territory. He sold the mansion and property to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church which would mold the property into a boarding school. Walking through the mansion we noted the stained glass windows given as gifts from the graduating classes.
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| Victorian Christmas adornments enchant throughout the Durkee Mansion. |
Victorians really loved decorating for the holidays. Under a special dusting of period Christmas adornments, the mansion immediately dazzled us. As we explored each room we not only reveled in the stunning holiday decorations but also benefitted from reading informational signs throughout. The mansion is so spectacular during the holidays. I highly recommend visiting during this special time.
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| Gorgeous freestanding suspension staircase winds between floors at the Durkee Mansion. |
The freestanding suspension staircase of the Durkee Mansion is particularly stunning and is the largest of its style in Wisconsin. My jaw definitely dropped at its beauty when we first took sight of it entering the foyer. In addition to the divine staircase and gorgeous stained glass windows, you will note so many interesting period details throughout the home.
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| Historic details throughout the Durkee Mansion create an atmosphere like you walked right into an active home during the holidays in the mid-1800s. |
Holidays at the Durkee Mansion are truly remarkable. We spent time in each room just marveling at the decor. Our visit created such a splendid holiday memory we will remember for years to come.
This season, the Durkee Mansion is open for free self-guided holiday tours November29-December 2 4PM-7PM and December 3-4 10AM-2PM. The Gallery of Trees is open during the same hours November 29-December 4. Admission is free. Holiday Tours of Durkee Mansion are also available December 10, 17 and January 7 and 14 10AM-2PM as well as December 11 and 18 and January 8 and 15 1:30PM-4:30PM.
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