House on the Rock - Full Tour - Spring Green, WI

Intro by Cre80s linktr.ee/cre80s
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[@tfromcleveland3741]

“We could clean all grandpas stuff out OR we can just build a ticket booth.” -This Guys Relatives

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Actually the truth is even more hilarious: reportedly Alex Jordan was building his house on top of a rock in rural Wisconsin in the late 1950s, and curious visitors kept driving by to see the progress, and he got so sick of showing them around he started charging admission to get them to leave!!! So ironically more and more people started showing up to see it, and the money started rolling in, so Jordan, who was already collecting things in a small way, started basically “collecting collections” with all the money, and building new things in the off-season to bring people back year after year until he passed away. He kept adding onto it until he died, and a few planned exhibits opened posthumously.

[@hannahstone0619]

imagine being a curator for this place.. i would NOT want to be alone in this place at night OR have to dust even half of this

[@Ebrill_Owen]

I have to imagine House on The Rock is crazy haunted. There’s no way it can’t be. I’d hate to have to clean this place too and I like cleaning!

[@jamessummers3866]

For me,I would love to explore alone at night. Oh My,Yes!😍🤩

[@andrewbarrett1537]

It’s funny, so much of it LOOKS creepy and visually is creepy in person, but I felt a fun humorous vibe while I was actually in person. Maybe it’s because I’m an automatic musical instrument enthusiast and was like a kid in a candy store running from room to room and snapping hundreds of pictures.

[@marianne3024]

The doll carousel is scary!

[@generalswag1721]

All of those things in the House on the Rock probably have demons inside them

[@SplicedPipBoy]

I went here as a child.....I was terrified and entranced the whole time.

[@kpopedituh]

Same lol

[@frankbranham7404]

This is my favorite place on earth. Neil Gaiman once wrote that he had to tone down the descriptions of it in "American Gods" in order to make it believable.

[@nickolaseaton4890]

This is the only way I know of the place, was from “American Gods” - both the novel and the show.

[@NellyPenellope]

Hey! I’m at that part where they visit House on The Rock! I got so confused so now I’m here watching this video :p

[@tinaclay4959]

I use to work at The House on the Rock Resort in housekeeping and at the beginning of every season we would get 10 tickets to get in the attraction for free.

[@swithheld9905]

how MANY of you were there?! this place made me think that I legitimately know what it's like to feel insane.

[@chrislehmier]

I always find it odd when creators are apologetic for longer videos. It's like "yes, how DARE you provide me with all of this free content! I've been scandalized!" Anyway, great vid Jacob! Would love to check this place out.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Photos and videos prep you but do not do it justice. It is truly an experience to visit in person.

[@bran6573]

I live in wi and didnt even know about this place. 2hrs away from me, sounds like a road trip coming up

[@zerxilk8169]

my mother saw this house when she was 10 years old. before it was a museum. I hope they fixed the mold problem with having a waterfall in the house. Glad to see it is in better shape.

[@jarofhappiness]

No, they just left it moldy after allllll those years and good upkeep.

[@tamarakurtz6690]

Since I can't go back because of health reasons, first time watcher! I thank you for the tour! Been there twice in my life! Once as a kid, once as an adult with a friend who had never been! I remember a train room? Of course, my favorite, the carousel room! I remember that as being noisy! I loved putting tokens in things not knowing what to expect! I can't remember, though. Could you purchase more? All those unread shelves of books and books! Oh my! Thanks again , for wonderful memories! ❤ Forgot to mention, you did a great job!

[@nathanaeast2973]

I can't believe how intricate and huge this place is! The maintenance alone is amazing. How did he even aquire all this amazing stuff? WOW!

[@andrewbarrett1537]

I don’t know where most of it came from, other than the items custom made in house by hired sculptors and artisans, but I know where several of the musical instruments came from 😀

[@scottp9683]

My wife and I just went there yesterday...this video is great but just gives a glimpse of the beautiful madness that it is! We spent 5 hours going through it, but was fun and unlike anything I've ever seen!

[@WalterJoergLangbein]

I guess one could stay for weeks and weeks and would not see everything. Every single attraction could be studied for many days! Fantastic!

[@dspiffy]

There is a group for fans of house on the rock "House on the Rock Attraction Fans"

[@andrewvarney5687]

Wow, I can see why this place is a favorite of yours Jacob, there's so much to see and discover there. Thanks for sharing this epic attraction with us!!!

[@sweven9704]

WHOAAA this place looks EXACTLY like somewhere in one of my dreams I've had before! It just hit me like a train of déjà vu. It's crazy because this is the first time I've ever heard of this place, especially the "Infinity Room" since it was a highlight in that dream.

[@quinnzykir]

Well worth the ticket price

[@quinnzykir]

And great pizza

[@DonCorleone1]

I had the same feeling about this place when I went as a child. I remember knowing what was coming up, like I had been there before. I'm so glad I'm not the only person who felt that way.

[@Nowhereman10]

At 10:28 to 10:35; those are model 'live' stationary steam engines. They are designed to demonstrate the principles of how a steam engine works. You can build them as kits or buy them as prebuilds.

[@nanciandstephan269]

Once upon a time guys would machine them out of block metal and take them to competitions at fairs, etc.

[@thiskid990]

This is really cool. I only live an hr away and never even heard of it until we drove past going up north. Would love to visit soon

[@ginaroberts2964]

I haven't been here since the early 80's but this house is amazing! You are right, there is just no way to describe this attraction - I mean, what is even remotely like it? Thank you for sharing and the video length was perfect!

[@haley8924]

This is also my favorite place on earth. My Grandmother brought me to the HOR several times as a child and young teen. She has since passed and I would like to take her ashes and scatter them here. She was born and mostly raised in Medford WI. I see this video and I have tears because I miss her and also because her bringing me to this magical place was a gift that I could never forget. I fully intend on sharing this magical place with my grandchildren when they are a bit older. Our family has always had a love affair with Wisconsin and HOR. Alex Jordan was incredibly visionary and I think he was a man of magic. Thank you Mr. Jordan for bringing magic into the lives of so many people!

[@Fabianihrke62]

Very well put

[@flaviuscharlestango4098]

That first tune was "Bolero" from "Carmen"

[@davidwayneprins]

I have been here twice. Last time I think was 1990ish based on a Wikipedia article listing dates of when various exhibits debuted. 10:38 those are model steam engines. I did learn later that many of the items at House on the Rock are not actually antiques but reproductions or whimsical creations. The snack bar area used to have a medieval looking display of characters including one that "ate" rocks

[@chaosordeal294]

I visited this place forty-some years ago. It is a garish monument to tasteless, scattershot consumerism that had my cousin and I in constant stitches. Pure gold. Not to be missed.

[@chaosordeal294]

What's across the hall from an entire animatronic orchestra that plays itself? Another one.

[@terricollins8090]

We go there every year. Our favorite place to go. Everytime we go we see something that we've missed before. This place is such a magical place for us, so many happy memories here♥️♥️

[@Chrisfeb68]

My mom took me here back in the mid 80s and it was mind blowing back then. I just watched this video and it still blows my mind, it's really one of the most unbelievable, unique places you would ever visit.

[@ChrisJFilms]

This place has been on my mind ever since I went. It’s one of the strangest places I’ve ever seen to because It feels like the most majestic, beautiful dream, but it also feels like a perpetual, terrifying nightmare.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Yes when I was there I noted that it LOOKS scary but to me FEELS awesome. I have to wonder if the recurring Christian vs satanic imagery was Jordan manifesting being tormented by his own inner demons. He was Catholic after all.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Obviously the satanic imagery is arresting and eye catching, but less obvious is the religious and spiritual statuary and church art glass sprinkled throughout nearly every room. So in hindsight it looks set up as an almost perpetual struggle, room by room.

[@Eltupper]

The doll carousel creeped me out haha

[@apenny_foryourthoughts3037]

Thank you for this tour of The House On The Rock. Was there with my beloved who is now passed. It was a great memory to revisit.

[@210Lancefan]

So sorry for your loss

[@apenny_foryourthoughts3037]

@@210Lancefan Thank you.

[@erikgriffith8857]

This summer I left my home state of Kansas to visit House on the Rock and other attractions in the Wisconsin Dells area and told my family, "I hope I run into Jacob the Carpetbagger." Ironically, we probably passed each other. While I was in Wisconsin, Jacob was in Kansas and by the time I got home he was in Wisconsin. The video is long but it still doesn't cover everything; that would take about five hours of footage. Nicely done.

[@stexe]

I was a college student in Chicago in the early 90's when I got the "Roadside America" book, which described this place as a must-see, and because of that I went up there with friends at least three times. The music machines interested me the most, but I quickly realized that most of the instruments aren't actually playing. If you consider the amount of time required every day to restring, retune, or rosin the bow of a mechanical violin, it makes sense that they'd replace most of the music with a recording. Most of the time the percussion instruments are the only acoustic sounds, and those are often very out-of-sync from the recorded music (like at 21:30). Anyway, still a place everyone should see once.

[@englishatheart]

'90s*

[@stexe]

mea culpa

[@angelinamiari1613]

We took our daughters here every chance we got when they were little. Now they take their kids all the time. I love this place.

[@ohsuzanna3223]

My parents took me through this place when I was a toddler. I still remember it.

[@vintagecologneman481]

I was there 20 years ago. I need to go back

[@BudBarker-i1i]

Went here last week, had to hurry through the 2nd half of it because somthin came up. I didn't know how far the end was so I had to tell the people I was with that I had to go ahead of them and leave soon. I kept walking and walking, looking for the main end of the tour, and kept coming into a new area...it was like a nightmare, carousels, dolls, demons...couldn't get out of the dang place on time! 😅 Its a really cool place and definitely worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.

[@swithheld9905]

it is *EXACTLY* like a nightmare you can't wake up from!! great description!

[@littlemusician42]

I visited as a child and I loved it!! I live in WI and I reaalllyy wanna go back

[@zerobalanceadventures1778]

What a amazing collection of the rarest of everything on earth from a hundred years ago . Pawn stars would have a field day appraising those antiques.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Oh just you wait till they get to the... um, er, “reproductions”.

[@Soundofsilence-j4d]

THAT CARISAOL IS ABSOULTY PARADISE. I SAW THAT ON RIPLYS BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

[@stepheneggert7388]

It's a nice place to visit..first visit was in 1974...a family trip north...vary small back then..

[@mr.goodfootHifiVideoEye.]

Ive been wanting to go there forever , never made it yet ...and im in central Illinois . Thanks for taking me to House on the Rock

[@njt002]

I will never forget my visit to this place. Truly a weird place.

[@JakNekon]

The hand and head in jars was the old west legend of 3 fingers jack and Joaquin moretta. Thanks so much for the fantastic tour.

[@heatherrowe4591]

I’ve only been there once , back in 1995 when I was 9 years old. We went on a trip out west for 2 weeks - visited house on the rock , Wisconsin dells, all sorts of this. I loved house on the rock !

[@BX138]

Wisconsin is "out west" 🤣

[@AlliterationAlliance]

Absolutely INSANE. On my bucket list, for sure!

[@erinloveswendy]

15:55 Whoever cut off the Man's Head?!

[@michaeltwomey4800]

@@erinloveswendy Sweeny Todd perhaps...

[@Apophis_vr]

I went there summer 2023 with my mom. This video appeared and it made me reminisce about that. I remember we loaded up on tokens. Good thing they could be exchanged at the gift shop! 😂 I still have the Asian garden as my wallpaper. We also went to cave of the mounds. We stayed at Spring Valley Inn which I STRONGLY recommend. They have a great pool where there's never anyone. They have amazing breakfast and amazing views. The beds are really comfortable. Thank you. KZbin algorithm

[@gengardianspokemon474]

I come back to your content periodically and I was just on the phone with my sister and she was telling me about this place, as she lives near it and I go, “I wonder if carpetbagger has been there yet?” And boom here it is lol. You never fail!

[@fallendreamer1521]

So glad that the octopus’s garden was working this time. I was so sad when it was down in your last house on the rock video

[@gingergypsy6576]

Thank you sooo much for this amazing video! I am in the hospital and this was an amazing, wonderful way to pass the time.

[@DcnBls]

My wife and I were just there last week while on vacation. Really neat place to visit, some of it very odd to have as a collection. But overall worth walking through the whole thing. For those that are considering visiting make sure you go in the morning and give yourself 3 to 4 hours to see it all.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

I get the sense that although much of it were his collecting preferences (particularly the modifications made to vintage antiques), some might have been purchased and put on display SPECIFICALLY to get people to come in and gawk at it.

[@stephenspilker9334]

went there in 2018 i loved the place. i spent almost a whole day there. you did miss most of the giant music machines. i must say it is the most bizarre place i have ever been to.

[@juncohill]

Aw yeeeaaah I watched your 3-part series on this place a few months ago and I'm obsessed with it.

[@DudeMcAwesome]

This is sending me back to my childhood... every time we went to see my grandparents we came here.

[@ceciliaandersson9177]

10:30 Steam Machines maybe. Pretty awsome house on the rock! Wow alot of items ! I haven t been there personally but youtube is closest to "visit" the place 45:53 I love that garden!

[@lifeeasier3462]

I visited this place as a child when we were living in Minnesota. It was the strangest thing I had ever seen. But I was fascinated by the infinity room.

[@michaelpugliese2715]

I visited House on the Rock the orchestra was creepy. Even when it wasn't playing music the musicians would move their eyes looking around at you.

[@JohnKelly2]

I've wanted to go here since I was a kid. My grandma had a View Master reel of the House on the Rock that someone gave her. I was always fascinated by the images on that disk. One day I'll make it!

[@kennethcook8857]

I love that those playerless instruments are performing Ravel's "Bolero".

[@jefferyduke6532]

Talk about legendary collectibles and antiques! Wow. I went here once when I was little but appreciate it much more now.

[@ncbooth]

Hands down favorite attraction. Was just there last week Thursday and was very happy to see them busy! They're upping the merch game too. I got a replica flower pot for my shelf!

[@2k8trauma79]

I went here a few months ago during winter break and I was STUNNED. I have a 30 MINUTE VIDEO in my phone of silence and just in AWE of this place

[@HoneyGun]

I love house on the rock! I went there recently and brought my mom. Before I brought her I told her there is no real way to describe it. Even now when she tries to describe it now she can’t really 😂. Its like having a ticket into someone else’s imagination.

[@RedNeckRed647]

I went once long ago and in retrospect I think many of the nightmares I’ve had since drew inspiration from the endless dark hallways and overwhelming amount of meaningless mechanical objects.

[@WalterJoergLangbein]

Hours and hours of video would not allow more than a glimpse of all those attractions! You did an excellent job, dear Sir! Thank You so very much!

[@kandihinshaw1870]

Jacob weird thing about me when I was younger. I always wanted to shrink down and go into different dollhouses.

[@GraphixGoddess]

Thank you so much for making this video as long and detailed as it was. What an incredible place to behold.

[@ivoril5448]

Went here a few years ago, smells like a damp basement and gave me the creeps, but I loved it

[@jeffeckrich2637]

One word....wow!!!! That is the coolest place I've ever seen! So much to look at. Thank you Jacob!

[@jeffeckrich2637]

How do I get to your tee shirt section to order.

[@JoeJoyHaveLanded]

47 minutes...your video can be five hours here and we would watch every second of it. WE LOVE THIS SO MUCH! This was great...just like we feel about your other videos too.

[@elizabthharris6741]

This is one of my favorite videos from you. This place reminds me of my dream house, from a recurring dream with all the large fireplaces, Asian ascetic and decorative carvings!

[@timtoms4117]

house on the rock is the best, best road side attraction ever. Thank you Jacob, you did it proud.

[@SaCeCat10]

I've been to House on the Rock a few times. Took the Ferry across Lake Michigan a couple times and also drove through Chicago. It's so worth seeing. I'd go again tomorrow, if I could.

[@dannykerr7454]

Your So Right! I’ve never seen anything or place like The House on the Rock! So Amazing and Unusual!

[@Nava53100]

I went here when I was 14 and I’ve been WANTING to go back, so it’s nice to be able to see this video!!!! Brought back memories!!

[@Motorcycle_punks]

I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE. I went here in..around… 2021-2022. It was BEAUTIFUL, JAW DROPPING, GORGEOUS, EXCITING and soooo fun! I DEFINITELY recommend.

[@Shepherdblaster]

i been here a long time ago with my parents this was back in 96-97 it was so much fun.

[@alliekuma4234]

It was nice to see this as one part instead of the original three parted so it is appreciated, though all the vids are wonderful. Thanks for this!

[@robyndavis3043]

Those self-playing instruments reminds me of the house in "The Abominable Dr. Phibes"

[@raynwise]

The Mikado and The Calliope are fantastic!! The Mikado is my favorite. After visiting, this place really stays with you. It becomes like a dream you think about at the oddest times and wonder "was that a real place?" 😄 I'd love to go back. I think everyone should experience it at least once. It's hard to capture the experience on film but you did an amazing job!!!

[@andrewbarrett1537]

The Mikado is something else for sure, but IMO for a real thrill you should see and hear an original Mortier dance organ, from which this was built. Several examples are on public display at museums around the world. One of the finest is at Museum Speelklok in Utrecht, Netherlands.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Here’s a Mortier a bit more close by at the Music House Museum in Traverse City MI: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnjUdGWXZdZ7mLM

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Another marvelous Mortier dance organ at Stahl’s Automotive Foundation in Chesterfield, MI: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOrZ6qtiph2g7c

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Another more Mortier on USA public display I should mention is this organ at Cranker’s Collection of Mechanical Marvels in Honesdale, PA. This organ needs a bit of help in the video, but is playing and in tune and has that nice Mortier sound. Also we get many camera angles around it including a back view of caretaker Ben Gottfried putting a music book through the keyframe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnSXqGcaMmnaKs

[@joshhigh8488]

I grew up in Northeast Iowa. My family would drive to this place every year or so throughout the late 80's-Mid 90's. It's kinda weird to see it on KZbin, but very well done on the presentation! It's nice to see the House still standing and forever adding new things. I'd love to make it back someday. ps...oh god...the pineapple bank man @12:00 Childhood memory unlocked...

[@TheBrownchair]

I love House on the Rock! Definitely take an allergy pill before going as it can be very dusty but I think it should be on everyone’s travel bucket list

[@BruceWayne-kg4fo]

I've visited the house twice (driving up from Oklahoma) , once when I was maybe 15 and once in my 30's last year. It's an incredible space

[@zt_svanon986]

Just visited yesterday after wanting to go for upwards of 12 years and it was the most amazing experience of my life

[@Moonchild-bb5dr]

I've never seen this place. I love this tour. My sister toured it long ago and said it was incredible. I live in Minnesota so not too far away. Some day I'll check it out

[@nannettecouch1945]

WOW wish I'd heard of this place when I lived in Chicago--would have loved this place! And my how clean! and everything seemed to be in working order? So well kept! Thank you for sharing all of these amazing places!

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Another lady on here noted that longtime cleaning staff are given like 10 free admission tickets at the beginning of the season. For some that may seem overkill, but when you consider HOW MUCH is CARPETED in there and then realize the cleaning job after any visitors, you get new respect for what they do.

[@gogo-word]

What an amazing place! Glad to see it still growing strong. I need to return. Thanks Jacob!

[@nataliewaite]

I just toured here last week, easily my favorite attraction I've ever been to. Thank you for making this video! I especially appreciated being able to see the animatronics that I did not use tokens on during my visit.

[@legolilpump2356]

I’ve lived here my whole life and I just heard of this place it’s so cool

[@Madness1913]

I'm a simple man. I see Carpetbagger, I watch.

[@trashcatforever78]

This is very, very close to where I live and it's my favorite place to be even though I've gone here SO many times. Something so nostalgic and comforting

[@mannyortiz4814]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen. Carpetbagger I must congratulate you on this one. If not for you I would have never known such a marvelous place existed. I’m amazed by all the different scenes, animation, music, visual beauty and intriguing master pieces of art in motion. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy and digest such incredible displays of wonderment and amusement. I will forever remember this adventure into wonderland.🕊🕊🌹🌹🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️😇😇🥂🥂💒💒🙏🙏👍👍🧁🧁🍿🍿🍺🍺 thanks house on the rock

[@MaliceLaStrange]

So glad you went back here! This is by far my favorite place you’ve ever gone and was one of the first videos I ever found of you. This house is amazing and is a major bucket list item for me! I just love it’s beauty and timelessness

[@markmitera4521]

I last visiting the House on the Rock back in 1988. The Whale Room was just starting construction.

[@y0mamah0e]

Here because I saw the giant carousel on tiktok and just had to see what this place was. It feels like a fever dream and I don’t think I could ever visit this place in person. It’s mesmerizing but also gives me the creeps 😅

[@rosemariemckinley7326]

This is so awesome. Thank you for sharing this with us. Please be safe and take care.

[@caramccormack5566]

That was amazing!!!! I never knew such a place existed!!!! It was worth the long video♥️♥️♥️

[@rdmeenach]

Incredible. Your best yet. Thank you so much!

[@mcwatersd]

I am totally speechless . What an amazing place. It's hard to take it all in. Loved the various animatronics and all the stained glass but that huge carousel was just out of this world. Thank you for the tour. Just awesome . Keep Safe ❤Keep Well ❤

[@woodsnuth]

Amazing video, I loved the commentary. The house on rock is so immersive and inspirational in an obscure way. The house speaks to me and the aesthetic I’d love to live in

[@beautoxxbeautoxx]

This place is AMAZING! I hate knick knacks and this place ,for all the collections amassed in crammed spaces does a Very good job of dusting and keeping all the glass crystal clear. Also , 32:39 "K-night.." I dunno why that stood out to me. I Love your videos, you're very entertaining.

[@bloodnfirewithin]

really wish we had more things like this

[@ThatCatGirl]

Next time you are in Wisconsin visit bobrowitz spectacular sculpture in Colgate and the concrete park in Phillips 👍

[@nikkienothing723]

To anyone planning a trip here, if you have allergies make sure you take your meds. Doesn't matter the time of year, it is very dusty inside. Still one of the coolest experiences I've had. Even with the sneezing and watery eyes.

[@vonyinzer]

Thank you for this one! I have been waiting for a full tour of the House on the Rock! If I needed another reason to go, this tied it up, it is officially on the list of "must go places"

[@meganpeveich8407]

The organ room is incredible. I bet the upkeep on those instruments is no joke. Awesome stuff Jacob!

[@andrewbarrett1537]

You are right. If you read the behind the scenes anecdotes in the archives of the Mechanical Music Digest (MMD), you’ll note that between the lack of insulation in some rooms properly shielding parts from outside climactic and humidity changes, plus a mind numbing number of plays per year from the public, it was all the instrument technicians could do in the 1970s to keep the instruments running and in tune. So for at least the “fantasy” displays which originally had hidden organ pipes etc (and some still do), synthesizers were substituted because they were low maintenance and never need to be tuned. Of course this gives the music from the fantasy instruments a less organic feel, however. Luckily all the playing vintage instruments with pipes do use them.

[@gertsmeekes]

That little machines are, toys steam engines, you can attach different things to play with, even complete miniature carnaval attractions

[@roadsidetraildetail3519]

Thank you for singing the “guns guns guns” song.

[@englishatheart]

I don't count saying "guns" as "singing." 😛