How to Tour the Winchester Mystery House

In 1884, construction began on the Winchester Mystery House and continued for 38 years. During that time, the house was transformed into a virtual labyrinth that has puzzled and intrigued generations. Tour the Winchester Mystery House and uncover the many mysteries of this historical landmark.

Instructions

1. Logon to the Winchester Mystery House's official website at winchestermysteryhouse.com.

2. Click on "The Winchester Story." Learn the Winchester Mystery House's origins in luck and madness.

3. Select "Rates and Schedule." Determine the rate for your party and decide on a time to visit the Winchester Mystery House. Check the "Directions" link to determine the easiest way for you to travel to the Winchester Mystery House.

4. Arrive at the Winchester Mystery House and start your tour.

5. Look through more than 100 of the mansion's rooms available to the public. Examine odd architecture that has baffled generations, including staircases that lead to ceilings, indoor chimneys, doors that open to walls and high drops, trap doors and double hallways.

6. Take a walk through the restored Victorian garden. Use a map of the garden and a taped narrative to appreciate the old, handcrafted European statues, grand fountains and international flora. Note parallels between the garden's plants and the mythology behind the statues. Note the spiritual factor to everything in the Winchester Mystery House.

7. Ask for a behind-the-scenes Tour. This tour explains Victorian architectural principles that guided construction and describes how the Winchester Mystery House once functioned. Visit the stables, the dehydrator, the plumber's workshop, the ballroom and the basement. Inquire about which areas are rumored to be haunted.

8. Visit the Winchester Firearms Museum and the Winchester Products Antique Museum on the grounds. Each museum has a large collection of original firearms and Winchester brand products, the proceeds of which made the construction of the Winchester Mystery House possible.

9. Top off your visit by enjoying a snack, dessert or drink at the Winchester Café.

10. Support the Winchester Mystery House by purchasing a gift or souvenir from the Gift Shoppe. The Gift Shoppe has many unusual objects for purchase and more traditional fare, such as postcards, posters, mugs and jewelry.

Tips & Warnings

• As a fun exercise, count how many times "13" comes into play in the architecture. Many steps, panels, cupolas and floor sections come in this number.

• Consider booking a Winchester Mystery House package to save money. Many neighboring hotels offer reduced nightly rates if include a tour of the Winchester Mystery House. Click on "Guest Services" on the website for a list of participating hotels and motels.

• Winchester Mystery House tours are inaccessible to infants and the wheelchair-bound. If you are in a wheelchair, you have the option of touring the garden and the Historic Firearms Museum in lieu of the mansion.