Ragdale, the acclaimed artists’ residency in Lake Forest, offers monthly, docent-led tours from July – September for the public and private groups. Located on the former country estate of Arts and Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, a Ragdale tour includes: the historic Ragdale House, visual artist studios, exquisite gardens, an introduction to the Shaw family history and the artists’ residency program that serves nearly 200 artists and authors each year.
Public tours take place on Saturdays at 10am on July 13, August 17 and September 7. Admission is $10/person. Advance reservations and online payment are required for public tours and can be made at https://ragdale.org/programs/tours/
Ragdale is located at 1230 North Green Bay Road in Lake Forest. Limited parking is available in the lot on site. All tours meet on the front porch of the Ragdale House.
These tours are rare opportunities to see behind-the-scenes at an artists’ residency, typically closed to the public. Visitors can experience the five-acre site which includes two historic homes, artist studios, gardens and vistas of 50 acres of virgin prairie. The Ragdale House, originally built in 1897, and the Barn House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Monthly private group tours on Friday afternoons are also available by prior arrangement; remaining dates include August 16 and September 6. To schedule a private tour or for other inquiries, please contact Marita Seaberg at marita@ragdale.org or 847.234.1063 ext. 21.
Ragdale is located at 1230 North Green Bay Road in Lake Forest. Limited parking is available in the lot on site. All tours meet on the front porch of the Ragdale House.