On Riordan Road,
next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, you will find this
state park.
Timothy and Michael
Riordan were prominent pioneer Flagstaff businessmen who developed a
successful logging business, the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company.
Moreover, the two brothers were known for their contributions which
were essential to the development of the social and economic
structure of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. Tim and Mike married
the Metz sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth. The women were cousins of
the Babbitt brothers, another influential Flagstaff family. Tim and
Caroline had two daughters; Mike and Elizabeth had six children. The
two close-knit families built a large mansion comprised of two
separate homes connected by a common area known as the billiard
room.
Built in 1904 for
two Riordan families, the Mansion is an impressive reminder of
gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic
building is an Arizona treasure - a remarkable example of Arts and
Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab
siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The
expansive home has forty rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living
area, and servant's quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by
the creator of Grand Canyon's El Tovar Lodge, Charles Whittlesey.
The park's Visitor
Center maintains an interesting exhibit area, informative slide
program, and a children's “touch table.” You are provided a
descriptive leaflet for a self-guided tour of the estate surrounding
the mansion, and several brochures are available describing
Flagstaff's cultural, natural and historic attractions.
The park provides
picnic tables and the opportunity for visitors to arrange special
events, meetings or private functions at the park. The Mansion is
also a popular backdrop for weddings.
Park Hours:
May - October: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Park Facilities
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