David Davis Mansion
4.8(340)google
4.9(15)yelp
Historic BuildingHistoryPhoto SpotEducational
Overview
The David Davis Mansion, also known as Clover Lawn, is a Gilded Age home in Bloomington, Illinois that was the residence of David Davis, Supreme Court justice (1862–1877) and U.S. Senator from Illinois. The mansion has been a state museum since 1960. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThe ideal period to visit is from May to October when the historic Victorian estate's heirloom gardens are in full bloom. Arriving around 10:00 AM is highly recommended, as the morning sunlight beautifully illuminates the mansion's architectural details for photography, and you can enjoy a guided historical tour before afternoon crowds arrive.
Getting ThereDriving is the most convenient option. From Chicago, take I-55 S to exit 167 for Business 51 S (Main St), turn east onto Washington St, and then head north on Davis Ave for two blocks to the mansion's dedicated parking lot. Alternatively, you can take Connect Transit's Lime or Sapphire bus routes, which stop within an 8 to 10-minute walk from the estate.
Travel Tips
- Standard regular tours operate on a first-come, first-served walk-up basis, but the specialized Christmas holiday evening tours from November to January require strict advanced booking as soon as slots drop in October.
- Free on-site ground parking is accessible directly along Monroe Drive, but slots fill completely before 10:00 AM during the annual Glorious Garden Festival in July, necessitating back-up street parking.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Interior photography is restricted by historic preservation rules; drones, commercial large tripods, and flash photography are strictly banned inside the mansion, allowing only hand-held ambient shots.
Reviews
Positive
- The mansion is beautifully preserved; the late 19th-century Victorian woodwork and original furnishings are stunning, making it a must-visit for Lincoln history buffs.
- The tour guides are highly professional and enthusiastic, bringing Judge Davis's family life and his profound influence on Lincoln's career to life with vivid stories.
- The outdoor gardens are beautifully designed, perfectly restoring the 1872 historical layout, and the estate provides free WiFi with well-maintained facilities.
- Ranked as the top attraction in Bloomington, it's usually not overcrowded, allowing visitors to savor history in a pristine, peaceful atmosphere with excellent value.
Heads up
- The operating hours are very limited; it is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, and closes at 3:30 PM on other days, making it easy to miss if not planned carefully.
- As a protected historic site, many indoor areas lack accessibility features, making it difficult for visitors with strollers or mobility issues to navigate the stairs.
- There is no direct public transit, making driving the only viable option, but nearby parking can become extremely tight during specific event days.
- The strict no-photography policy inside disappointed many tourists wanting keepsakes, and there is a lack of nearby dining or souvenir shops.