Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Most people driving up from Flagstaff are focused on the canyon, and that's exactly why Riordan Mansion State Historic Park catches visitors off guard. This 13,000-square-foot log-and-stone mansion was built in 1904 for the Riordan family, timber barons who shaped early Flagstaff, and it's a genuine showcase of Arts and Crafts style with Art Nouveau touches — hand-crafted woodwork, original furnishings, and a design sensibility that reviewers compare to the Gamble House in Pasadena.

What the tour covers

Entry is by guided tour led by park rangers and interns who walk you through the family's history along with the architecture and the craftsmanship — reviewers consistently single out the guides as knowledgeable and personable. A self-guided option and a Junior Ranger packet are also available, so families can pace a visit differently if a full guided tour isn't in the cards. Expect to spend an hour or so exploring the rooms, which the park says are furnished almost entirely with original family artifacts.

• Rating: 4.7 stars from 967 Google reviews
• Hours: daily, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Good to know: the grounds are modest in size, and the mansion itself is more rewarding for older kids and adults with a genuine interest in history or architecture

It's an easy add to a Flagstaff stop on the way to or from the South Rim — several visitors mention discovering it almost by accident and being glad they did.