Step into the Montauk Mansion and journey through the extraordinary life of Iowa's 13th governor – where every room has a story to tell.

Montauk Historic Site Revealed: Echoes of Iowa’s Extravagance

Step into the Montauk Mansion and journey through the extraordinary life of Iowa’s 13th governor – where every room has a story to tell. ✨🏛

Quick Summary: Montauk Historic Site

  • Discover the inspiring story of Governor William Larrabee’s rise from modest beginnings to grandeur.
  • Explore a mansion frozen in time, complete with original 19th-century splendor.
  • Get all the practical info for planning your own visit to this historic Iowa gem.
Jack takes a selfie while I daydream we’re filming an episode of MTV Cribs! 😎

Headin’ Down to Iowa

Hey guys, It’s Kitty! 😸✌️ Where am I taking you today?

Montauk Historic Site in Clermont, Iowa. 🌽

From School Teacher to Governor

This isn’t just any old house; it’s an Italianate mansion of dreams built by none other than William Larrabee, Iowa’s 13th governor.

Governor Larrabee started his career as a teacher, but soon found he had a knack for business. Hard work and common sense paid off...he became one of the wealthiest land owners in Iowa after building several businesses. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton
Governor Larrabee started his career as a teacher, but soon found he had a knack for business. Hard work and common sense paid off…he became one of the wealthiest land owners in Iowa after building several businesses. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton

Although he started as a modest schoolteacher, early on he discovered he had a natural instinct for business. Larrabee built his companies into a massive fortune through common sense and hard work. 💪

At one point he owned over 200,000 acres in Iowa! 

Serious baller status. 💰

But Governor Larrabee used his influence to help ordinary folks like you and I – he championed railroad regulations, built a school and promoted and education for all.   🏰✨

Governor Larrabee enjoyed reading and growing fruit. 📚 🍎 Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton
Governor Larrabee enjoyed reading and growing fruit. 📚 🍎 Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton

Talk about a rags to riches story!

Hello, American Dream

Imagine wandering through the same rooms where Governor Larrabee rolled up his sleeves and got down to business, creating his own slice of the American dream. This mansion isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a tribute to sheer determination and vision.

You’ve gotta see it to believe it! 🤩

Governor Larrabee planted over 100,000 trees on his land. 🌳 Although some have been cut down over the years, you can take a peaceful stroll. The sprawling grounds are so pretty.
Governor Larrabee planted over 100,000 trees on his land. 🌳 Although some have been cut down over the years, you can take a peaceful stroll. The sprawling grounds are so pretty.

Take a step back in time at Montauk and peek into a world where time stands still.

With free guided tours, you’ll tread through rooms decked out just like back in the day, from 1874 to 1965. Picture yourself under the soft glow of Tiffany lamps, surrounded by elegant Wedgwood china, and you might just feel like part of the Larrabee fam! 🕰️🍽️

The Lush Grounds of Montauk

We tried telling the resident rooster a Dad Joke...he wasn't impressed. 😹
We tried telling one of the resident roosters a Dad Joke…he wasn’t impressed. 😹

But wait, Montauk was more than a mansion – it was a whole 160-acre farm! Picture a place buzzing with life, from the peacocks strutting around to the mooing cattle.

This place was the real deal, a fully self-sustained estate that’s sure to charm any farm-to-table enthusiast. 🚜🌽

✅ Wanna learn about another iconic house in Iowa? Check out the American Gothic House! 🏠

There are free guided tours of the estate, including all the outer buildings that kept the mansion and 160 acre farm up and running.

Summary: Montauk Historic Site

Stepping into Montauk is like stepping right into a painting. The house is gorgeous and brings to life the inspiring story of Iowa’s 13th governor. With gorgeous views and FREE guided tours, you can’t miss this one.

With the Turkey River Valley sprawling out before you, this experience is a treasure trove of beauty and history, all wrapped up in one. 🏞️🖼️

Know Before You Go

  • Location: 26223 Harding Rd, Clermont, Iowa, 52135
  • Hours: Daily 12-4 (Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day), Friday-Sunday 12-4 (Labor Day-Oct 31)
  • Guided tours last around 45 mins
  • Free admission, open to the public 🎉
  • Call ahead for group tours outside of normal hours.
  • 563- 423-7173

Where the Heck is Clermont, Iowa?

Best in the Midwest Free Travel Guidebook
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Dad Jokes with Jack and Kitty

The corn stalk decided to change careers.

He went into a completely different field.

🌽🌽🌽

Click here for more dad jokes.

Dad Jokes with Jack and Kitty.