It's a bit pricey, but the tour was well worth the cost. Beautiful mansion--and they are really coming along with the restoration--and an interesting story. Also some free parking. Guided tour lasted an hour and fifteen minutes.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYesPrice for adult entry$16–20
The Docent did a great job of making Pabst Mansion come alive as he shared relevant history and anecdotes of Captain and Mrs Pabst's life in Milwaukee. The tour encompassed all three floors, including the servants' work areas and the prepare area. Architectural details inside and out are breathtaking. The tour took about an hour and was well worth it. There is no need to buy tickets in advance in most circumstances.
What a wonderful look back in time! Having such a “house museum” sheds light on what it was like living in a prior century! The first floor has almost all original artifacts. The art collection is stunning. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly! You start in the visitor center next door and if you’re early they will show a short documentary on life in the era of the Beer Barons! Lots of cool little things to buy in the gift shop as well. This is worth the trip.
Great little piece of preserved history. Just know there have been multiple renovations and restorations. Does not deter from the experience though, and all of the rooms and furnishings are well enough preserved. Behind the scenes tour 2 hours long is really the best tour you can do. This tour has lots of stairs though in tight areas, since you take servant pathways. Very cool to see that and the basement/attic. May come back around Christmas time, since I hear they decorate well.
I really enjoyed this tour along with my wife. Very cool history and scenery. Rooms are incredibly detailedVisited onWeekendWait time30–60 minReservation recommendedNo
This is a must if you’re visiting Milwaukee or if you’re a local. It’s a trip back in time to slower days when Wisconsin Avenue was lined with majestic homes like the Pabst. I highly recommend visiting during the holidays, when it’s decorated as it was for Captain Pabst’s last Christmas.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYesPrice for adult entry$21–30
We booked the Behind the Scenes Tour and it was excellent. Our Guide, Peter Drenzek, was wonderful. He was extremely knowledgeable, easy to listen to, and obviously passionate about the Pabst Mansion and its history.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYesPrice for adult entry$6–10
We had a great tour with a really knowledgeable tour guide named Peter. He was very thorough and told the history of the mansion and family, artwork and other interesting details. The hour flew by! My only gripe is that signage isn't clear when you get there on where to park or check in. Typically, you end a tour in the gift shop but in this tour you check in there and it is in a separate building. But that detail is minimal and didn't affect our great experience.
The Mansion main floor and second floor are mostly restored now. It is quite ornate. We took the guided tour which is same price as self guided tour and glad we did. The Pabst lived in this house later in life.Visited onWeekendWait timeUp to 10 minReservation recommendedYes
Visiting this mansion was an incredible experience. While it differed from the visit to Abraham Lincoln's home, it provided a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy during that era. If my memory serves me right, this house boasted all the modern amenities of its time. One fascinating highlight was their impressive collection of 3000 wines, carefully stored in their cellar. Unfortunately, Pabst's time in this magnificent residence was cut short, as he passed away at the age of 62. However, when you step foot into this house, you can't help but feel transported back to that era, appreciating every aspect of the way things were done. On a slightly negative note, the $16 ticket price per person felt a bit steep. Nonetheless, I assure you that the experience is worth it, as you immerse yourself in the opulence and charm of a bygone era.
