Ragdale Tours

Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ retreat offers monthly, docent-led tours from June – September for individuals and groups. Located on the former country estate of Arts and Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, a Ragdale tour includes: the historic Ragdale House, visual artist studios, exquisite gardens, an introduction to the Shaw family history and the artists’ residency program that serves nearly 200 artists and authors each year. Admission is $10/person and online reservations must be made in advance.

These tours are rare opportunities to see behind-the-scenes at an artists’ residency, typically closed to the public. Visitors can experience the five-acre site which includes two historic homes, several artist studios, gardens and vistas of 50 acres of virgin prairie. The Ragdale House, originally built in 1897, and the Barn House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Docents

Mary Cook

Sherry Grapes

Marianne Lombard Koy

Marla Schachtel

Ann Shillinglaw


Ragdale+in+Spring.jpg

Public Tours

Admission is $10/person. Advance reservations and online payment are required for public tours. Current available dates in 2024 are on Saturdays 10AM-12NOON.

2024 Public Tour Dates:


June 8, 10AM-Noon

July 13, 10AM-Noon

August 10, 10AM-Noon

September 21, 10AM-Noon


group-tour-september.jpg

Private Tours

For groups of 10 or more. Admission is $15/person. Advance reservations and online payment are required for private tours.

2024 Private Tour Dates:

June 7

June 12

August 9


Please contact marita@ragdale.org or call 847.234.1063 x 21 for additional dates or for more information.


Ragdale Facility Rental

Ragdale's conference room is available for rental to businesses and organizations. The conference room accommodates 10 people at the meeting table, or up to 20 with additional seating. A projector and screen are available. For food service, your caterer must contact Ragdale staff at least one week prior to the event to arrange set-up and tear-down times and any other needs. Ragdale can provide a list of area restaurants and caterers upon request. Limited parking is available in the Ragdale parking lot at 1230 North Green Bay Road, just a short walk through the Ragdale campus from the conference room.

Conference Room Details

For-Profit Rates
$375 half day
$750 full day

Nonprofit Rates
$200 half day
$400 full day

  • Seats up to 20

  • Mounted Monitor

  • Owl Conference Camera and Phone

  • WIFI

  • Adjacent Courtyard

For additional tour or facility rental information, please contact Marita Seaberg, Office Manager & Development Assistant or call 847.234.1063, Ext. 21

"There is magic here and all you have to do to receive it is to be present."

— Barbara Poole, Visual Artist, Boston, MA

We are here!

1260 North Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Contact
847.234.1063
info@ragdale.org

Parking
Lot is located at 1230 North Green Bay entrance. Limited parking available