Ellwood House Museum
509 North First Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Historic Sites
The Ellwood House Museum tells the story of Isaac Ellwood’s pivotal role in America’s barbed wire industry. This grand estate showcases innovation, wealth, and influence during the Gilded Age in Illinois.
Isaac L. Ellwood, born in 1833, became a wealthy barbed wire magnate after partnering with Joseph Glidden in 1874. He built a grand home in DeKalb, now the Ellwood House Museum. Set on a ten-acre estate, the grounds include formal and native gardens, a wooded area, and the Berg Garden. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the site offers visitors a glimpse of historic craftsmanship, comfort, and the warmth of a family home lived in for nearly a century. The Ellwood House provides historical tours of the grand Victorian and are approximately one hour tour times. Event rental options are also available. Illinois 2025
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Tours for groups of ten or more may be scheduled in advance. Please call 815-756-4609 for reservations.
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