big house tours

Big House Tours

Want to experience the thrill of running onto the field of Michigan Stadium? Now you can, because we have the keys to the Big House.

Each Big House Tour takes you behind the scenes of the largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere. During your tour, you will get a chance to explore the Michigan locker room, visit the Jack Roth Stadium Club, and run (or walk) down the tunnel onto the field, where you can catch a pass in the end zone, kick a field goal, and take your picture on the 50-yard line.

Additionally, gain insight into the history of Michigan Stadium with a presentation by Dr. Robert Soderstrom, author of “The Big House, Fielding H. Yost and the Building of Michigan Stadium.”

2024 Tour Dates

All of our 2023 Big House Tours have taken place. Check back next summer for tour dates for the 2024 season.

Interested in a tour of Michigan Stadium on a weekday? Please contact Michigan Athletics for more information.

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• University Of Michigan

Welcome to Our House

Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as "The Big House" by University of Michigan students, alumni, and fans across the world, is one of the largest and most iconic athletic venues. It is the largest stadium in the United States and the third largest stadium in the world. The stadium exemplifies the Wolverine enthusiasm that surrounds the iconic phrases coined by Bo Shembechler in his legendary locker room speeches, “The team, The team, The team” and "Those who stay will be champions." 

Ready for the fall football season?  

• Get your U-M Football Tickets here
• Plan your FootballRide Shuttle route
• Purchase FootballRide Tickets in different mobile ticketing apps, such as Uber, EZFare, Moovit, and Transit.
• Tips from a U-M Super Fan: Your Game Day Guide to the Big House
• Game Day Q & A: Insider Tips from a U-M Super Fan
• Michigan Football Tailgating 101
• Beyond Game Day: Your U-M Football Weekend Itinerary

Just How Big is "The Big House?" 

The Big House boasts a seating capacity of 107,601, but it has hosted crowds in excess of 115,000. The Big House’s largest attendance record was 115,109, set on Sept. 7, 2013 in Michigan’s 41-30 night-game victory over Notre Dame.

Keith Jackson, the retired, legendary broadcaster for ABC Sports, is credited with popularizing the term “Big House." 

What can I bring into the U-M Stadium?

It is important to know what items you can and cannot bring inside of Michigan Stadium. Fans are encouraged to bring ONLY  necessary  items to football games at Michigan Stadium. All subjects and items are subject to search. Learn more about what is allowed inside of U-M Stadium  

Is the Stadium Used for Things Other Than Football? 

The stadium isn’t just home to the U-M football team – the International Champions Cup (ICC) soccer tournament has come to town four times, including the 2014 match between Real Madrid and Manchester United that set an American attendance record with over 109,318 people!

Michigan Stadium has even broken records for ice hockey attendance. The stadium hosted the NHL's 2014 Winter Classic , where a crowd of 105,491 saw the host Detroit Red Wings fall to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a shootout.

Michigan Stadium is also home to U-M’s spring commencement, special events, and movie nights throughout the summer. There’s even yoga in the Big House each year, which is an incredible experience, and uniquely Michigan. You can even rent Michigan Stadium for your wedding!

Can I Tour the Big House?

If you want to check it out for yourself, you’re in luck! The Big House has tours available , for an insider's view of the field, the locker room the press box and more. Make sure you schedule in advance so you don’t miss out on your chance to kick a field goal. Go Blue! 

How Do I Get to Michigan Stadium?

Michigan Stadium  1201 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3722

From Detroit Metro Airport and points east:  Take I-94 west to Ann Arbor-Saline Road (exit 175). Turn right and follow Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it turns into Main Street, going north for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Michigan Stadium is on the northeast corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard.

From Chicago and points west:  Take I-94 east to Ann Arbor-Saline Road (exit 175). Turn left and follow Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it turns into Main Street, going north for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Michigan Stadium is on the northeast corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard.

From Toledo and points south:  Take U.S. 23 north to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.

From Flint and points north:  Take U.S. 23 south to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.

It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine! 

You will never experience anything like game day inside of The Big House. Prepare to have you mind blown.   Find out more about Michigan Stadium

• 315 W. Huron St. Suite 340,
• Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Phone: 734-995-7281   Toll Free: 800-888-9487

Email:  [email protected]

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Touring University of Michigan’s Big House

As the daughter of a high school football coach, football is just in my DNA. I was always a fun date in high school and college when it came to Super Bowl parties or other big game events. I was the girl that watched the game, yelled in outrage at the refs, and contemplated if the next play would be a pass or a running play. This was all while the other ladies stayed in the kitchen doing other things.

So anytime that the opportunity is presented to me to go behind the scenes of something football related, I jump on that opportunity.

That’s where Michigan Stadium, in Ann Arbor comes in. Most often referred to as The Big House, this behemoth of a stadium is currently the largest college football stadium in the country.

How many seats does The Big House have?

The Big House has a seating capacity of 107,601. That’s a lot of your closest friends sitting together and watching the University of Michigan take on whomever they are playing that week.

What you need to know about the Michigan Stadium Tour:

The tour is between 60 and 90 minutes long, depending on the size of your group and the number of questions those in your group may have.

How much is the tour of The Big House?

The tour costs $20 per person (or a minimum of $100 total), so grab 5 of your friends and check out the stadium.

To schedule a tour, contact the Special Events Office at (734) 764-4599 or [email protected].

Ok, enough of the details, let’s talk about my experience touring the iconic stadium.

The Michigan Stadium Tour Experience.

First, I need to note that the tour I was on was part of a media tour so our time was limited, as we were on a tight schedule.

We started by pulling right up to the stadium and driving through the area where you normally walk, and wait in line for what seems like forever to grab a pretzel or a snack. When (not if) you go on this tour, this will also be your experience as well. This may seem insignificant to you but, to me, I was struck by how still the normally packed stadium really was.

From this point, we took an elevator up to the club/press box level. The nickname “The Big House” originated when announcer Keith Jackson was opening a game and said “Welcome to The Big House” and the name stuck from that point on. I tell you this now, because when we stepped off the elevator, we were greeted by photos of the iconic announcers in Michigan history and Bill, our extremely knowledgeable tour guide shared this nugget with us.

The next stop on the tour included a peek into the press boxes and the spaces where network TV does their show. It is quite awe inspiring to take a moment and think about the folks that have sat in these seats and watched nail biter games. Plus, these seats offer some pretty fantastic views.

Next we got to look at the door that holds the secrets to the plays that get reviewed. Our tour guide shared with us that they don’t share the same angles with those watching TV as the group of officials who are reviewing the calls. Bill told us that there are about 10 retired refs that are on hand just for these important review moments.

From there, we were shown an example of the luxury suites that are available for lease. Ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 these suites aren’t exactly going to be covered by your couch cushion change, unless of course, your couch cushions hold that sort of cash, in which case…let me know and I’ll help you scrape it up.

The yearly fee does not include food, so you’ll want to make sure that you budget for that. A point of interest, The Big House is a dry stadium, meaning they do not sell alcohol, including serving it in the suites.

Next, we got back into the vehicles and drove around to the rear of the stadium, to the section closest to the Crisler Center (the University’s basketball arena). It is a rather unassuming area, but behind two plain doors, was the game day locker room, and we got to go in!

I loved this part of the tour so very much. As we were in the locker room taking in the space, I thought a lot about the various players that had stood in the very spot that I was in. Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson come to mind. I could imagine the fiery halftime speeches that were given along with the tears that fell after a hard fought game, players unable to bring themselves to change back into their street clothes and rejoin the general public.

Just as the players who were suiting up to take the field would, we left the locker room doors and turned to head down the tunnel and on to the field. Again, another surreal moment. Not to mention the tunnel was long and very sloped. Which I found out was due to the fact that the playing field actually sits about four stories below street level. So those seats that seem like they are so very high about the field, they are actually right about street level.

The walk onto the field was so very cool as well. I know I keep saying that about every part of the tour, but it really was. The field was very awe inspiring, especially imagining what it must be like to look up into the stands as a player and hear the roar of the crowd.

They shared with us some other very interesting tidbits about the field, but I will save them for you to discover on your tour.

If you are ever in Ann Arbor, I can’t recommend a tour of The Big House enough. It just might turn you into a Wolverine fan, or at the very least, restore your love of college football. Make sure you keep your eyes open, you may just see Sasha Obama in the University of Michigan student section.

For more information you can visit their website, here.

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Part of the Athletics tour

Michigan Stadium

1201 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Michigan Stadium, the "Big House," home of Michigan Football, is the largest stadium in the United States with a capacity of 109,901.

University of Michigan Athletics

Michigan stadium.

Michigan Stadium Guide

Information on seating, prohibited items, parking, concessions and more.

Stadium Tours

Michigan Stadium is NOT open to the general public for exercising, walk-in tours, drop-in photo ops, etc. For a fee, guided tours are held on weekdays and may be arranged through the Special Events Office (734-764-4599 or [email protected] ) in the athletics department. Tour arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance. For information on tour pricing, location, and policies, visit the Special Events site .

Big House Extras

FIELD SURFACE: FieldTurf CAPACITY: 72,000 (1927); 85,752 (1928-48); 97,239 (1949-54);     101,001 (1955-72); 101,701 (1973-91); 102,501 (1992-97);     107,501 (1998-2007); 106,201 (2008-09); 109,901 (2010-14)     107,601 (2015-present) CONSTRUCTED: 1927 FIRST EVENTS:     Football: October 1, 1927 (U-M 33, Ohio Wesleyan 0)     Men's Lacrosse: March 17, 2012 (Bellarmine 13, U-M 9)     Women's Lacrosse: March 20, 2014 (Winthrop 14, U-M 12)

Michigan Stadium. The Big House. Home of Michigan Football. One of the country's most classic, widely recognized sporting facilities, Michigan Stadium has come to symbolize the pride, tradition and excellence of the University of Michigan. There is truly no place like it on a fall Saturday afternoon.

In the early 1920s, Fielding Yost formed a vision that would become Michigan Stadium. With winning teams and large fan turnouts, Yost realized the need for a larger football stadium. He asked for the Regents' approval, but considering the 1921 expansion of Ferry Field, they were hesitant to move forward with a new stadium. With Yost's dogged perseverance, they finally approved it on April 22, 1926.

The new structure was built on land that had been home to an underground spring. The water posed a problem to the construction, creating a surface that resembled quicksand. It was this moist ground that during construction, engulfed a crane which remains under the stadium today. The high water table also led to nearly three-quarters of the stadium being built below ground level.

Yost envisioned a stadium that would seat between 100,000 and 150,000 people. After much debate, the Regents, the University of Michigan and Fielding Yost reached an agreement by which the stadium would seat 72,000, with the ability to expand to more than 100,000. The construction would be financed not by the taxpayers of the State of Michigan, but by the sale of 3,000 $500 bonds.

Fashioned after the Yale Bowl, 440 tons of reinforcing steel and 31,000 square feet of wire mesh went into the building of the 44-section, 72-row, 72,000-seat stadium at a cost of $950,000. As the stadium neared completion, Yost requested an additional 10,000 temporary seats for the concourse. This request was passed, and Michigan Stadium opened at the corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard with a capacity of 84,401 -- the largest college owned stadium of any team in the nation.

On Oct. 1, 1927, Michigan played Ohio Wesleyan in the first game at Michigan Stadium, winning 33-0. Dedication of the new stadium came three weeks later, Oct. 22, 1927, against Ohio State, in another Michigan victory. The Buckeyes had hoped for revenge from the dedication of their own stadium five years earlier when the Wolverines came away with a 19-0 victory, but it was not to be.

Michigan Stadium has seen 258 consecutive crowds of 100,000 plus through the 2014 season, including 115,109 in attendance for the 41-30 win over Notre Dame on Sept. 7, 2013, that broke the all-time attendance record for a college or NFL game. Many changes and renovations have continuously improved the quality of the facility, while increasing its capacity to its present 107,601. While there are many things known about Michigan Stadium, one aspect that remains a mystery is the location of Fritz Crisler's seat -- the one "extra" seat that is indicated in the capacity number given to Michigan Stadium every year since 1956. Despite this anonymity, the legacies of Crisler and Yost live on as Michigan continues to pack the stadium full of 100,000-plus fans game after game.

Varsity men's lacrosse debuted at Michigan Stadium on March 17, 2012, when the Wolverines lost 13-9 to Bellarmine in front of 858 fans. Later that spring, on April 14 after the Michigan football spring game, a program-record 4,458 fans were on hand for "The Battle at the Big House" as Michigan fell by a 12-9 count to Ohio State in one of the most watched regular-season lacrosse games in NCAA history.

The inaugural varsity women's lacrosse team made its first appearance inside Michigan Stadium on March 20, 2014, where it dropped a close 14-12 decision to Winthrop. The program's first win at the Big House came 10 days later on March 30, 2014, as the Wolverines outlasted UC Davis, 13-12, in a double-overtime thriller.

Address and Directions

Michigan Stadium 1201 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3722 Google Directions/Map

From Detroit Metro Airport and points east: Take I-94 west to Ann Arbor-Saline Road (exit 175). Turn right and follow Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it turns into Main Street, going north for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Michigan Stadium is on the northeast corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard.

From Chicago and points west: Take I-94 east to Ann Arbor-Saline Road (exit 175). Turn left and follow Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it turns into Main Street, going north for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Michigan Stadium is on the northeast corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard.

From Toledo and points south: Take U.S. 23 north to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.

From Flint and points north: Take U.S. 23 south to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.

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• Michigan Attractions

Michigan Stadium – The Big House

Stadium Blvd & Main Street, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

• Big Kids 7-9
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If you’re a University of Michigan alum, a football fan or just interested in a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, The Big House is the “house” to see. The University of Michigan’s football stadium is the largest stadium in all of the U.S. with 107,601 seats, and the second largest in the world. It’s bigger than all the pro stadiums so its name is fitting. The stadium was built in 1927 with original capacity for 72,000 and the ability to extend.

The family-friendly football stadium guided tour offers a history of the stadium, the team and coaches and a few memorable games, too. The tour takes visitors through the press box for the prefect aerial views of the full stadium and then goes down into the Michigan locker room, through the players tunnel and onto the field. Families can hit all of the superstitious and good luck spots along the way. You can slap the Go Blue sign as you walk out of the locker room, run a touchdown pass into the end zone, or take your photo on the 50-yard line. Tours last about 90 minutes.

Hours Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance and are subject to tour guide availability.

Age or Height Restrictions Children under 5 are not permitted on the tour.

Things to Know/Bring Bring your camera and wear your University of Michigan gear! No cash payments are accepted.

Parking You will be instructed where to park once you enter the stadium gates.

Family Hotels Near Michigan Stadium – The Big House

Bell Tower Hotel

Graduate Ann Arbor

Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Ann Arbor Univ. Michigan Area

Courtyard Ann Arbor

Candlewood Suites – Detroit/Ann Arbor

Family Attractions Near Michigan Stadium – The Big House

Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Leslie Science & Nature Center

The Petting Zoo at Domino’s Farms

The Creature Conservancy

Family Restaurants Near Michigan Stadium – The Big House

Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Chocolate Shoppe

Cherry Republic of Ann Arbor

Conor O’Neill’s Traditional

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Fleetwood Diner

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The Best Home Tours in America

Take a trip back in time on these tours of historic homes throughout the country.

Gorgeous mansions from the Rhode Island shore to the California coast.

Thomas Jefferson's Virginia plantation continues to draw visitors to Charlottesville with its  extensive room tour and programming spotlighting the Hemings family . Green thumbs should check out the center for historic plants and garden tasting, while architecture buffs might enjoy the Making Monticello exhibition on the home's planning and construction . 

The Elms is the first of two Rhode Island mansions on this list. Built to resemble the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres  outside of Paris, the home cost over a million dollars to build, and was completed in 1901. 

Visitors to the property can expect to see gorgeous landscaped grounds peppered with fountains, and a window into the Gilded Age through the  eyes of coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind (the house served as his family's summer retreat).  Or, take the Servant Life tour for a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to run the house.

Tickets are available on newportmansions.org .

The Whitney Plantation

One of the few Southern plantations to focus on the slave experience, The Whitney Plantation uses hundreds of first-person narratives to paint a picture of what life was really like for Louisiana's enslaved population. 

A guided tour of the property takes visitors through the historic Antioch Baptist Church, the slave quarters, and the Big House, focusing on the lives of the men and women who lived and worked there.

For more information, visit whitneyplantation.com . 

Once described as "the grandest house west of Chicago," the Brucemore in Cedar Rapids Iowa offers visitors a glimpse back into early twentieth century life . Take a tour of the estate, noting the collection's antique electronics like a 1930s-era film projector and an Edison Phonograph , or wander the grounds, stopping in the flower shop, and admiring the 1910 landscape design. 

The site also features theatrical performances, art festivals, and other community events throughout the year. For more information , head to  brucemore.com .

The Biltmore

George Vanderbilt's Asheville manse is a favorite of travelers in North Carolina. Known for its manicured gardens, a heated, indoor swimming pool, and a bowling alley (one of the first of its kind) , the Biltmore is a prime example of late 19th-century American opulence .  

Plan your trip around the holidays to see the house decked out for Christmas, and stay at the nearby Inn on  Biltmore Estate for easy access to the historic site and the nearby winery.

Find out how at biltmore.com .

This 1917 mansion-turned site of the Natural Trust for Historic Preservation in Woodside, California is known for both  its 16-acre English Renaissance garden ( above ) and more than 654-acre property . Come for the traditional docent-guided home tour, but stay for orchard walks, nature hikes, and urban beekeeping classes.

For more information, visit filoli.org .

J.P Morgan Library

Most people know the Morgan name for its connection to the financial world, but J.P. Morgan, Jr. was also an avid art and literature collector, a passion made obvious by the contents of his New York City residence . 

He donated the home to the public in 1924, and now it serves as a museum, showcasing his extensive collections— which include works such as Gutenberg Bible, manuscripts by Mozart, Jane Austen, and George Washington, and the largest collection of Rembrandt etchings in the United States — as well as traveling exhibits. 

Visit themorgan.org  to learn more.

Hearst Castle

Set atop a hill overlooking the ocean, media magnate William Randolph Hearst's famous San Simeon estate — Hearst founded the company that owns  Town & Country — gives tourists the chance to step inside the inspiration behind  Citizen Kane 's Xanadu . 

Visitors can explore the grand rooms of the mansion, and the upstairs suites, or take the evening tour, complete with docents dressed in period clothes, to see the estate come alive at night.

Earlier this summer, the Chimney Fire in California threatened the property, but so far, it has remained unharmed.

Head to hearstcastle.org for more information.

Edith Wharton's Lenox, Massachusetts home is notable for its turn-of-the-century architecture, its 2,700-volume library , and its phantom inhabitants. Check out the latter on the estate's ghost tour, a popular attraction, or opt to attend their weekly literary roundtable for a lively discussion of Wharton's literary legacy.

For more information on the house as well as the estate's lecture series and other cultural events, visit edithwharton.org .

The Breakers

The second Rhode Island house tour on this list is a grand one: the Vanderbilt family's summer "cottage" (possibly the understatement of the year) was designed in the style of the Italian Renaissance, and to say it is impressive is an understatement. 

Clearly, the Vanderbilt family knew how to celebrate the holidays. Tour the Gilded Age mansion at Christmas time for live music, visits with Santa, and all things decorated in silver-and-gold.

Learn more on newportmansions.org .

Sleepy Hollow, New York is famous for two things: Ichabod Crane, and Kykuit, the 40-room estate of John D. Rockefeller . Take a tour of the six-story stone house, then stroll through the terraced gardens, which are filled with sculptures by artists like Pablo Picasso, David Smith, and Henry Moore.

Visit hudsonvalley.org for more information.

Mount Vernon

George Washington's former residence pays homage to America's foremost founding father with tours of the 21-room mansion,  its beautiful gardens, and a fully functioning distillery and gristmill.

Those looking to learn about this history of slavery should take a custom tour of the estate, while music buffs can join property's resident fifer for a musical demonstration. Dog lovers , on the other hand, might enjoy the "All the President's Pups" walking tour, which lets you and your furry friend explore the history canine life at Mount Vernon.

For more details, visit mountvernon.org .

As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects 

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Tour Information

The Big House Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11am – 6pm (gate closes at 5:15 PM) and Sunday from 11am – 4pm (gate closes at 5:15 PM).

The museum is located at 2321 Vineville Avenue in Macon, Georgia.

Macon native Steve Penley’s rendition of the Fillmore East Album cover is a focal point of this room as well as posters chronologically hung from all eras of the Allman Brothers Band’s history, as well as multitudes of Gold Records. This is also the room where founding guitarist Dickey Betts, although not a full-time resident here, slept on a pull-out couch quite often with his girlfriend Sandy Blue Sky. On the wall is an overview of the band’s history in concert posters, arranged chronologically from left to right.

the fillmore east room

If the walls in this room could talk, what a story they would tell. This is the room where the original ABB would jam and rehearse. One of the instrumentals from their At Fillmore East record, “Hot ‘Lanta” was conceived in this room. This room showcases instruments and memorabilia from the original band and memorabilia from before their days with the ABB. Gov’t Mule was also created and conceived in here.

the old dining room

The pool table in this room was once housed with Gregg and Cher. The display cases showcase items from the band from 1973 to present. See rare items such as Lamar Williams’ jacket that he wore while performing at a benefit for then-Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign in 1975.

the living room

Display cases show off instruments, phone books and hand written lyrics to many of the band’s work. Stand and gaze out the window where Dickey Betts wrote “Blue Sky” and you will see the church that is referenced in this iconic song.

duane allman's bedroom

See how Duane lived during his time here, including some of his personal belongings and his posthumous award for being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

brittany oakley's bedroom

The colorful wallpaper says it all. This was a cheerful place in the house as this is the area that Linda, Berry and their daughter occupied. Her room is full of toys, including her original dollhouse. Her closet includes the actual dress that she wore on the back cover of the Brothers and Sisters LP.

the "casbah" / music room

This was the getaway room that was enjoyed by all. It includes a stereo and LPs that everyone listened to. This room is also home to the infamous 7 head shower.

the roadie room

This room is sponsored by Craig Stevens’ family. The hardest working folks in the rock world are the roadies. And the ABB roadies are legendary. This room is a tribute to all of them, both past and present. Originally this was Duane Allman’s daughter Galadrielle’s nursery.

the kitchen

Proudly displayed here is an original vintage table from the famous H&H Restaurant, whose proprietor Louise Hudson became the band’s second mama: “Mama Louise”. Feel even more vibes as you stand in this, the very room that Dickey Betts wrote the Allman Brothers Band’s most commercially successful hit song, “Ramblin’ Man”, which references Vineville Avenue as Highway 41.

the walk-in closet

Formerly a walk-in closet, these walls contain promotional photos of every different Allman Brothers Band line-up from 1969-present. There are also colorful concert posters, magazine covers, and vintage photographs.

candace oakley and gregg allman room

Displays in this room include a rotating jewelry case full of rare ephemera, items from Sea Level, the one and only Twiggs Lyndon, Jaimoe, Buffalo Evans, Allen Woody, and others! Concert posters from every era grace the walls.

Busch Mansion Estate Tour at Grant’s Farm

There’s no doubt that Grant’s Farm is one of St. Louis’ favorite family attractions . For a mere $12 a carload, you can experience a deer park safari, pet a few goats, feed a sheep, watch animal shows and hang out with the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. And since the whole shebang is hosted by Anheuser-Busch, you can also count on a few free samples of the brewery’s latest refreshments when you visit.

(FYI: I received a complimentary Estate Tour at Grant’s Farm. My opinions are my own, because you know I was just dying to visit here!)

Actually…Grant had nothing to do with beer. It’s just a coincidence that General Grant once owned the land that August A. Busch Sr. would purchase for his country getaway in 1903. He kept the “Grant’s Farm” nickname and made the property into a rustic retreat with an old world deer preserve and, just for kicks, cattle and a couple of elephants.  With a nod to his German roots, August A. built the Bauernhof, styled after old German farmsteads. It had space for 20 horses and 18 dairy cows. You’ve been to the Bauernhof, it’s the beer garden at Grant’s Farm where the kids eat ice cream while mom and dad have a few…samples.

But back to the story.

So, Gussie is the man we need to thank for Grant’s Farm. The only thing he loved more than horses and baseball was entertaining. And in 1954 he opened his gates to the public and millions of families have enjoyed his hospitality ever since.

Gussie and his family still lived on the farm at the time, so he held back 22 acres surrounding the family home. Just enough of a buffer to keep “The Big House” away from prying eyes. And so it remained, until long after Gussie passed away in 1989.

Gussie had many children, and he didn’t want to split up the farm that he so fondly shared with St. Louis families. It was put into a trust for his heirs and Grant’s Farm is still operated by his business, Anheuser-Busch. Just the way he wanted it.

Grant’s Farm now offers a walking tour of the Busch Estate, a.k.a. The Big House. It’s a small private tour–no more than 20 people at a time. It’s only offered in the mornings, and it’s not handicap accessible so strap on your good walking shoes.

The tour takes you up to The Big House and starts at cute little playhouse made for the Busch children. It has running water and a real fireplace. The family kept it decorated just as it was when Gussie’s children played there…with the exception of an Easy Bake Oven some modern grandkids play with when they drop by.

You’ll get to stroll around the lawn and check out the lawn ornaments–life sized bronze moose and baby elephants! There’s also several Bevo Fox statues hiding in trees–the fox was a mascot for a non-alcoholic brew Anheuser-Busch made during prohibition.

Next you’ll stop at little Swiss style chapel built in the 1960’s for Trudy Busch, Gussie’s third wife. If you’ve ever visited Grant’s Farm around noon and heard bells, it was probably from this tiny chapel.

There’s a couple neat photo ops in front of the house, and your guides are happy to help you get a photo. So please, leave the selfie stick at home. Here’s a fun bit of trivia: The front of house has no driveway or sidewalk, just a grand staircase leading to a big green lawn.

You’ll visit the pool house, added in the 1960s for entertaining. Our tour guides pointed out fun facts, like how the pool, no bigger than what any well off suburbanite might install, was quite a big deal in the 1960s. Of course, your pool never had Elvis drop by, I’m sure. We chatted about Gussie’s wild parties while our tour guide brought out ice cold Budweiser for the grown-ups and chilled water for the kids.

We also got to see a couple beech wood trees planted the Busch family, in honor their brewery’s famed beech wood aging process. The tour ends at the back door of The Big House, which looks for all the world like a grand hotel entrance. Which is fitting, since this is the only place cars can pull up to the house and drop off friends, family and invited guests.

The tour doesn’t go inside the house, so I’ll leave you with a link to a Life Magazine article from 1955. I wonder if they still have all the deer heads in there?

If you’d like to arrange your own private grounds tour, RSVP online here at Grant’s Farm . It’s $25 dollar a person, which includes a complimentary beverage and a private tram ride around the deer park. The tour is mostly over mulched paths, so it’s not exactly stroller friendly. My husband and I loved having a tour guide practically to ourselves, but the kids were eager to move on to the Bauernhof and a big bowl of Dippin’ Dots. The tour lasts 90 minutes, so it’s best for kids with a lot of patience.

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Boris Pasternak's museum in Peredelkino

Boris Pasternak's museum in Peredelkino photographed by Sam Plompen Tour highlights:

• Learn the story of Boris Posternak, who is a Nobel Prize-winning Russian poet and writer. He's famous all over the world for his novel Doctor Zhivago.
• Visit his house where Pasternak spent his last 20 years of life. Wandering around the museum, you'll plunge into the musical atmosphere of the place and get an insight into the writer's life, family, work, love, and tragic conflict with the Soviet government.
• Take a stroll around the writers' village, enjoying the peacefulness of the pinewood and fresh air. Your guide will talk about the brightest representatives of the Soviet cultural elite and their dramatic life.
• Find Pasternak's final resting place at Peredelkino cemetery
• Take a look at the stunning summer residence of the Patriarch of Moscow, and have a stop to try delicious local pastries with a traditional herbal honey beverage.

Tour itinerary

• We don't stop for lunch during this tour but we'll have a chance to get tasty pirozhki with tea or coffee
• It'll take you 20-30 min walking to get to Pasternak house. We may arrange a taxi if someone needs it however the area is pleasant to walk
• Upon request, we may arrange a car from your Moscow hotel to Peredelkio and back.

What we see

Boris pasternak house-museum in peredelkino.

Peredelkino Cemetery

The Patriarch's residence

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Boris Pasternak's museum house

Pasternak’s “important achievement both in contemporary lyrical poetry and in the field of the great Russian epic tradition" was honored with a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. For many readers outside Russia, Pasternak is known mainly as the author of the touching historical novel Doctor Zhivago written in 1957. The novel as a whole communicates the haphazard, uncertain and chaotic quality of life caused by the Russian Revolution and the heroic case of quiet humanism demonstrated by a single person.

Pasternak’s translations of Georgian poets favored by Joseph Stalin probably saved his life during the purges of the 1930’s. However, the individualistic Pasternak was not suited to the Soviet artistic climate when art was required to have a clear socialism-inspired agenda and so Russian publishers were unwilling to print Pasternak’s novel. In fact, Doctor Zhivago first appeared in Italy in 1957.

Pasternak won his Nobel Prize the following year. Despite Pasternak politely declining his Nobel Prize quoting: “because of the significance given to this award in the society to which I belong”, the award nevertheless spread his fame well beyond Russia. He ended his life in virtual exile in an artist's community in Peredelkino village. His last poems are devoted to love, to freedom and to reconciliation with God.

Pasternak was rehabilitated posthumously in 1987. In 1988, after being banned for three decades, "Doctor Zhivago" was published in the USSR. In 1989 Pasternak's son accepted his father's Nobel medal in Stockholm.

Pastenak loved his house in Peredelkino, the house and surrounding nature featuring in his poetry. The poet considered the cycle of poems "Peredelkino", which he completed in the spring of 1941, to be his best work. The poet spent the first difficult months of the war in Peredelkino; he completed the novel "Doctor Zhivago" here, wrote the Lara poems and translated Shakespeare and Goethe. It was in this house that he learned he was to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on October 23rd 1958. He died here on May 30 1960.

The house in Peredelkino only acquired the status of a museum in 1990, thirty years after the poet's death and a century after his birth. The museum has fully preserved the environment and atmosphere of the house where Boris Pasternak lived and worked. The director of the museum is Elena Pasternak, grandaughter of Boris Pasternak.

Pasternak’s grave can be found in Peredelkino cemetery which is situated 20 minutes walk from the poet’s house.

Tour duration: 6-7 hours

Tour cost: English -  150 USD, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese - 180 USD

Additional expenses: car - 150 USD, or train - 10 USD

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The Big House Museum To Bring Allman Brothers Band Legacy To The Next Generation With 2024 Summer Concert Series

While the Allman Brothers Band may have taken its final bows a decade ago at the Beacon Theatre , the band’s impact still resonates throughout American popular music. From torchbearers Warren Haynes ,  Derek Trucks , and Oteil Burbidge who serve as pillars of the modern jam-rock community, to the outpouring of recent tributes to late ABB founder Dickey Betts , the Allman Brothers legacy survives. That interminable spirit continues at The   Big House Museum in Macon, GA—the one-time home of the Allman Brothers and now a dedicated treasury of rock n’ roll history—where curators are bringing in the next generation of musicians and fans with a summer concert series.

Presented by The Big House and  Macon Music Live —a Georgia production and promotion company that promotes artists across the South—the outdoor concert series on the lawn will present a mix of older, established acts alongside the rising tide of bands and artists making waves in the Southeast and beyond. The series kicked off last weekend with blues-based Kentucky rock n’ rollers Otis , continuing next month with Georgia alt-rockers Subject to Change . All summer long, The Big House will bring in other top talent like Allmans-inspired Florida cover band Smokestack , buzzworthy Asheville, NC guitarist Andrew Scotchie , a special unplugged set by Macon’s own ABB cover band  Restless Natives , and Southern psychedelic fusioneers Ides of June out of Atlanta, with more to be announced. Admission to many of the concerts is free with a suggested donation to the Big House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Beyond bringing the next generation of talent to the Big House, the summer concert series serves the dual purpose of bringing the Allman Brothers Band legacy to the next generation. Playing where the Allmans, their roadies, friends, and families lived from 1970–1973 is a sacred experience and one that museum director Richard Brent hopes will inspire the musicians of tomorrow to look closer at the music of the past.

“That’s part of our goal and mission here is to tap into that younger, upcoming generation of people and turn them on to not only the Allman Brothers’ music but, call it classic rock or Southern rock if you want,” Brent told Live For Live Music . “We’re in a different age now where I’m 50 years old and so my generation is maybe one of the last that got to grow up listening to classic rock music, specifically the Allman Brothers Band. …So we’re always trying to tap into the younger generation and turn them onto this music and keep it alive.”

The Big House has hosted outdoor concerts for years and watched frequent visitors like Marcus King ascend to stardom. It has also hosted former band members Warren Haynes and original Allmans drummer Jaimoe and his  Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band . Along with that joy, there is also a reverence as the museum has convened memorials for several late band members. Through it all, the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band not only survives but thrives, ready to inspire those who come next.

See below for the initial schedule for the summer concert series at The Big House Museum in Macon, GA, and follow it on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events.

The Last Of Its Kind In Idaho, History Lovers Can Tour The Victorian-Era McConnell Mansion

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If you live in or have visited Moscow, you may have found yourself wondering what the story is behind the big old mansion on Adams Street. Boasting authentic Victorian-era architecture, it’s the type of house that immediately grabs your attention! Known as the McConnell Mansion, this large and impressive structure is truly the last of its kind in Idaho. It’s definitely a beauty from the outside, but take the tour and you can learn all about this historic mansion and its storied past.

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Have you visited this historic mansion in Moscow, Idaho? Tell us about your experience and what you love most about this historic gem in the comments below.

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‘Ugliest House in America’ Unveils a Weird Kitchen Trend You Must See To Believe

On “ Ugliest House in America ,” host Retta is finally at the end of her search—but not before she tours these last three unfortunate homes.

In the Season 5 episode “Nasty Northeast,” the comedian sees three ugly homes in this region before naming one of them as the worst. This week’s winner will be the fifth finalist, so next week we’ll learn which home gets a home renovation from “ Windy City Rehab ” designer Alison Victoria .

In the meantime, though, these homely homes provide some important warnings on what to steer clear of when buying or renovating a home. Check out what we learned this week.

An open floor plan can go overboard

The first house Retta sees is a former men’s club in Coventry, CT . The 3,319-square-foot home sits on 15 acres, and owner Leesa says that all the space is what originally attracted her to the former meeting and entertaining space.

However, the 1955 build makes for an undeniably odd home. With seven exterior doors, a commercial kitchen, and exit signs, it certainly doesn’t feel homey.

“It was a Knights of Columbus Catholic men’s club,” Leesa explains. “So everyone I talk to says, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve been drunk in your house before.'”

Retta is especially impressed bu the main living area, which is clearly designed for big gatherings.

“I believe this is what we call an open floor plan,” she says, referring to the large area with multiple seating areas.

While the open floor plan has been popular for years, this space takes it to the next level. It’s a strange design for a single-family home—and a good reminder that there’s such a thing as too much space.

Be careful where you place lights

While this home has a lot of big problems, the tiny details are just as troublesome—including the placement of the lights.

“These are interesting lighting sconces,” Retta says when she notices the squared light fixtures, which seem like exterior lights.

“I actually deplore them. They couldn’t even center them,” Leesa says, referring to one light that is clearly placed off-center on the wall.

Don’t mix too many styles together

The second home is a four-bedroom, four-bathroom property in Wethersfield, CT . Don and Ashely live in this home with their three kids, and while the place looks nice on the outside, it has an eclectic mix of designs inside.

“There’s a lot of dated aspects to this house,” Don says. “It almost is a cross between the mafia and a porn set from the ’70s.”

The 4,102-square-foot house is filled with ornate and elaborate finishes like Italian tile, floral carpeting, ancient Roman-inspired wallpaper, and stained glass.

Retta is surprised to find a huge stone feature wall in the living room, too.

“This doesn’t look like it belongs in this house to me, looks kind of like castle-y,” she says.

This wall stands out so much that Retta almost seems distracted from the rest of the home’s ugliness. This is already an odd home, but the random rock wall is downright disorienting.

Brick cabinets are a truly weird kitchen trend

This home has two large kitchens: One is a perfectly preserved midcentury space, and the other is a wonder . There are green appliances, shingles near the ceiling, and cabinets made of brick.

“Never have I ever seen cabinet doors on brick,” Retta says.

While brick accent walls can be a fun feature, brick cabinets are an odd trend that should have never seen the light of day.

Be smart with storage

The third house is an 1895 Victorian in Putnam, CT , where owners Kyle and Brianna live with their two boys.

“We were looking for something completely different, and somehow we found this ugly little Victorian and fell in love,” Kyle says.

While storage is usually welcome in a home, this house goes overboard with shelving. The home is filled with space to display stuff, hooks hanging from the ceiling, and DIY built-ins.

“The previous owners spent a whole lot of time building a whole lot of shelves inside,” Kyle says.

This is especially clear in the attic, which has a space that is covered with shelves. It’s an odd space, but Kyle and Brianna say their boys love the shelves for displaying their toys.

“If you’re 7 and 4, this is the coolest place around,” Kyle says. For adults, not so much.

Who wins this round?

In the end, Retta names home No. 2 owned by Don and Ashely as the ugliest in the region.

“With all the crazy tiles, ornate decor, and bizarre stonework, your house was a throwback to the ’70s in the worst way possible,” Retta says.

Don is proud to have the worst house in the Northeast, whether he should be or not.

“All right, that’s awesome,” he says.

Now that we have all five finalists, Retta will get to announce the winner and surprise them with a renovation. We’ll cover the big reveal next week.

Jillian Pretzel is a Southern California writer who covers lifestyle, relationships, home, and money management.

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House vs. house: Loser pays rent at Charles Schwab Challenge

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FORT WORTH, Texas — There’s a tournament at the Charles Schwab Challenge that isn’t on the leaderboard. The stakes are as big as a house.

Eight players who often travel and stay together rented two four-bedroom properties near Colonial Country Club. They couldn’t settle on who would stay with whom, so they appointed Brendon Todd and Chris Kirk as captains and drafted teams through their group text.

“And it turned into a match,” said Sepp Straka. “House on house.”

To the victors go these spoils: rent. The losing team pays for the winning team’s house.

“A lot riding on it,” Todd said. “A lot of pride as well.”

Straka has Kirk, J.T. Poston and Ben Kohles. Todd has Harris English, Denny McCarthy and Greyson Sigg. Most of the players went to Georgia, but the competition includes two players who went to Virginia (Kohles and McCarthy) and one (Poston) from Western Carolina. They’re counting the lowest three scores for the first two rounds. They’re counting the two lowest scores on the weekend.

Sepp Straka uses nice approach to set up birdie at Charles Schwab

“I think we’ve got the better team,” Straka boasted. “We’ll see.”

He spoke those words Thursday after a 2-under 68, which put him squarely in a tie with Todd. Poston also shot 68.

Advantage Team Kirk.

English was at 1 under. McCarthy was even. The rest of the players were still on the course, sweating through a hot and muggy afternoon.

Lots of golf left.

The competition typically might include another Georgia Bulldog in Brian Harman. But Harman brought his family, eliminating him from consideration.

Missed opportunity. Harman shot 66.

"I'll let them play their … whatever they’ve got going," he said.

“We’ve been looking forward to this week for a while,” said Todd, noting that this is the “first edition” of the house-on-house.

It might not be the last.

Big Bus Tours Acquires Tour Dubai, Adding Safaris and Cruises to Portfolio

Josh Corder , Skift

May 24th, 2024 at 6:17 AM EDT

Dubai is the third city to have a tour operator snapped up by Big Bus, after San Francisco and Singapore.

Josh Corder

Big Bus Tours has acquired activities firm Tour Dubai as the company continues to expand outside of its core business. Big Bus Tours has around 550 buses in 26 destinations around the world, but in recent years, has been increasingly focused on the wider activities industry.

Tour Dubai will join Tower Tours, a sightseeing excursion operator in San Francisco, and Singapore Duck Tours as part of the Big Bus Tours’ wider portfolio. Tour Dubai has been around since 1989 and is one of the emirate’s largest tour operators. It specializes in desert safaris and dhow cruises.

The acquisition comes at a time where Dubai’s tourism sector continues to grow. The emirate is one of the few global cities to have tourism numbers ahead of 2019 — around 17.15 million visitors in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows Dubai had around 6.8 million visitors up to April, 800,000 more than the same time last year.

It will also scale up Dubai’s more affordable tourism activities. The city has long been seen as a luxury travel destination — an image officials are trying to change . Up to April this year, the average hotel room cost $170 in the city.

Big Bus Tours was created in 2011 from  the merger of London-based The Big Bus Company and Paris’s Les Cars Rouges.  Both businesses can trace their origins back to the early 1990s. It claims to be the largest operator of open-top sightseeing bus tours in the world.

Private equity firm Exponent bought the enlarged company in 2015 , and it has steadily added cities across the world and now operates in 26 destinations, handling six million tourists every year. Theme park operator Merlin Entertainments in 2016  took a 15 percent stake in the firm .

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Tags: acquisitions , big bus tours , tour dubai , Tourism news , travel news

Photo credit: Tourists taking photos during a bus tour in Dubai. Big Bus Tours