Grignon Mansion
In 1837, Charles A. Grignon built this Greek revival style Mansion as a wedding gift for his Pennsylvanian bride, Mary Elizabeth Meade. This stately home was known as “The Mansion in the Woods” to countless travelers. Today, a National and State Historic Site, the Grignon Mansion is a representation of the rich, layered history of the Fox River Valley. Restored to the time period of 1837-62 when Charles lived there, the Mansion is open seasonally for tours, special events, and more!
History
In the days before Wisconsin’s statehood, the Fox River was an important water highway for native tribes, travelers, and fur traders. Since as early as 1760, the land where the Mansion now stands, held a trading post to welcome travelers at a natural portage point along the Fox River. The Grignon family actively ran the fur trade post until Charles took over in 1830.
In 1837, Charles A. Grignon built this elegant home as a wedding gift for his Pennsylvanian bride, Mary Elizabeth Meade. Known as “The Mansion in the Woods” to countless travelers and traders, the Grignon home was built during a time of economic change from fur trading to farming, logging, and industry in the Fox River Valley.
The Mansion and the Grignon family were also familiar to local indigenous tribes. The grandson of a Menominee woman, Charles acted as an interpreter for the U.S. government at the Treaty of the Cedars, which transferred four million acres of Menominee land to the United States Government: the area now known as Northeast Wisconsin.
Today, the Grignon Mansion is a proud reminder of the diverse history of Kaukauna and the Fox River Valley.
Events
7 PM – 8 PM
Come enjoy an evening of free entertainment from the Little Chute Community Band!
A 50/50 raffle will take place throughout the evening, so bring your cash!
Please bring your own chair to enjoy the performance!
All proceeds from the event go to the preservation and maintenance of the Grignon Mansion.
Exact times and schedule coming soon!
Step back in time to the 1860’s to learn what life was like during the Civil War. Experience the sounds and smells of battle during skirmishes at the Mansion and learn about camp life.
Activities on the Grounds
- Infantry Drills
- Artillery Firing
- Regimental Volunteer Band of WisconsinConcert – 11AM
- Scavenger Hunt
- Learn to play Cricket
- Basket Raffle
- Hot Dog, Burger & Brat Fry
* Ongoing demonstrations showing military and civilian life in the respective camps will take place throughout the event.
* This event is invite only for participating reenactors
All proceeds from the Civil War Living History Demonstration go to the preservation and maintenance of the Grignon Mansion.
Come and visit the Mansion and view some of the nicest cars, trucks and motorcycles the Valley has to offer. Bring your family to enjoy endless amounts of fun, food and games!
All proceeds from the Car Show go to the preservation and maintenance of the Grignon Mansion.
2 PM – 7 PM
All proceeds from the Christmas Tours go to the preservation and maintenance of the Grignon Mansion.
Admission Prices
Seniors (62+): $10
Children (6-17): $6
Children 5 & Under: Free
2024 Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring the Grignon Mansion Christmas Tours? Contact [email protected].
Join Us
Become a Friend
The purpose of the Friends of the Grignon Mansion is to assist in preserving, enhancing, and promoting the Charles A. Grignon Mansion. The Friends community provides volunteer and financial support for the continued growth and improvement of the Grignon Mansion.
Please consider becoming a Friend of the Grignon Mansion to continue our mission of helping the Mansion to preserve and interpret the diverse history of the Grignon family and their impact on the Fox River Valley.
Join Us
Volunteer
Do you have a knack for telling stories? Enjoy working in the garden? Come volunteer at the Grignon Mansion! Volunteers are always needed for tour guides, gardens and grounds maintenance and more. Give us a call at 920.766.6106, email us at [email protected] or send us a private message on Facebook for more information. One of our volunteers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
