Step Back in Time as Foley Mansion Invites the Public to Explore Seasonal Tours

(KNSI) – The operators of the Foley Mansion in St. Cloud are inviting the public to step back in time with its seasonal themed tours.

Mansion curator John Wolak explained to KNSI News there are two types of tours being offered. “Some tours are just walking through the mansion and talking about the Victorian era, looking at all the beautiful decorations. But some of the other tours involve cake and coffee. Those go for a couple hours.”

Groups go into the basement and select a fancy hat to wear to tea. The turn of the century’s most popular social drink is served with cakes on fine China in the dining room.

Wolak told KNSI News he’s most excited to show off a bygone era. “They see the rooms decorated in the period, lime washed walls, a very interesting wallpaper, some gorgeous historical stained glass windows. And just all the ambience of the place.”

Wolak says they’re looking at adding evening candlelight tours because everything in the mansion takes on a magical feel in the glow of the firelight.

The Foley Mansion was recently resurrected to its original 1889 glory by Carmen and Allen Arvig. It was built and occupied by Tim and Mary Foley, who were lumber barons in the area. The building had fallen into disrepair after a fire until the Arvigs began their labor of love in 2019. Find out more about its rebirth by clicking here.

The mansion’s restoration is nearly complete with the recent addition of a coffee and wine bar on the back of the property. It’s close to the site of an orangery, a Victorian-era indoor conservatory with plants where people can meet and enjoy the greenery. To book a tour, click here.

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