Mansion Tours
Step inside 160 years of history during our Summer Social House Tours at Duncan Manor.
July 28th guided tours will take place during our Tuesday Summer Socials, with tours starting every half hour from 4:00–6:30 PM.
Each 45-minute guided experience takes guests through 3 floors of the Manor in intimate groups of just 12 people, allowing time to truly take in the details, stories, restoration, and history of this remarkable estate. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Duncan family, the Manor’s connection to Route 66 and Central Illinois, and our family’s ongoing journey restoring and sharing this historic home with the community.
Tour Tickets:
• $20 per person
• Small groups of 12
• Tours every 30 minutes from 4:00–6:30 PM
Before or after your tour, enjoy everything else happening during Summer Social:
• Local vendors & artists
• Food truck & sweet treats
• Beer, wine & non-alcoholic beverages
• Open mic
• Yoga on the Lawn every Tuesday at 6 PM
• Prairie sunsets, gardens & gathering spaces
• A relaxed, welcoming community atmosphere
Whether you come for the history, the music, the gardens, or simply a peaceful evening with friends, Summer Social was created to bring people together and share the beauty of Duncan Manor with the community.
Tuesday Summer Socials
Join us for Summer Socials at Duncan Manor — a weekly outdoor gathering designed to bring our community together through local makers, live music, food, and shared experiences on the grounds of our historic estate.
📅 Tuesdays | May 26 – September
🕓 4:00–7:00 PM
🎟 Free to attend
Each week, the Manor comes to life with a rotating selection of local vendors, a featured food truck, bar service, open mic performances, and yoga on the lawn at 6pm.
The last Tuesday of each month, step inside the historic home with guided small group tours offered every half hour from 4:00–6:30 PM ($20 per person), or simply wander the gardens, gather with friends, and enjoy a relaxed summer evening.
We’ve hosted pieces of this in the past — from our spring open house to a small farmers market — but this season we’re opening the grounds more regularly and creating a consistent weekly space for our community to gather.
Whether you come to shop, move, listen, explore, or just be, Summer Social is an open invitation to spend your Tuesday evenings at the Manor.
The Meadows is now open! This initiative will help us continue to preserve the enchanting allure of Duncan Manor and create opportunities for social interaction and cultural events. Our venue can accommodate workshops, gatherings, and celebrations, all surrounded by the beautiful grounds of the estate. By fostering a welcoming environment, we hope to connect people from all walks of life, encouraging collaboration and a sense of community.
Exciting updates from The Meadows!
We’re thrilled to announce that our brand-new event venue, The Meadows, is officially open! We’re eagerly beginning to incorporate community events and classes into our schedule, so be sure to check back often. Plus, we’re delighted to let you know that we’re now accepting bookings for private weddings and events through 2026.
If you're a local business owner interested in collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. This new space was lovingly designed to inspire and envelop everyone with a sense of warmth and home.
Support Restoration & Community. Support Duncan Manor.
Duncan Manor is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization with a vision to help the local community, and people around the country, embrace historic preservation and sustainability.
If you love historic homes and accessible community spaces not beholden to corporate interests, please consider supporting Duncan Manor with a one-time or recurring donation.
In 1866, cattle farmer and merchant William Duncan began building a towering brick manor outside of Towanda, Illinois...
150 years later, Dave and Randi purchased the property and began restoring the Manor to its former glory. The Manor has been given new life as a place for community, sustainablity, and restoration in central Illinois.
The Howells have devoted the last 7 years to reclaiming prairie land and restoring Duncan Manor House & Gardens to create a sustainable hub for local business, art, community, history, culture and agriculture in central Illinois.
Inside the Manor
Take a photo tour through the inside and outside of Duncan Manor
Inside the Manor
Take a photo tour through the inside and outside of Duncan Manor
Local Business, Art, History, Culture & Agriculture
We love central Illinois, and are committed to using all of our time, energy, and resources to help create a local economy and conserve local land.
Local Business, Art, History, Culture & Agriculture
We love central Illinois, and are committed to using all of our time, energy, and resources to help create a local economy and conserve local land.
Maybe You've Seen Us Around
Duncan Manor has been featured on Cheap Old Houses (HGTV), the New York Times, Fargo (FX) [pictured here], WGLT, The New York Post, and the Pantagraph
Maybe You've Seen Us Around
Duncan Manor has been featured on Cheap Old Houses (HGTV), the New York Times, Fargo (FX) [pictured here], WGLT, The New York Post, and the Pantagraph
Photography, Weddings, Galas & More
Indoors / Outdoors. Photo / Video. Weddings / Private Events. We've got it all, right off Route 66. Reach out to book your event, film, or photo shoot here at the Manor
Photography, Weddings, Galas & More
Indoors / Outdoors. Photo / Video. Weddings / Private Events. We've got it all, right off Route 66. Reach out to book your event, film, or photo shoot here at the Manor
Duncan Manor Merch
Want to support home & prarie restoration in central Illinois, and look good doing it? Grab some Duncan Manor swag!
Boxy Crop Top
- Unit price
Boxy Crop Top
DM Hoodie
- Unit price
DM Hoodie
Duncan Manor Sticker
- Unit price
Duncan Manor Sticker
Duncan Manor is a 501(c)3 with a mission
Duncan Manor is a nonprofit with a vision to reclaim prairie land and create a sustainable ecosystem in central Illinois. Along with restoring Duncan Manor, we've got big things planned to help farmers, restore land, and create community spaces. If you're interested in learning more and supporting the cause, check out the link below!
Come visit!
Address: 1002 Towanda-Barnes Rd, Towanda, IL 61776
Residental Notice: Duncan Manor is a private residence. We love visitors, but please reach out to schedule a time or confirm that there is a public event happening before you come by!
The Meadows — Our New Event Barn
Six-panel glass doors. Heated floors. Sunset views. Say ‘I do’ or host your dream retreat.
Explore The MeadowsTowanda Meadows — Gardens & Community
Six acres of blooms, veggies, and future community plots. Help us grow a sunken English garden.
Get InvolvedHistoric Preservation in Action
We’re a nonprofit restoring this landmark through concerts, tours, and hands-on classes.
Donate / Volunteer