The Riordan Mansion – EAST

July 7

The Riordan Mansion- East Valley

Name: The Riordan Mansion – EAST
Start: 2025-07-07T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-07-07T23:59:59-07:00

July 7, 2025
$133

Brothers Timothy and Michael Riordan were members of a prominent Arizona Territory family—involved in lumber, railroads, cattle, banking, and politics. Sons of Irish immigrants, they moved to Flagstaff to run the local lumber mill, which was established to provide wood for the Transcontinental Railroad.
The Riordan brothers married two sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz. Working together, the brothers built two nearly identical Arts and Crafts style mansions, connected by a large billiards room, for a total of over 13,000 square feet of living area and servants’ quarters, with each family living in one of the mansions. Charles Whittlesey, who was chief architect for the Santa Fe Railroad and designer of the Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Lodge, designed the state-of-the-art home in 1904, using local materials such as volcanic basalt and Ponderosa pine trees to blend into the surrounding environment. The family lived in the mansion until the 1980s, when the second generation gifted Arizona State Parks the property. Arizona State Parks received a warranty from the surviving members of the Riordan family, conveying the Riordan homes, most of the contents—such as the east and west wings of the mansion—and five acres of surrounding land for State Park purposes. The state park opened on August 4, 1983, to preserve and share the history of not just the Riordan family, but of the city of Flagstaff. We’ll also enjoy lunch, on self, in historic downtown Flagstaff, home to many wonderful restaurants, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

Depart: Mesa 8 a.m. Scts 8:30a.m. Phx 8:45 a.m. R: 6 p.m.

Cancellation Policy — ONE-DAY Van or Motorcoach Tours must be paid for when you make your reservation. Reservations can be made either by phone or online. One-day tours are nonrefundable within 30 days of the tour.

Departure Locations — We can only guarantee pick-up from the locations listed below. If you’re requesting pick-up from an unofficial location, please call our office at 480-497-2478 to confirm. It never hurts to ask!

Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.

Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032

The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights

Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.