Public Tours of the Historic Ragdale Campus

Ragdale is an artists' retreat located on the grounds of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw's 1897 Arts and Crafts summer home in Lake Forest, Illinois.The artists' community supports more than 1,500 regional students and 150 creative practitioners each year through residencies, financial aid and fellowships, curatorial projects, and educational programs.

Ragdale Foundation

Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ retreat offers monthly, docent-led tours for individuals and groups.

Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ residency program, located on the former Arts and Crafts country estate of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and poet and playwright Francis Wells Shaw, offers tours of the historic Ragdale House, artist studios, and exquisite gardens. Participants will learn about the Shaw family history and the celebrated artist in residence program. These tours provide a special opportunity to explore the historic campus and experience the workings of an artists residency program. Visitors can experience the seven-acre site which includes three historic homes, several artist studios, gardens and vistas of the 50-acres Shaw Prairie. ﻿The Ragdale House and the Barn House, originally built in 1897, are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour donations help to support the mission of Ragdale.ADMISSION: $15/person and online reservations must be made in advance DATES:Tours available in June, July, August &amp; September.

About Ragdale: Ragdale is non-profit artist residency program located in Lake Forest, Illinois, that provides time and space for writers, dancers, choreographers, musicians, composers, and visual artists to develop new works. Hosting more than 200 artists annually, Ragdale is one of the largest creative communities in the United States, with a commitment to environmental stewardship, and access for artists with disabilities. Situated on the grounds of the former summer home of Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, Ragdale is a stunning example of Arts and Crafts Architecture, and listed on the National Register. Comprising a series of historic homes, purpose-built studios, and access to 50 acres of protected prairie land, Ragdale provides artists with a remarkable environment to explore their work. Learn more at www.ragdale.org

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