Want a behind-the-scenes look inside the historic Pasadena mansion that serves as the headquarters for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl? Well, the Tournament of Roses Association just began offering weekly tours on Thursdays and, even better, they’re free!
This 1906 stately home was built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. and his wife, Ada.
This couple is also known for owning the Chicago Cubs and the team’s storied ballpark, Wrigley Field, and holding the team’s spring training on Catalina Island. Later, the Wrigley family donated most of the island to the Catalina Island Conservancy, keeping much of it pristine from development.
In Pasadena, the family donated the Wrigley House and estate to the city of Pasadena in 1958, after the death of Ada Wrigley, and it’s been the home of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl ever since.
Tours of the mansion are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 28. There are stairs and comfortable shoes are recommended for the 60-90 minute tour.
Tours will feature little-known facts, endearing stories and fascinating trivia. The day also includes a visit to 4.5 acres of rose and camellia gardens, with some 1,500 varieties of flowers. People can picnic on the lawn before or after the tours, which are conducted by volunteer members of the Heritage Committee.
Reservations are required in advance, and can be made at tournamentofroses.com/house-tours. Tickets are available for up to four weeks ahead and I wouldn’t dilly dally, because they get snapped up fast.
There are a few handicapped parking spaces available, otherwise people must look for street parking on Arbor Street, Grand Avenue, and Lockhaven Street. Read all the parking signs.
Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-4100. tournamentofroses.com/house-tours/
