The House on the Rock Journal

Steampunk Halloween

2011-01-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

We're thinking about inviting the Steampunk community to The House on the Rock for a Halloween costume extravaganza in October of 2011. The House on the Rock collections contain artifacts and models from the age of steam and diesel, as well as mechanical clockwork devices reminiscent of a bygone age. Here are a few examples from our model steam collection -- below are pictures of a rare model of the Turbinia, the first steam-turban ship, dated 1909, and one example from our collection of Dreadnoughts. These are just two examples of many artifacts in our collection of model steamships. As our plans become more definite, we will be posting more information and photos from our collection.

The House on the Rock Special Winter Tour

2011-01-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

The Japanese Garden

In the fifty years that The House on the Rock has been open to the public, tours have always been self-guided. This winter season we are offering our guests something special, something that we have never offered before---a nostalgic walk through The House on the Rock as it was in the middle 1970s including stories about Alex Jordan and the building of The House on the Rock. In his mind it always remained his country place—even after it grew far beyond just the House. He collected whatever struck his fancy and brought it here for all of us to enjoy. On our walk through tour you will see the Gate House, The walkway to the House, The House itself, The Mill House, The Streets of Yesterday, and then you'll wind through the first part of the Music of Yesterday. After that, you can visit The Alex Jordan Center at your leisure and learn more about Alex Jordan and the creation of The House on the Rock.

The only tour offered during the Winter Season is the guided walk through. Many buildings and exhibits are closed during this time of year including the Heritage of the Sea, the Carousel, the Organ Room and all others not listed above. If you want to see the full tour, please come after March 25, 2011 for our Regular Season.

Winter at the House on the Rock

January 7 - March 20, 2011	9 am to 5 pm
Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Martin Luther King Day and President's Day (Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) Tours leave every hour on the hour starting at 10:00 a.m. and last tour leaves at 3:00 p.m.

Admission Prices:

Adults age 18 and over:	$17.50
Children age 4 - 17:	$12.50
Children 3 and under:	FREE

Last tour leaves at 3:00 pm. All rates, dates, times and displays are subject to change without notice. Please dress according to the weather as parts of the tour include outside ramps and areas.

The Asian Garden

Future Events

2010-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Post-gathering, The House on the Rock has been fielding dozens of questions about future events. Many have expressed an interest in behind-the-scenes tours of the Attraction. The House on the Rock has been thinking about doing just that, and would like to know more about what you would be interested in seeing.

There have also been questions about The House on the Rock hosting a "steampunk" event, and we'd like to hear more--what are your thoughts on this? What would you like to see or do?

We encourage you to keep posting ideas for future events here on the blog--the more interest there is in something, the greater the possibility it can happen.

--HOTR

The View from Inside the Carousel by Tom Kupsh

2010-11-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

The View from Inside the Carousel by Tom Kupsh

I was not able to participate in the public part of The Gathering of American Gods at The House on the Rock, although I did speak at one of our panels here at the Attraction.

Because I had a part in building the carousel (sculpting many of the custom creatures) and am very familiar with the whole machine, I agreed to guide the rides on the Carousel for our guests. We had practiced dry runs some weeks before the event but we weren’t really sure how it was going to go. The World’s Largest Carousel has been turning for 30 years, “collecting energy” as Wednesday would have it, but no guest had ever ridden it. The first time that I rode it myself was just six weeks before the Gathering when I was exploring how we would manage the rides.

I was the one, without a name tag, who guided riders to their mounts and kept an eye on things as we rode.

As I led each lucky rider to their place I looked back to make sure they were following me; they were looking up and down and like wide-eyed children lost in a magic place—which was true. Some said, “I can’t believe I’m here,” or “this is the greatest moment of my life….” I remember Miss Liberty sitting on her Lion with her wide smile and wide eyes. Halfway through the ride I asked her if everything was all right—what a silly question.

Who was the youngest rider all in red? Eyes darting everywhere--speechless I think.

Each time the lights went up and we started to move I heard gasps and the riders turned their heads looking up at the brilliant chandeliers and then around at the sea of color. Then they waved and the crowd cheered as we swept by ( loudest when Neil rode), and there were flashes, and waves of costumed figures, and masks in a blur and the mirrors on the back wall where they could see themselves racing by on The World’s Largest Carousel. And the music, the too-loud music out there in the crowd was just right for us.

The reporter and photographer who came here all the way from the UK had not in their wildest dreams expected to ride. It turned out that we had space for two on the last ride and they were in the right place at the right time. As this last ride began Denise (reporter) said this was totally unexpected and fantastic, and then, with tears in her eyes she said, “Here I am a hardened reporter and I’m having a moment.”

The man in the military uniform said, “It’s good to be a child again, if only for fifteen minutes.”

All the rides were over, each one ending with more cheers and applause. An hour later, some of the riders passed by—they still had those same smiles on their faces—I hope they never recover.

Photos of American Gods Gathering

2010-11-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

To view photos of the Gathering of American Gods go to---http://gallery.me.com/houseontherock

We took a great many photos of the weekend. We tried to get a photo of everyone who rode the Carousel but we know in the excitement that we missed a few especially those who rode the Eagle/Tiger. If anyone has additional photos of the Carousel ride (from the outside) we're sure that everyone would like to see them.

Comments like these...

2010-10-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

We're getting a lot of new comments like this...

My wife and I would like to thank HotR, deeply, and honestly, for one of the most memorable events of our lives. I didn't know until I asked that this is the first late-evening events, indeed the first event like this EVER at HotR, you folks were professional, patient, dotted I and crossed T, with little unexpected touches glittered about HotR for the Gaiman-specific fans... as a geek convention professional, I was VERY impressed with the organization and execution of plan, and oh, by the way, it's at HotR. PLEASE, beg Mr. Gaiman to come back for another round in a year or two; failing that, PLEASE, consider Halloween costumed events. (Granted, geeks tend to be pretty harmelss convention goers...). Thank you for having the wolf carousel figure for us to pose on. Thank you for staying up so late! Thank you for having MORE than enough food, enough libations, for the magician, for the special red Esmerelda tickets, for having Tom at the afternoon lectures, and for utterly mesmerizing my wife on her first trip. Quality, execution of a plan, patience, and making a special weekend we will both cherish. Thank you, thank you, thank you. -Mr.Fortune (I'll come help clean up all the bills Sunday...)
--CatDoc

Thank you all for coming--the smiles on your faces tell the whole story, and we were pleased to sponsor The Gathering of American Gods at The House on the Rock.

Keep tuned to the blog; an event recap will be coming soon along with links to photographs of Carousel riders, and other information including ideas for future events.

Happy Halloween!

A Recent Comment...

2010-10-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

This event seems totally odd to me. How can you sell out the panels first? I was really excited about actually seeing Mr. Gaiman, but with the way you have set up this event I don't think you are really all that open to fans having a good time. I really don't understand why you would put a cap on the panels, but not on the event. I suppose greed would be a good explanation.

The panels at The House on the Rock Resort that are included in the tickets with panels are sponsored not by The House on the Rock but by an ad hoc committee know as the Low Key Gathering. The meeting rooms at the Resort are of limited capacity and the decision to stop selling tickets for these panels was made because of fire and safety regulations (we will not exceed room capacities). If you explore the blog further, you will find that The House on the Rock is sponsoring additional panels at the Attraction; these panels are open to all ticket holders. We are sponsoring these additional panels so that everyone attending will have a chance to go to a panel if they wish. See the event schedule to learn more about panels at The House on the Rock Attraction.

In terms of seeing Neil Gaiman--this is unrelated to the panels; he is not scheduled to attend any panels. He will be at the Attraction Friday and Saturday speaking, signing books, judging the costume contest, and celebrating with his fans. There are plenty of opportunities to see Neil. Again, consult the schedule to find out more about events where Neil will be present. The overwhelming sentiment among the fans is that they are really excited that The Gathering of American Gods is finally here.

--HOTR

Deadline for Questions for Neil is Thursday!

2010-10-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that questions to be addressed to Neil during the Q & A part of the evening must be submitted by e-mail by this Thursday (10/28). Steve Paulson of Wisconsin Public Radio, the moderator for the evening, will be selecting and asking the questions. Send your questions to: marketing@thehouseontherock.com

Full Event Program Now Available!

2010-10-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Full event program

Costume Guidelines

Scavenger Hunt Rules

Information about Low Key panels

Performing Band Information

Little Red Wolf to Entertain: Bringing together the hard-working, multi-instrumental talents of four women, Little Red Wolf is a band that crosses musical boundaries and has fun doing it. A combination of indie rock and alternative country, with doses of the harmonies of a 40s-era girl group and nods to jazz, bluegrass, and even punk, the band brings to the table something entirely new and unique without forgetting their roots.

T-minus seven days to the Gathering of the American Gods!

--The House on the Rock

Event Schedule and Information

2010-10-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Gathering of American Gods at The House on the Rock

Event Schedule

Friday, October 29, 2010

7:00p.m. .............................................Doors open, cash bar available

8:30p.m. – 10:00p.m. .....................An Evening with Neil Gaiman

Saturday, October 30, 2010

9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. .......................The House on the Rock Attraction opens for touring

10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. .....................Scavenger Hunt

10:00a.m. – 5:30p.m. .....................Low Key Gathering Panels at The House on the Rock Resort

10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. ....................Panel Discussion at The House on the Rock Attraction: “Wednesday’s Smile:” An exploration of the History and Creation of The House on the Rock and Neil Gaiman’s use of the Attraction in American Gods including his view of the House as a “Zen Creation”

1:30p.m. – 2:30p.m. .......................Panel Discussion at The House on the Rock Attraction: “The Feng Shui of Fear and Mystery,” Novelist Christopher Ransom

6:00p.m. – 7:30p.m. .......................Costume Contest – Welcome Center – The House on the Rock Attraction

7:00p.m. – 12:00a.m. .....................Costume Party – The House on the Rock Attraction

Additional Information

Be sure to dress for the weather; guests will be going in and out of buildings. The tent for The Evening with Neil Gaiman can be heated just 30 degrees above the ambient temperature. Currently the weather is predicted to be normal for this time of year, which is about 53F during the day and 30F overnight.

Registration for The Gathering is in the Welcome Center at the House on the Rock Attraction. Guests staying at Resort and Inn should register at the hotel prior to picking up their registration packets at The Attraction. We encourage you to register as soon as you arrive--the Welcome Center opens at 9:00a.m. every day.

Neil will be signing books during the weekend. Information about signing time assignments for fans will be included in your registration packet.

The Evening with Neil Gaiman, Friday 10/29, begins at 8:30p.m. The tent opens at 7:00p.m. and the event is open seating. There will be no food available at The House on the Rock before this event--guests should make sure to eat before arriving.

Questions to be addressed to Neil during the Q & A part of the evening must be submitted by e-mail in advance. We encourage you to get your questions in early. Steve Paulson of Wisconsin Public Radio, the moderator for the evening, will be selecting and asking the questions. Send your questions to: marketing@thehouseontherock.com

Fans interested in the Scavenger Hunt need to bring their copies of American Gods in order to solve the riddles.

There will be a shuttle service between the Inn, Resort, and The Attraction for the party on Saturday evening.

If you haven't purchased a ticket yet, you're in luck--event tickets are still available!

Event Only--$105 (includes sales tax):

Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
1 ticket to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts

Saturday Night Event Only--$75:

1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations)
Admission to The House on the Rock Attraction

Call 800-334-5275 or 608-935-3639 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are only available over the phone. Limit 4 per transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Guests must show photo ID to pick up event ticket packets.

More information will follow, so keep watching the blog!

Additional Room Packages Available for American Gods Gathering

2010-10-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

A limited number of room packages for the previously sold-out Inn and Resort have become available. The currently available packages now include the following:

Resort--$539 (plus 5.5% sales tax) for two includes:

Fri/Sat night stay at The House on the Rock Resort for two
Breakfast Buffet for two on Sat/Sun
Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
2 tickets to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
2 tickets to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 2 raffle tickets)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts
Call 800-822-7774 or 608-588-7000. A $200 deposit will be required at the time of reservation, $100 of which is nonrefundable at the time of reservation and $100 of which will be nonrefundable after October 26, 2010.

Inn--Packages starting at $439 (plus 5.5% sales tax) for two includes:

Fri/Sat night stay at Inn in a standard king or double queen room (continental breakfast included in room rate)
Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
2 tickets to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
2 tickets to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 2 raffle tickets)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts
Call 888-935-3960, 800-822-7774 or 608-935.3639. A $200 deposit will be required at the time of reservation, $100 of which is nonrefundable at the time of reservation and $100 of which will be nonrefundable after October 26, 2010

Event Only--$105 (includes sales tax):

Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
1 ticket to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts

Saturday Night Event Only--$75:

1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations)
Admission to The House on the Rock Attraction

Call 800-334-5275 or 608-935-3639 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are only available over the phone. Limit 4 per transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Guests must show photo ID to pick up event ticket packets.

Many recent comments have been posted about the availability of tickets--many event tickets are still available for purchase! Remember, the best way to ensure that you will get a ticket is to buy one today.

Important blog updates are coming soon, so be sure to stay tuned.

Gathering of American Gods Costume Party Tickets Available!

2010-08-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

In addition to the event tickets ($105 weekend tickets; see prior posts for full information), we are now offering Saturday evening tickets that include food stations, admission to The House on the Rock attraction and the Gathering of American Gods costume party. The party includes a costume competition judged by Neil Gaiman himself; winners will experience a ride on the Carousel, which has never before been open to the public. These costume party tickets are $75.

Charity raffle tickets for a chance to ride the Carousel will be available for purchase from the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce during the costume party.

Cash bar will also be available during the party.

Tickets Still Available

2010-08-06T15:03:00.001-07:00

We still have some tickets remaining. However, ticket packages including panel memberships are no longer on sale. The currently available packages are at a reduced price and include:

Event Only--$105 (includes sales tax):

Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
1 ticket to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 1 raffle ticket)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts

Call 800-334-5275 or 608-935-3639 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are only available over the phone. Limit 4 per transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Guests must show photo ID to pick up event ticket packets.

Saturday night event-only tickets (including food stations) will be $75 and will go on sale at a later date.

Here, again, is a list of local hotels you may be interested in:

Don Q Inn: 800-666-7848 (per night $89.95 plus sales tax)

Super 8: 800-800-8000 (per night $78.88 single, $88.88 double, plus sales tax)

Best Western: 800-WESTERN (per night $109.00 one bed, $119.90 two beds, plus sales tax)

Round Barn: 608-588-2568 ($62.50 if staying one night, $54.00 two night minimum, plus sales tax) Special rate for American Gods fans

Spring Green Motel: 888-647-4410 (per night $65.00 one bed and $89.00 two beds, plus sales tax)

Spring Valley Inn: 608-588-7828 (per night $98.00 single, $108.00 double two night minimum, plus sales tax)

Usonian Inn: 877-876-6426 (per night $88.00 for 1-4 people, plus sales tax)

For bed and breakfast accommodations or more area information, visit http://www.springgreen.com and http://www.dodgeville.com

Addition to Costume Guidelines

2010-08-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Our guidelines for the costume contest are common sense. Costumes, and this gathering, are PG-13--nudity is unacceptable. The House on the Rock reserves the right to refuse entry to, or to disqualify, whomever we judge to be inappropriately dressed. If you have any doubts about your costume, send a digital picture to tomk@thehouseontherock.com and you will receive a response. We will not share any images sent to us and will delete them from our system.

Panels and Ticketing

2010-08-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

If you have any questions regarding ticketing for panels, please contact Tom at tomk@thehouseontherock.com.

Shadow's Ride

2010-08-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

This creature is among the wildest conceived by Alex Jordan. A tiger with an eagle's head, it comes alive under Shadow and takes him to another dimension. This is one of the figures we hope will be part of the Carousel contest; a few lucky fans may be able to have this as their mount.

The Mikado

2010-07-23T07:13:00.001-07:00

Czernobog, Wednesday, and Shadow sat on the bench in front of the Mikado to listen to the music and to talk briefly about Shadow’s bank robbery. This music machine is one of the most popular at The House on the Rock; it was built in the 1970s in our workshop using a European band organ as the starting point. The oriental façade is an over-the-top Alex Jordan creation. The music that it plays includes “Dance Macabre” by Saint-Saens, “Harem Bells” by Korla Pandit, and “Ritual Fire Dance” by de Falla.

Czernobog's Centaur

2010-07-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

In American Gods, Czernobog rides an armored centaur with its face hidden by a metal helmet. Alex Jordan was so pleased with this centaur that he ordered several more; there were a few months in 1978 when he wanted to armor everything--even mermaids. If your Greek mythology is a little rusty, you can find an entry about centaurs in Bulfinch's Mythology (dreadful party guests).

The Bulldog

2010-07-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Bulldog on the Carousel was created for Alex Jordan in his workshops in 1977. It is a very popular carousel figure and was used in the opening of a program in the television series “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” featuring The House on the Rock.

The backstory—it’s actually the portrait of a security guard who had irritated the sculptor.

Esmerelda

2010-06-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

Yes, there is a mechanical clairvoyant (Wednesday calls her "our Urd") at The House on the Rock. Her name is Esmerelda; you will find her on the Streets of Yesterday where, for a small fee, she will tell your fortune just as she did for Wednesday and Shadow.

Costume Contest Guidelines

2010-06-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

The House on the Rock Halloween Weekend Carousel Contest Guidelines (5/21/10)

Neil Gaiman will be the sole judge of the Saturday night costume contest. As this is an American Gods weekend, we encourage folks to run with the theme, but all costumes will be considered for competition, because what the hell, it’s Halloween. General judging qualifications might include attention to detail, how the costume relates to the AG/HOR/gods/mythology/other-Neil-stuff, general wit, and craftsmanship; though ultimately it’s up to Neil to decide who the winners will be.

When Alex Jordan designed and built The World’s Largest Carousel thirty years ago he intended it for the viewing pleasure of his guests and never thought that anyone would ever ride it. I don’t think that Alex rode it himself; he was satisfied in his declining years to sit quietly unknown and watch visitors enjoy his work. We were delighted (as I’m sure Alex would have been) when we read Neil’s description of the Carousel and when we saw its place in the American Gods tale. What better way to celebrate the author and fans of American Gods than to let a small number of fans ride the Carousel.

Here are some things to understand about the carousel and this rare opportunity to ride it: The figures on a traditional carousel are made with the riders in mind so there are no sharp claws or fragile appendages, etc. and the figures are spaced for easy access. Since this carousel was not meant to be ridden, there are sharp claws, fragile appendages, etc., and tight spaces. There will be things that are important to remember when designing costumes:

----There are a certain number of restrictions including, but not limited to: open flames, weapons, smoke, and sharp projections. Other safety and security restrictions may be added to this list as we go along—we’ll keep you posted.

---To be guided to a rideable figure on the Carousel you need be able to walk up two steps and a few feet down a ramp and then be guided through a space 20 inches wide (you could move sideways) and 6 feet high. If your costume does not fit these dimensions you will need to design so that parts (for example headdresses) are removable. The rideable carousel figures will have enough headspace so that you can put your hat, or whatever, back on for your ride. Of course, we will accommodate those over six feet tall as best we can. For access and safety reasons we cannot have any long non-removeable trains on the Carousel.

---I never thought that I would hear myself say this, and I have several dead relatives who are tisking in their graves: for the Carousel ride, a certain level of sobriety will be important and may be a qualifying consideration.

---Members of the Chamber of Commerce of Spring Green, Employees of The House on the Rock Resort, Attraction, and Inn, organizing members and volunteers of the Low Key Gathering group are not eligible for the costume contest or drawing.

---As the time gets closer we will be sending along more information about how the contest will proceed. If you have any questions about this, contact me at tomk@thehouseontherock.com

Panel Information

2010-06-24T17:55:00.001-07:00

The Low Key group is looking for panel participants. Visit the Low Key Facebook site for this and other information about the panels.

New Ticket Information

2010-06-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

We're very pleased with the fan response to the Gathering of American Gods at The House on the Rock. We're making a change to the remaining packages; packages including panel memberships are no longer available. The currently available packages are at a reduced price and include:

Event Only (Excluding Panel Memberships)--$105 (includes sales tax):

Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
1 ticket to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 1 raffle ticket)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts

Call 800-334-5275 or 608-935-3639 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are only available over the phone. Limit 4 per transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Guests must show photo ID to pick up event ticket packets.

Saturday night event-only tickets (including food stations) will be $75 and will go on sale at a later date.

Here, again, is a list of local hotels you may be interested in:

Don Q Inn: 800-666-7848 (per night $89.95 plus sales tax)

Super 8: 800-800-8000 (per night $78.88 single, $88.88 double, plus sales tax)

Best Western: 800-WESTERN (per night $109.00 one bed, $119.90 two beds, plus sales tax)

Round Barn: 608-588-2568 ($62.50 if staying one night, $54.00 two night minimum, plus sales tax) Special rate for American Gods fans

Spring Valley Inn: 608-588-7828 (per night $98.00 single, $108.00 double two night minimum, plus sales tax)

Usonian Inn: 877-876-6426 (per night $88.00 for 1-4 people, plus sales tax)

Spring Green Motel: 888-647-4410 (per night $65.00 one bed and $89.00 two beds, plus sales tax)

For bed and breakfast accomodations or more area information, visit http://www.springgreen.com and http://www.dodgeville.com

Some recent questions and concerns:

Will there be vegetarian/vegan options at the dinner? The group I'm coming with is mostly vegetarian or allergic to milk.

-Ms. Morris

Thank you for your question. The House on the Rock is currently still working on the event menu and vegans will definitely be taken into consideration. More information about the menu will be provided as we get closer to the event.

We've also received questions about raffle tickets for the Carousel. One raffle ticket will be included in the package price. Additional tickets will be available for purchase on the night of the party. And don't forget, the winner of the costume contest will also be getting a free ride on the Carousel.

Guidelines for the costume contest have been posted. Please visit the Low Key Gathering Facebook page. A copy of the complete guidelines and other useful information about the party and gathering in general will be sent to ticket holders at a later date.

Thank you for all the band suggestions we've been getting. The House on the Rock is still in the process of deciding, so keep the suggestions coming via our email, thehouseontherockblog@gmail.com. Rest assured, we will let you know when the decision has been made.

To everyone who is concerned about the number of tickets left: we'll send out a heads up when the number of tickets available gets down to 100. Keep watching the blog and remember that the best way to ensure you have a place is to buy your ticket today.

Lots of Tickets Still Available!

2010-04-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Are you guys looking for suggestions for the live music on Saturday, or do you already have someone in mind? I know an awesome band that's from Madison who'd probably be perfect. As a bonus I know they're geeks & huge Neil Gaiman fans. If you want the info I can send you their contact info and links to their music.

We've been getting a few questions about the band that will be performing at the gathering. If you know any local or regional bands that would be suitable, send the information to thehouseontherockblog@gmail.com

I'm so excited about this event. Can you tell us how many tickets are being sold? I'm sure you have space for lots of folks, but I hope it won't be *too* crowded. Also, will Neil be signing/selling books?

I wish I could afford to buy a ticket now! I'm afraid that by the time I can afford it later this summer it will be completely sold out. :(

The plan is that there will be books available, and Neil will be signing books.

We've been getting a lot of inquiries about the number of tickets left--not to worry, there are PLENTY of event tickets left. In addition, area accommodations are still available, so if you didn't get a Resort or Inn package, you're still in luck.

Finally, if you have any questions about your reservations you have already made, please contact the Inn or Resort.

--HOTR

Inn and Resort Packages Sold Out

2010-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

The Inn and Resort weekend packages are completely sold out. However, plenty of event memberships are still available and there are still many accommodations available in the area.

Event Only--$115 (includes sales tax):
Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
1 ticket to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
1 membership for Saturday program and panels
1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 1 raffle ticket)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts
Call 800-334-5275 or 608-935-3639 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are only available over the phone. Limit 4 per transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Guests must show photo ID to pick up event ticket packets.

Just a reminder, the Saturday night event-only tickets (including food stations) will be $75 and will go on sale at a later date.

--HOTR

Event Packages On Sale Now!

2010-03-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

The House on the Rock is pleased to announce that a special celebration for the fans of American Gods will take place on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th, 2010. Here's what is planned:

Friday, Oct. 29th: Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
On Friday night Neil Gaiman will be doing selected readings and answering questions after.

Saturday, Oct. 30th:
Program and panel discussions will take place all day Saturday. Specifics will be announced closer to the event.

Saturday night: Gathering of the Gods Costume Party at The House on the Rock Attraction featuring a charity raffle for rides on the Carousel. Food stations are included in the ticket price. There will be a cash bar and live music. Neil Gaiman will judge the best costumes and winners will be awarded with a Carousel ride.

Scavenger Hunt:
Guests will be provided with a map of the area and clues leading to some places mentioned in American Gods where visitors will be able to collect scavenger hunt tokens. Included with the scavenger hunt map will be coupons for discounted food or merchandise at various locations. Prizes will be awarded for the most tokens collected.

Available Event Packages:
[The packages shown are based on two people in a standard king or double queen room at both the Resort and the Inn. Packages are customizable based on the number of people and room type. For additional rates, please call the numbers listed.]

Resort (This package is currently sold out)--$539 (plus 5.5% sales tax) for two includes:
Fri/Sat night stay at The House on the Rock Resort for two
Breakfast Buffet for two on Sat/Sun
Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
2 tickets to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
2 memberships for Saturday program and panels
2 tickets to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 2 raffle tickets)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts
Call 800-822-7774 or 608-588-7000. A $100 deposit will be required at time of reservation and will be nonrefundable after September 1st. A 2nd $100 deposit will be automatically charged on October 1, 2010, and will be nonrefundable after October 26, 2010.

Inn--(The Inn package is currently sold out.)
$449 (plus 5.5% sales tax) for two includes:
Fri/Sat night stay at Inn in a deluxe double queen room (continental breakfast included in room rate)
Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
2 tickets to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
2 memberships for Saturday program and panels
2 tickets to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 2 raffle tickets)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts
Call 888-935-3960, 800-822-7774 or 608-935.3639. A $100 deposit will be required at time of reservation and will be nonrefundable after September 1st. A 2nd $100 deposit will be automatically charged on October 1, 2010, and will be nonrefundable after October 26, 2010.

Event Only--$115 (includes sales tax):
Unlimited access to The House on the Rock Attraction Fri-Sun (normal 1 day admission $28.50)
1 ticket to Friday night Neil Gaiman Reading and Q&A
1 membership for Saturday program and panels
1 ticket to Saturday night event (includes food stations and 1 raffle ticket)
Scavenger Hunt Map and Discounts
Call 800-334-5275 or 608-935-3639 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are only available over the phone. Limit 4 per transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Guests must show photo ID to pick up event ticket packets.

Saturday night event-only tickets (including food stations) will be $75 and will go on sale at a later date.

If your package or ticket does not include a hotel, you may be interested in one of the Dodgeville or Spring Green area hotels:

Don Q Inn: 800-666-7848 (per night $89.95 plus sales tax)
Super 8: 800-800-8000 (per night $78.88 single, $88.88 double, plus sales tax)
Best Western: 800-WESTERN (per night $109.00 one bed, $119.90 two beds, plus sales tax)
Round Barn: 608-588-2568 ($62.50 if staying one night, $54.00 two night minimum, plus sales tax) Special rate for American Gods fans
Spring Valley Inn: 608-588-7828 (per night $98.00 single, $108.00 double two night minimum, plus sales tax)
Usonian Inn: 877-876-6426 (per night $88.00 for 1-4 people, plus sales tax)
Spring Green Motel: 888-647-4410 (per night $65.00 one bed and $89.00 two beds, plus sales tax)

For bed and breakfast accomodations or more area information, visit http://www.springgreen.com and http://www.dodgeville.com

-The House on the Rock

American Gods Comes to House on the Rock

2010-03-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

The House on the Rock has long been known to fans of popular fantasy writer Neil Gaiman. His fourth novel, American Gods, depicts the world’s largest carousel at The House on the Rock as a portal into the mind of Odin, the “All-Father” and a central figure in the story. Since the book’s publication in 2001, countless fans have visited The House on the Rock to relive the scene, and in the fall of 2010 The House on the Rock will attract many more.

As announced in January on Neil Gaiman’s website, The House on the Rock is planning a special celebration for the fans of American Gods. The event is centered on Halloween weekend (the 29th and 30th of October) and is to include literary panels and discussions, a presentation by Gaiman himself, a limited number of Carousel rides and a costume party focused on all things American Gods. Watch this space--The House on the Rock’s new official event blog--for updates...and start working on those costumes!

-The House on the Rock

The House on the Rock Journal

Steampunk Halloween

The House on the Rock Special Winter Tour

Future Events

The View from Inside the Carousel by Tom Kupsh

Photos of American Gods Gathering

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American Gods Comes to House on the Rock