School Tour

Ingenuity and Innovation Along the Texas Coast
Grades: K-12
Capacity: 10-60 students
Timing: 1 hour, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $1 per student. One chaperone for every 10 students is free; additional adults are $7 per person.

During their visit to Fulton Mansion, students will step back 150 years in time to be immersed in an intersection of Texas history, Victorian culture, entrepreneurship, and innovative engineering. They’ll learn about everything from the ranching industry to the home’s unique architectural style to the many revolutionary conveniences that we may take for granted today, such as indoor plumbing, gas lighting, and central heating. 

Adult Group Tour

At Home with the Fulton Family
Capacity: 10-30 adults
Timing: 1 hour, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Cost: $4 per person

As your group tours this stately 1877 mansion, imagine what it would have been like to be guests of the Fultons at the turn of the century. Your guide will share stories of life in this grand Victorian villa, which was built with innovative refinements like gas lighting and indoor plumbing. You’ll learn about George Fulton’s impressive engineering skills, visit the garden inspired by Harriet’s love of flowers, and hear stories of how this historic home has been a central fixture in this community for almost 150 years.

General Public Tour

Splendor on the Shore
Timing: 45 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Families $14, adults $7, seniors and veterans $6, students $4, active military and ages 5 and under free

Travel back 150 years to experience Victorian grandeur on the Texas coast. Begin your visit in the Education Center, where you’ll be introduced to the Fulton family, then head to their 1877 mansion for a self-guided tour highlighting family history and the home’s impressive engineering. Afterward, spend some time wandering the beautiful gardens. Walk-ins only; no advanced reservations.

Tour Reservations

Tour reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance by calling 361-230-2301 or completing this form.

If your group is looking for a specialized tour experience, contact the site directly to inquire about customizing your tour.

Accessibility 

Please note that there is limited accessibility in this historic mansion. The first floor is accessible via a wheelchair lift or a few steps, but the second floor is accessible only via a full flight of stairs. The basement has a few steps down as well. Please call if you have questions or concerns. To accommodate those who are unable to view our basement and second floor, a notebook of images and information is available.

The Education and History Center is fully accessible. All visitors should use caution when exploring the outside of the house and gardens due to uneven paving stones and sidewalks. If you need assistance accessing the mansion’s elevated entry, please call in advance so there will be no delay in your enjoyment of the home.  

Facilities 

Visitor parking is available at the corner of Henderson and Nancy Ann streets. 

Public restrooms and the museum gift shop are located in the Education and History Center. 

Food and drinks are not available on site. Picnic tables are located on the south side lawn of the mansion under the shade of a large oak tree. Visitors wishing to use the picnic tables are encouraged to bring picnics, but are responsible for taking any garbage with them. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the house during tours. 

Nearby Attractions 

While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites: 

For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: