Ruggles House

This Federal home dating from 1818 was built for Thomas Ruggles, a local timber merchant and civic leader. The house is grand and opulent, but in a curiously miniature sort of way. There’s a flying staircase in the central hallway, pine doors hand-painted to resemble mahogany, and detailed woodcarvings in the main parlor done over the course of 3 years by an English craftsman equipped, legend has it, with just a penknife. Tours last 20 minutes to a half-hour.

Details

• Address: 146 Main St.
• Neighborhood: Columbia Falls
• Phone: [phone]
• Website: http://www.ruggleshouse.org
• Hours: Tours $5 adults, $2 children ages 6–12.
• Prices: June–mid-Oct Mon–Sat 11am–3pm. Closed mid-Oct to mid-June.