ABOUT THE HOME

 Located in the historical riverfront district, the Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home has the architectural design of Eastlake Stick Style, with an elegant Queen Anne interior.  This home features its original tall double doors, gas/electric chandeliers, and high-coved ceilings.  Mantel pieces encase the European tiles that surround each of the four fireplaces.

In 1886, this home was built by James H. Teller, an attorney and Secretary of the Dakota Territory.  In 1890, Nelson J. Cramer, an attorney, and his wife, Alice Bulfinch, purchased the home.  This is when the interior was decorated in the Victorian manner.  Imported wallpaper, elaborately carved furnishing, and oil paintings by Alice Cramer adorn the home.

The Cramer’s great-niece, Esther Kenyon, inherited the home in 1929.  In 1930, Esther and her husband, Herbert, moved to Yankton with their children, Carlton and Jean.

After the death of Herbert Kenyon in 1972, the home was purchased from the heirs by Heritage Homes, Inc.  This home was opened to the public in 1974 as a Bicentennial project to commemorate Yankton’s being the first capital of the Dakota Territory.

The Home is open to the Public for guided tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day; Wednesday through Sunday from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M.  During the Off Season, tours may be scheduled by reservation (605-665-7470).   Admission is $10 for ages 12 through adult and $5 for students under 12. Please contact us at the phone number listed above regarding group rate.