More than a Museum
Cottonwood Mansion is a beautifully preserved 1860s home showcasing Italianate and Georgian architecture. With 15 rooms and over 6,000 square feet, it now operates as a vibrant house museum offering tours, programs, events, weddings, and rentals. Discover Cottonwood, where the warm and inviting charm of yesteryears still lingers—and unforgettable events bring history to life.
Ontario Southwest Signature Experience
Cottonwood Mansion Museum is proud to announce our Victorian House Guest Experience has received a Signature Experience designation from Ontario Southwest!
Visit us for a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience with authentic connections, rich stories, and lasting memories.
Each experience has limited tickets, reserve your spot today!
Explore the wonders of Cottonwood Mansion
Explore the mansion and dive into the history of the Holmes family on a guided tour. Reserve your tour time here, or by emailing us at cottonwoodmansion@gmail.com or by calling us at 905-776-2538 to book in advance. Walk-up tours cannot be guaranteed.
Upcoming events at Cottonwood
$135 per guest
Embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of a country mansion from over 150 years ago. Throughout the day, you will have the chance to engage in a variety of authentic Victorian pastimes. Unleash your creativity while crafting Victorian arts and crafts, experience the charm of baking in the original kitchen, revel in the delightful entertainment of the era, and savour a scrumptious afternoon tea.
2025 Experiences Dates:
Saturday, August 16th (sold out), Saturday, September 20th, Saturday, October 18th, Saturday November 15th*, and Saturday, December 13th*, with more dates to come for 2026!
*November & December Experiences will have new activities and programming for the holidays!
Open Doors Event
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
10am-2pm, Free to attend, no registration required!
Step through the doors of Cottonwood Mansion and experience a rare opportunity to explore the house at your own pace. During our open house, guests are invited to wander freely through the beautifully preserved rooms. Enjoy complimentary samples of our signature teas, inspired by the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon. Children can take part in fun, hands-on activities, making this a great outing for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re discovering Cottonwood for the first time or returning for another visit, our open house offers a warm and welcoming way to experience the charm of this historic estate. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and guide you through the highlights of the property.
Come explore, sip, play, and connect with local history in a setting like no other. All are welcome!
Friday, September 26th, 2025
$55 per guest
Immerse yourself in an afternoon of creativity and elegance at Cottonwood Mansion’s Brush & Sip event. Enjoy a guided painting session in a stunning historic setting, while listening to our live harpist. This Brush & Sip will take place outdoors on our beautiful gazebo, if weather allows.
Enjoy non-acoholic coktails and delectable hors d'oeuvres. Capture unforgettable moments in this beautifully preserved mansion while you create your masterpiece. No experience needed—just bring your passion for art and a love for good company!
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
11am & 2pm
$65 per guest
Join us for an enchanting new take on our Afternoon Tea events!
Explore the whimsical art of tasseography—the reading of tea leaves—led by an experienced reader. Discover the stories hidden in your cup and learn about this fascinating practice once beloved in parlours of the past. Each guest will get a tea leaf reading guide, time with an expert reader, and a full afternoon tea meal following the reading.
Perfect for a girls’ outing, a unique date, or anyone curious about history and lighthearted fortune-telling. Space is limited—reserve your spot and let the leaves reveal what the future holds!
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
7-9pm
$45 per guest
Step back in time and raise a glass in Cottonwood Mansion! This special evening invites guests to enjoy four 5oz craft beer samplers, thoughtfully paired with a selection of sweet and savoury bites. A Brew Master will guide you through each pour, sharing insights into the brewing process, tasting notes, and hoppy history. After the tasting, take a private guided tour through the grand rooms and hidden corners of the historic mansion.
It’s the perfect blend of heritage, hops, and hospitality. Tickets are limited, reserve your spot today!
Get Involved
Interested in Volunteering at Cottonwood?
Cottonwood Mansion Museum is a 19th century mansion rich in heritage and culture. As a charitable organization, Cottonwood relies heavily on the support of volunteers and its local communities to keep its doors open. Volunteer support is needed now more than ever in order for us to maintain stability and to remain a Haldimand treasure for years to come.
If you would like to volunteer at Cottonwood Mansion, please reach out to us at cottonwoodmansion@gmail.com! We are always looking for enthusiastic help, and have a wide range of needs and skills that would be greatly appreciated.
Donations to Cottonwood Mansion Museum
If you are interested in supporting Cottonwood Mansion for future generations or would like to support a specific project, please click the Donation page link.
A special thank you to the following volunteers, supporters and donors of 2025:
Donations of $10,000
Laird and Mary Jane McKeen
contributors/Partners
Spirit Hunters Ontario
Haldimand Horticultural Society
Heritage Haldimand
The Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn
Snyder’s Sweet Corn
Shelley’s Family Dining & Catering
Dover’s Best of Britain
The team at Cottonwood Mansion extends heartfelt thanks to all those in the community who, over the past 36 years, have helped sustain the vitality of the mansion — and whose continued support ensures its legacy for generations to come.
