Take a Tour of the Felt Mansion

Near the gigantic sand dunes north of Saugatuck sits a historic mansion built by Dorr E. Felt, the inventor of the first office processing machine able to quickly perform four math functions. It may sound questionable to us today, a far-off invention that is no longer relevant, but in 1886, the Comptometer dramatically increased bookkeeping skills which meant office and industry production soared. One of the very first comptometers is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Needless to say, Felt quickly became a millionaire (in the 1800s!) and purchased several hundred acres in Michigan on what was then known to the United States as “the Midwest Riviera.”

Today, the mansion that the millionaire inventor built between Saugatuck and Holland as a summer home is available for self-guided, private, and scheduled tours, allowing you to view the grounds and inside of the National Historic Landmark. The 12,000-square-foot mansion has 25 rooms and a third-floor ballroom. It’s a popular spot for weddings with its classic, traditional American beauty and charm, but the Felt Estate also hosts free summer concerts every Thursday starting at 7 PM. Arrive early (doors open at 5:30 PM) for the beverage service that starts at 6 PM. Visit the estate’s schedule online. Self-guided tours for the Felt Mansion are Sunday to Wednesday from 1 PM to 5 PM and cost $15 per adult.

Felt Mansion
6597 138th Ave
Holland, MI 49423