COACH Tours

I have researched, planned, and developed the following coach tours. To book a tour for your group, please contact me at 937-325-1300 (additional methods of contact listed on the About page). The cost is $2.50 per person/half hour, with a $250 minimum. For example, a two hour bus tour for 28 people costs $280. This structure allows coach tour operators to develop their prices per person. Curated tour are listed below. I am happy to tailor coach tours for specific groups; options include Hartman Rock Garden, Mast Castle (interior), Wittenberg University, Ferncliff Cemetery, Snyder Park, Pennsylvania House, Mast Mansion, South Fountain Avenue, Downtown Core (short tour on foot possible), Irish Hill, Victorian Churches, East High Street (short tour on foot possible), Hartman Rock Garden, and Greenmount Cemetery. Costs do not include any entrance fees/donations to optional stops (Art Museum, Heritage Center, Hartman Rock Garden, Westcott tour, etc.), although I am happy to help arrange the details. Staff at the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau is also available to help. They can be reached at 800-803-1553.

Curated Tours Available

Springfield Highlights Coach Tour (SPRINGFIELD, OHIO)

Springfield is home to some of Ohio's best works of architecture. This bus tour provides an overview of some of these amazing designs, including the Mast Mansion (1881-6), Warder Library (1890), City Building and Market (1890), Bushnell Building (1893-4), Westcott House (1906-8), and News and Sun Building (1929). Requires moderate walking. Some interiors included, but this varies depending on the day and time of the tour. 2-4 hours, depending on route and stops selected or available.

The Genius of Charles A. Cregar COACH tour (SPRINGFIELD, OHIO)

Prolific local architect Charles Cregar left an indelible imprint on Springfield before his untimely death in 1896 at age thirty-nine. Numerous local landmarks are among his catalogue of works, including the City Building and Market (now Heritage Center), St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, and Third Presbyterian. Explore the amazing designs of Springfield’s preeminent Victorian architect. Requires moderate walking. Some interiors included, but this varies depending on the day and time of the tour. 2-3 hours, depending on route and stops available.

Mid-Century Modern Coach Tour (SPRINGFIELD, OHIO)

Local architects like Jack Kline and Phil Snyder reimagined the post-World War II urban landscape with sleek, efficient, modern designs, some of which garnered national recognition. Join us on this coach tour as we rediscover some of the region’s best mid-century modern designs, including the Bauhaus-inspired Building X at Crowell-Collier, pre-war International Style houses by Max Mercer, sleek Contemporaries by Jack Kline, all-metal Lustron homes, and a Usonian gem by Roger Montgomery. Requires moderate walking. Some interiors included, but this varies depending on the day and time of the tour. 2-4 hours, depending on route and stops available.

Architecture of Robert C. Gotwald Coach tour (SPRINGFIELD, OHIO)

Robert C. Gotwald arrived in Springfield in 1890 and quickly made a name for himself with commissions for family and friends, including Zimmerman Library (1891) and the Gotwald Houses (1892-7). High-profile designs over the next forty-plus years, including those in Snyder Park, made him Springfield’s most celebrated architect. Join us as we explore his remarkable career. 2-3 hours, depending on route and stops available.

Westcott and the Progressive Era COach tour (SPRINGFIELD, OHIO)

The Westcotts moved to Springfield in 1903 during a period of social and aesthetic reform known as the Progressive Era. Join us on this tour as we explore the world of Burton and Orpha Westcott from 1903 to the mid-1920s, including associated houses and factories, architecture influenced by the Prairie School, and the City Beautiful park concepts envisioned for Greenmount Cemetery. 2-3 hours, depending on route and stops available.

Quirky Springfield Coach tour (Springfield, Ohio)