Inside America's Governor Mansions: A State-by-State Guide

Official governor's mansions are designed to evoke regional pride while serving as functional homes for state leaders. These properties are typically rent-free for governors, though life inside differs significantly from private residences.

Security measures are extensive, and public access is common. Many mansions offer regular tours, allowing citizens to view historic rooms and state collections. However, the public nature of these homes requires careful household budgeting to avoid criticism from media outlets or constituents.

Some governors have expressed preference for the term residence over mansion, asking reporters to adjust their language accordingly. Despite this, the properties often feature grand architectural elements including:

• Marble floors and 20-foot entranceways
• State-shaped swimming pools
• Historic artwork and period furniture
• Multiple guest quarters and staff areas

Alabama's 117-year-old state mansion in Montgomery has served as the governor's residence since 1951. The property spans 8,500 square feet across two floors, featuring a grand staircase and four Corinthian columns. During the 1970s renovations added a state-shaped swimming pool, guest house, and water feature.

Alaska's Juneau mansion was constructed in 1912 for $40,000. The 12,900-square-foot structure contains 26 rooms and eight fireplaces to combat cold weather. Above a winding staircase hangs a large painting of Russian emperor Peter the Great, which features BB-gun bullet holes near the eyes—a subject of decades-long controversy regarding who fired the weapon. The mansion opens annually for Christmas tours.

Arizona currently lacks a governor's mansion. The state previously used a 150-year-old log cabin in Prescott, but this served only two years before the capital relocated.

Arkansas's three-story Georgian Colonial mansion in Little Rock has housed governors since 1950. The 8.5-acre property includes six gardens and received nearly $6 million in renovations since 1989. Notable overnight guests include President Harry Truman and actor Gregory Peck.

California's Victorian mansion in Sacramento was built in 1877. The 30-room property features Italian marble fireplaces and a kidney-shaped pool. It sat vacant from 1967 to 2015 after Nancy Reagan called it "a fire trap," serving as a museum until Governor Jerry Brown moved in following a $1.6 million renovation.

Colorado's "Colorado's Home" in Denver features a Steinway piano signed by Liberace and a three-handle draft beer system installed in 2014. Former Governor John Hickenlooper allowed cabinet members to use it as a dormitory, with one resident comparing the experience to The Shining.

Hawaii's former mansion (1846) served as residence from 1959 to 2002 and was previously home to Queen Lili'uokalani. The governor now lives in a 5,000-square-foot home called "Hale Kia'aina" behind the historic structure.

Idaho returned a donated mansion to the Simplot family in 2013 due to high maintenance costs. The state now provides a monthly housing stipend instead.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte purchased the Samuel T. Hauser House for $4 million in 2024 to serve as the future official residence.

Nevada's 1909 mansion received a $5 million renovation in 1999, adding a 6,608-square-foot event space capable of catering to 300 guests.

New Mexico's Territorial Revival mansion hosted Harrison Ford's wedding on its grounds.

Oklahoma's mansion features an Oklahoma-shaped pool and a tennis court originally built as a landing pad for President Lyndon B. Johnson's helicopter.

Utah's Kearns Mansion contains a bowling alley in the basement and formerly stored candy in a large metal safe. A 1993 fire prompted nearly $8 million in restoration work.

Washington's Georgian-style brick mansion has served as the official residence since 1909.

Wyoming's current mansion was built in 1976 after the previous structure became a museum.

Connecticut's 15,000-square-foot Georgian mansion in Hartford has housed governors since 1945. The property includes 19 rooms, a greenhouse, and pool, with gates constructed in 1971.

Delaware's Woodburn, built in 1798, is among the nation's smallest governor's mansions at 3,584 square feet with seven bedrooms. Tours are available Monday through Friday by appointment.

Florida's Greek Revival mansion in Tallahassee includes a swimming pool, cabana, exercise room, and greenhouse. In October 2018, it temporarily housed 35 state troopers responding to Hurricane Michael damage.

Georgia's 24,000-square-foot Atlanta mansion has no front door key because security is constant. Inside, it displays a painting by Benjamin West and a signed first-edition copy of Gone With the Wind. The furnishings are valued higher than the building itself.

Illinois' 50,000-square-foot Springfield mansion is the third-oldest still in use. It underwent $15 million in renovations before reopening to the public in 2018.

Indiana's English Tudor mansion in Indianapolis features concrete reinforcements unusual for the style, plus two dining rooms and a butler's pantry.

Iowa's "Terrace Hill" takes Christmas decorating seriously, with each room assigned to different florists annually. Black mold forced temporary evacuation in 2012.

Kansas' "Cedar Crest" sits on 244 acres and received $4.4 million in renovations from 1998 to 2000.

Kentucky's Beaux-Arts mansion in Frankfort, modeled after Marie Antoinette's home near Versailles, has hosted Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., and Queen Elizabeth II.

Maine's "Blaine House" hosted visitors including Helen Keller, Bette Davis, and Amelia Earhart.

Maryland's Georgian mansion contains 54 rooms and a 49-step red oak staircase.

Massachusetts has no mansion. Attempts to acquire one failed due to financing concerns, including a 1970s proposal for the Ames-Webster Mansion.

Michigan's Ranch-style mansion includes a summer residence on Mackinac Island with 11 bedrooms.

Minnesota's English Tudor mansion sits on ritzy Summit Avenue and features nine fireplaces.

Mississippi's 1842 Greek Revival mansion is the second-oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the U.S.

Missouri's 1872 brick mansion originally lacked bathrooms and closets.

Nebraska's Georgian Colonial mansion saw renovations funded by a cookbook authored by first gentleman Bill Orr.

New Hampshire's "Bridges House" has only two bedrooms, so most governors use it for events rather than living quarters.

New Jersey's "Drumthwacket" was purchased by the state in 1966. The last full-time resident was James E. McGreevey before his 2004 resignation.

New York's 40-room Albany mansion features two swimming pools. Theodore Roosevelt once locked himself out and climbed through a first-floor window.

North Carolina's Victorian mansion includes a bomb shelter and 16.5-foot ceilings. Franklin D. Roosevelt considered it the most beautiful interior.

North Dakota's 2018 mansion cost nearly $5 million and features a spiral staircase resembling the Capitol's Memorial Hall.

Ohio's 13,000-square-foot residence includes a 3-acre heritage garden.

Oregon's "Mahonia Hall" features a wine cellar and ballroom.

Pennsylvania's mansion suffered arson damage in April 2024. Governor Josh Shapiro and family were unharmed; repairs continue.

Rhode Island has no mansion due to historical capital relocations and budget constraints.

South Carolina's 1855 Federal-style mansion housed Governor Mark Sanford's family in a pool house after poor renovation work in 2003.

South Dakota's 2005 mansion includes a grand dining hall for 80 guests.

Tennessee's Georgian mansion features Belgian black marble and Georgian white marble floors, plus a 14,000-square-foot underground banquet space.

Texas' Greek Revival mansion suffered major damage from a 2008 arson attack involving a Molotov cocktail. The governor couldn't return for four years.

Virginia's 1813 Federal-style mansion is the oldest in use, hosting Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and multiple presidents.

West Virginia's mansion features dual staircases inspired by the White House and imported marble floors from Belgium and Tennessee.

Wisconsin's Classical Revival mansion has walls 12-18 inches thick and overlooks Lake Mendota.

Across the United States, governor's mansions display remarkable architectural diversity and distinctive amenities that reflect their eras and regional styles.

Historical Significance

Virginia's mansion holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously used governor's residence, dating to 1813. Mississippi's 1842 Greek Revival structure ranks second. Illinois' 1855 mansion is the third-oldest still in operation. These properties serve as living museums while functioning as family homes.

Notable Artifacts and Decor

Several mansions house significant historical items:

• Alaska's controversial Peter the Great painting with bullet holes
• Colorado's Liberace-signed Steinway piano
• Georgia's signed first-edition Gone With the Wind
• Arkansas' 62-piece sterling silver service from the USS Arkansas
• Tennessee's portrait of Elvis Presley and photos from his relationship with Governor Ellington's daughter

Modern Amenities

While many mansions date to the 19th century, they have been updated with contemporary features. Colorado's 2014 draft beer system serves local craft selections. Utah's basement bowling alley provides entertainment. Oklahoma's tennis court began as a presidential helicopter landing pad. New Mexico's grounds hosted a celebrity wedding.

Size Variations

Property sizes vary dramatically. Delaware's Woodburn measures just 3,584 square feet, while Maryland's Georgian mansion spans 38,000 square feet with 54 rooms. Illinois' 50,000-square-foot residence represents one of the largest, while North Dakota's 2018 build cost nearly $5 million for 13,700 square feet.

Public Access and Tours

Most mansions offer public tours, though schedules vary. Alaska opens once yearly at Christmas. Arkansas saw 180,000 visitors during its 1950 opening. Many require advance booking through governor's offices or foundations. This accessibility allows citizens to connect with state history while maintaining the residences' primary function as executive homes.