Mischief Manor at Lilly House
Saturday, September 27–Sunday, November 2
Step inside…if you dare.
Every fall, the National Historic Landmark, Lilly House, transforms into Mischief Manor—a delightfully eerie experience. Explore eleven whimsical rooms, each uniquely decorated with spooky (not scary) scenes that blend art, imagination, and just a touch of mischief. From ghostly gardens to enchanted libraries, every corner has a story waiting to haunt your imagination.
Visit during the day for a peek at the Manor’s mysterious charm—but by nightfall, it comes to life. During Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union, the outside of Lilly House glows with a wicked state-of-the-art and Addy-award winning projection mapping show by Lightborne Communication, Inc.
Upstairs during Harvest Nights, the new Cutwater Lounge is open to all guests ages 21 and over where guests can have a sip and enjoy the experience on a whole different level.
Big thanks to our frightfully talented interior collaborators— Color Story Studio, Zhuzh Home Styling & Improvements, Rue de Fleurs and Indiana Paper Company—for helping conjure up the creative magic behind each room’s transformation.
Included with General Admission and/or Harvest Nights
Welcome, brave visitors, to Mischief Manor!
We hope you enjoy your hauntingly delightful visit and use this guide to uncover all the hidden secrets, playful surprises, and eerie enchantments that transform the Lilly House during spooky season.
Guests begin their journey with a whisper of mystery. Gossamer spiderwebs stretch delicately over the mantle, while dried branches from the Fairbanks Art and Nature Park dance with shadow and light. Peeking into the garage reveals a ghostly surprise—phantoms from the Lilly House projection show materialize in real life!
Above, a spindly spiderweb chandelier hovers like a forgotten relic, casting delicate shadows along the sweeping staircase. Inspired by vintage gothic tales--a long forgotten chandelier threaded with silk, shadow, and suspense. The delicate design creates a moment of wonder—spindly and strange, asking yourself what lurks upstairs.
Tucked where few expect it, a toadstool takeover glows under black light enchantment. Mushrooms come alive and climb through the sink and walls in this hidden glade. Whimsical yet eerie, the scene feels plucked from a dream—delighting guests who stumble into this playful, otherworldly nook. All mushrooms are hand crafted by Indiana Paper Company.
Vines twist through cupboards, dried florals dangle from the ceiling, and curious concoctions line every shelf. This spellbinding space is steeped in autumn magic, where mystery brews and nature reclaim the room. Every bloom and bundle has been lovingly grown, cut, dried, and arranged just for Newfields by our enchanting local partner, Rue de Fleurs of Danville, Indiana.
Step into the Butler’s Pantry—if you dare. Nature takes a curious turn as larger-than-life carnivorous plants burst from sinks, floors, and counters, claiming the space as their own. This verdant installation invites guests into a world that’s snappy, fun, and just a little bit wild. Look, but don’t touch—these plants have a mind (and appetite) of their own.
Step into opulent decay. A gothic tablescape dressed in rich colors and glimmering bones tells a story of lavish feasts and long-forgotten guests. Artistic floral arrangements and plum candles flicker with romantic drama. This hauntingly beautiful space begs visitors to linger, revel, and imagine who might return for dessert.
The Harvest Nights projection show comes full circle and fills the Great Hall façade, merging Lilly House history with vintage spectacle. Mischievous spirits have torn through the ghostly Halloween party—experience the aftermath through the playful chaos. See if you can spot the costumes of all the trick or treaters! Guests are drawn into this jazzy, spectral celebration with a wink and a thrill.
A candy-colored tribute to 90s Halloween fun, this room channels the spirit of Danny's costume from a childhood staff favorite film, Hocus Pocus. Bold garlands, oversized sweets, and nostalgic hues create a cheerful explosion of 90's magic. It’s a joyful, high-energy stop that invites laughter and pure delight.
Turn the page—into the paranormal. In this enchanted library, books fly, jack-o’-lanterns spill from the fireplace, and a ghostly librarian keeps watch from the shadows. Whimsical and spectral, the room is a living reflection of the chaos caused by the ghosts from the show projected onto the front of the Lilly House.
Beauty meets unease in the Music Room, where black butterflies, bats, and serpents swirl in elegant, shadowy displays. Suspended in motion, these creatures dance between darkness and grace. With surreal compositions inspired by nature’s mysterious side, this space invites guests to linger in its quiet, unsettling harmony.
The Loggia becomes a goth garden with twisting branches, dark plants and ravens perched in watchful silence. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and botanical oddities, this space hums with poetic melancholy. The soundscape and garden elements transport guests into a moody, romantic finale.
A monstrous thank-you to our generous sponsors and wickedly creative partners who help conjure up the magic that brings the house to life!
Color Story Studio
Zhuzh Home Styling & Design
Rue De Fleurs
Indiana Paper Company