Fodor's Expert Review Lanier Mansion State Historic Site

On a knoll overlooking the Ohio River, the Lanier Mansion was designed by notable architect Francis Costigan. Completed in 1844, the three-story, Greek Revival house features an unsupported spiral staircase, Ionic columns separating double parlors on the first floor, and ornamental pediments over windows and doors. The restored formal gardens contain plants that were popular in the 1850s as well as vegetable beds, an arbor, and dwarf fruit trees. Cinder paths original to the gardens were excavated as part of the restoration.