Behind the Scenes Tour

Event Details

Select Fridays | 2 PM–4 PM 

June 19, July 17, Aug 21, Sep 11, Oct 9, 2026

The Story of the Couple Who Saved Pendarvis

Go behind the scenes at Pendarvis and learn more about the fascinating lives of the couple who first preserved it. Learn about the relationship between rescuers Bob and Edgar, their plans for the site and little-known details about their secret benefactor. Please note this tour is not accessible without traversing several stairways, uneven paths and hilly ground.  

What You’ll Experience

• Visit rooms and buildings normally off-limits to guests 
• View special objects from the Pendarvis collection 
• Gain a deeper understanding of Pendarvis’ rescuers, their private lives and their relationship 
• Grab a complementary drink at the Kiddleywink Pub 
• Travel the paths and hills of Pendarvis on a guided tour   
  
  

Cost

Adult (18-64): $35 
Teen (13-17): $35 
Senior (65+): $35 

Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out. 

Advance registration required.
Guests must be 13+

About the Location

Pendarvis is the creation of life partners Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum. Bob and Edgar met in 1934 and began to rescue 1840s-era stone and log cottages, one at a time, from demolition. The homes, built by Cornish immigrants during the heyday of the lead mining era, were given Cornish-language names by Bob and Edgar. The men lived on the grounds and opened a restaurant serving Cornish food to sustain their preservation efforts. Their remarkable success – at the height of the Great Depression – launched the 20th century transformation of Mineral Point from a 19th century lead and zinc mining center into the vibrant hub for arts, preservation and tourism it is today.    

Pendarvis 
114 Shake Rag St 
Mineral Point, WI 53565 

Know Before You Go & Accessibility

• Access to the Merry Christmas Mine Hill Trails and Prairie is available from sunrise to sunset year round. 
  
• The museum store is open daily during business hours. 
  
• Guests may exit and return throughout the day to explore the grounds. 
  
• Water is the only outside food/beverage allowed in buildings. Beverages are available for purchase. Picnics are encouraged on the hiking trails. 
  
• Restrooms and water fountains are available on site. 
  
• The site will remain open rain or shine. 
  
• Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather. 
  
• No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted. 
  
• Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible. 
  
• Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-987-2122 or [email protected]. 
  
  

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].