A hallmark of grand estate homes from the 1920s era was the inclusion of hidden rooms and secret staircases—mysterious passages that whispered of intrigue and adventure.
At Meadow Brook, one such secret lies within the walls: a concealed spiral stone staircase that winds through multiple levels of the home, beginning in the lower-level Game Room and rising all the way to the top floor. The narrow stairway was crafted with the same precision and artistry that define every detail of the Hall, from its carved oak beams to its leaded glass windows.
Join our curator Madelyn Chrapla across four stories of fun this spooky season, as we invite you to peek along the dark, winding steps of Meadow Brook’s Secret Staircase.
While Alfred Wilson used the staircase to move quietly and efficiently between floors, his son Richard saw it as something far more thrilling. To him, it was a secret playground. Richard loved to play hide-and-seek among the twisting steps and shadowed corners, delighting in spooking his friends by switching off the lights!
Today, visitors can catch glimpses of this hidden staircase during tours, its entrances cleverly tucked away in the Game Room and Alfred’s Study—hidden in plain sight to all but the most observant eyes. Few would guess that behind those paneled walls lies one of the Hall’s most intriguing secrets.
For those curious enough to explore further, the Behind the Scenes Tour (May through October) unveils the Hall’s secret spaces and unseen details. Or, for a more atmospheric experience, the Flashlight Tour—running through November 4 and starting again in February 2026— offers a rare opportunity to explore Meadow Brook by flashlight and peek inside the secret staircase from Alfred’s bedroom.
So, if you’re brave enough to wander the dim corridors and hidden doors of Meadow Brook… what secrets might you discover next?
flashlight toursInside the Secret Staircase with our Curator
Watch the reel below to see Meadow Brook Curator Madelyn Chrapla explore the Secret Staircase.
Be captivated by the people, places and tales that make Meadow Brook Hall so remarkable. Our Estate Stories series unlocks the vaults, dives into the archives and seeks out tales of the Great Estate to pique your interest and enrich your life.
