Do you have to buy a tour ticket or is there an option to just pay a fee and explore on your own? And if so how much is the fee?

You have to go to the Phillipsburg Manour visitors centre and get tickets thereC. The fee depends upon the tour type that you go one. Can be around $25, but is well worth going.😄😃😀

I do not believe you can't do the to wear on your own. You need to call and find out but there is a say I'm nothing is for free here.