Perhaps America’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright was a visionary whose penchant for organic architecture and minimalist aesthetics produced some of the country’s most famous private residences—many of which still exist to this day.
But these properties are not just for lovers of modern architecture and interior design, they are living pieces of history that helped to shape a definitely American style—true landmarks that are worth a visit if only to appreciate their singular splendor and stunning settings that are only outdone by the homes themselves. Below are some of the most popular spots where visitors can tour some of the famed architect’s most distinctive works throughout the United States this summer.
The Hexagonal Hanna-Honeycomb House
The first non-rectangular building on Wright’s extensive resume, the Hanna-Honeycomb House was begun in 1937 and expanded by the famous architect over the next 25 years. While the hexagonal design marks Wright’s first departure from a more traditional rectangular form; the honeycomb layout belies the home’s deceptively simple design intended to appeal to middle-class Americans looking for affordability and livability. After making this delightful house a home for almost 40 years, the Hannas donated the property to Stanford University in 1975.
- Where It’s At: 737 Frenchman’s Rd. Stanford, California
- When To Visit: Open twice a year for public tours, email hannahouse@stanford.edu for more information
- Price Of Admission: Free
- While You’re There: Visit Stanford University’s free museum of modern and contemporary American art, the Anderson Collection
Pennsylvania’s Famous Fallingwater House
Second only to the Guggenheim among Wright’s most famous works, Fallingwater exemplifies the prolific architect’s devotion to ‘organic architecture’—structures inherently linked to their natural surroundings through conscientious art and design choices. A UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked away in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, the stunning home is perched above a natural waterfall and appears to have sprung, fully formed and dynamic, from the very land that surrounds it.
- Where It’s At: 1491 Mill Run Rd., Mill Run, Pennsylvania
- When To Visit: Open daily (except Wednesdays) March 5 through November 27, 9 AM-4 PM
- Price Of Admission: There are several tour options available for purchase; however, the Guided Architectural Tour (access to interior and grounds) is $32/per person
- While You’re There: Less than 25 miles from Fallingwater is Polymark Park, where visitors can immerse themselves in everything Frank Lloyd Wright—tours, lodgings, and stunning architecture, including Wright’s own Duncan House, relocated here from Illinois in 2007.
Taliesin West Is An Arizona Masterpiece
The Southwest gem Taliesin West is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation—and was once the winter vacation home of the legend himself until his death in 1959. After purchasing several hundred acres of desert land, Wright was inspired to create a property borne of its environment and built out of local materials including native rock and Arizona sand. Though Taliesin West has since been reinforced with more manmade materials such as steel, it remains a testament to Wright’s signature organic style.
- Where It’s At: 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, Arizona
- When To Visit: Open seven days a week (excluding Easter Sunday and Christmas Day). Tour times vary, and reservations are strongly recommended
- Price Of Admission: There are several tour options available; however the 60-minute tour of the Taliesin West Campus is $39/person (adults)
- While You’re There: See a nearby Scottsdale landmark: the spire from Wright’s proposed Arizona State Capitol design that never was, located on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd and north Scottsdale Road
Cedar Rock: An Iowa Dream House
Located on a limestone bluff overlooking the scenic Wapsipinicon River, Idaho’s Cedar Rock exemplifies Wright’s attention to detail and eye for a pure, stylishly simplistic design. Though the flat roof and squat, compact shape are standard FLW features, Cedar Rock’s floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning natural landscape set it apart. Described as one of Wright’s most complete designs—he apparently had a hand in all details both inside and out, down to the flatware—this Iowa masterpiece (also known as the Walter House), is now exists as part of the larger Cedar Rock State Park.
- Where It’s At: 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd. Buch Co Hwy W-35, Independence, Iowa
- When To Visit: The Visitor Center and the Walter Residence are open from May 25 through October 16, 2022, Wednesday through Sunday. Tours are available via reservation.
- Price Of Admission: Free
- While You’re There: Hike the trail to the Walter Estate to learn about the over 400-acre site and its natural and cultural significance; check out the River Pavilion boathouse set below the residence—the only FLW-designed boat pavilion still in existence.
A Sprawling One-Of-A-Kind Farmhouse
Situated in Kane County less than two hours from Chicago is the singular Muirhead Farmhouse—the only farmhouse ever designed by the iconic Wright. A sprawling property clocking in at just over 3,000-square feet, it’s not your typical farmhouse—a boxy brick construction marked by Wright’s signature Usonian style, the family-owned property exists in a sea of prairie-Esque grassland and is a true local gem known for its beautiful natural setting.
- Where It’s At: 42W814 Rohrsen Rd. Hampshire, Illinois
- When To Visit: The home is open for public tours on select dates from February through October, reservations are required
- Price Of Admission: Group tours start at $25/person, private tours at $100/person
- While You’re There: The land around the Muirhead Farmhouse is now known as the Muirhead Springs Preserve, and features a four-mile loop trail where visitors can enjoy the scope of the site’s natural landscape. Want to see another Wright wonder? Those staying in Chicago will also want to visit the Frederick C. Robie House, located in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
The iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most prolific and distinguished architects of all time. Though known for his famous public works like the Guggenheim Museum, the majority of Wright’s oeuvre consisted mainly of privately owned homes commissioned by people looking for their dream residence. And fans of Wright can still tour many of the architect’s most famous properties that explore his well-known aesthetic and signature design; must-see additions to any travel itinerary, these spaces have their own distinctive place in American history.