Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architectural Landmark at Fallingwater
Fallingwater is the name bestowed on Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. A National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic property attracts millions of visitors every year for a closer look at the architecture, natural landscape, and the family that called it their home.
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Mill Run is a rural town is just a short drive from Pittsburgh and close to the outdoor recreational areas of Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands. Many visitors make a day of spending time in the surrounding area and taking advantage of the hiking trails and adventure activities on the river. But, even if you skip the other attractions, Fallingwater alone is worth the drive.
If you are planning a visit to Fallingwater, this post will provide you with practical information, tips, and insights on what you can expect.
Practical Information for Visiting Fallingwater
Fallingwater is located in a rural area in western Pennsylvania. The setting is serene and laid back. You’ll want to dress for the weather and the outdoors, including a comfortable pair of walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
All visitors need a ticket in order to access the grounds and start at $15 per person. Fallingwater is open every day year-round except for Wednesdays and Holidays. Tickets for Grounds Passes, Guided Architectural Tours, and other special tours can be purchased here.
The walk from the parking lot to the Visitor Center is fairly short. So, if you need to throw your backpack or a tripod in the car before your tour, it isn’t that big of a deal. There are also a few lockers available in the Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center is a central pavilion that houses a cafe, gift shop, and art gallery. And, of course, the center is staffed with folks who can answer questions and help you get checked-in for your tours.
Above photos: The Visitor Center at Fallingwater
Visiting Fallingwater in October
I visited Fallingwater in mid/late October when the trees were at their peak autumn colors. The entire drive from Pittsburgh to Mill Run was gorgeous! As a Pittsburgh native who now lives in Texas, I must say that I miss the changing leaves more than anything and usually make annual travel plans to get my “fall fix.” It can be tricky to plan a fall color trip, not knowing if nature will be early or late. However, this time, my timing was perfect!
Above photos: Autumn color at Bear Run
The Exterior Spaces
Many of the exterior features can be admired from the surrounding grounds, but the terraces and elevated spaces can only be accessed as part of a guided tour. While this may seem a little restrictive, I truly appreciated the crowd control and the spacing between tour groups. If folks were freely wandering all over, it would ruin the experience – not to mention potentially damage this precious place.
Above photos: Exterior spaces and cantilever design
The Architectural Tour and Interior Spaces
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy offers guided architectural tours of the interior of the house that provide an opportunity to see all of the furnished rooms accompanied by an educator explaining the design features. Our group guide was extremely knowledgeable and allowed everyone time to ask questions and fully explore each space. Photography is allowed, but only on the first floor and outdoor areas.
Above photos: Interior spaces and art collections at Fallingwater
While the photographs give you an idea on what to expect, experiencing this home in person is next level. For one, every room draws you outdoors or brings the outdoors inside. And then there is the rushing sound of water as Bear Run spills over the rocks just below the house. It really has to be experienced.
Above photos: First floor interior at Fallingwater
The Surrounding Grounds at Bear Run
The landscape of Bear Run was the inspiration for the design of Fallingwater from the shapes and materials to the colors and textures. As such, walking through the grounds and experiencing nature affords visitors the chance to discover why this site was chosen by the Kauffman family and how Frank Lloyd Wright channeled it into his design. Special guided tours of the grounds are available most days. Or, pick up a guide map from the Visitor Center and head out on your own!
One of the best spots to photograph Fallingwater is located on a short trail past the house. The trail to the viewpoint is well-marked. Keep your eye out for it so you don’t miss this iconic view!
Above photos: The trails and surrounding grounds at Fallingwater
Additional Tips for Visiting Fallingwater
- Be sure to spend some time reading about the history of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Kauffman family prior to your visit. The Fallingwater website features a great overview of their collaboration, as well as context for the design philosophy.
- Once you have brushed up on the history of Fallingwater, it is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the visitor policies and how to be a good tourist. Aside from common sense etiquette, the most important note is to leave bulky items in your parked vehicle because there are strict rules on what you can carry with you inside the house.
- Purchasing tickets in advance and reserving your tour time is really important. I watched some people get turned away because they did not have a reservation and tickets had sold out. For peak times, such as the summer months and fall foliage season, tickets should be purchased at least 6 weeks in advance.
- The other tip that I will stress is to allow yourself enough time to enjoy your visit at a relaxed pace. The guided architectural tours only last about an hour, but you will want time on the front and back end to walk through the landscape, perhaps hike one of the trails, and visit the exhibits and shops at the Visitor Center.
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