Travel Story: Fall in Love With Frank Lloyd Wright's Iconic Fallingwater

Fallingwater. The name sounds so poetic. It is the name of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s truly spectacular architectural masterpiece in Pennsylvania. Any season is a good one to visit. If you’re planning a trip here’s what you need to know. Your memories will last a lifetime!

Briefly, About Fallingwater:

Fallingwater was designed by Mr. Wright in 1935 in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The owner was Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. an owner of the Kaufmann Department Store in Pittsburgh, It is built partly over a waterfall on Bear Run in the Mill Run section of Stewart Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. If you want to visit, the actual address is 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464.

Why I Love It:

I have visited Fallingwater multiple times. My pulse always quickens when I begin to hear the waterfall and turn to finally view this magnificent house. I am a great fan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. However, there is something about the way this building melds with the nature around it that takes my breath away. I never tire of seeing it. Last Thanksgiving weekend my husband and I and two friends visited. I took my camera and a zoom lens down to a place I know is a favorite spot for photographers. There, you can see the entirety of Fallingwater and the waterfall. All the photos in this story are the ones I took during this visit.

It’s just such a cool place with a great story!

Taking A Tour:

You can read all about Fallingwater on your own, but nothing will prepare you for how it looks and feels to be there in person. If you want to go to Fallingwater you will generally take a tour, otherwise, you’re not going to get into the house itself. You can get a pass for the grounds if you just want to be on the outside. By late Fall, it’s getting pretty chilly so wear warm clothing. To warm up, check out the visitors center where there is also a nice gift shop and cafe and where you can purchase tour tickets.

Your tour guide will take small groups into the home. On the way, s/he will talk about Frank Lloyd Wright, the Kaufman family, How Fallingwater was created, etc. On tour inside the home, you cannot touch anything and the tour guide will be watching you. Fallingwater is a treasure with a lot of treasures inside. National Historic Landmark and a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Take Photos But Not Pets:

You can take photos on the tour and inside although not with flash as long as it is for personal use only. I have seen young children at Fallingwater. However, pets are not allowed at the Visitor Center or on the grounds around the house.

Plan Your Trip:

gorgeous colors in fall in the Laurel Highlands PA

the Laurel Highlands is beautiful in the Fall

Personally, I think the most beautiful time of year to go to Fallingwater is in the Fall when the trees are a rainbow of colors. But it’s fun any time of year. This Summer 2022 there will also be some special events. If you’re seeking a romantic time in the Laurel Highlands you can read more about what’s there in this article

A good place to start planning your visit is on the Fallingwater Website: https://fallingwater.org/visit/ Here you’ll get all sorts of know-before-you-go information including where to stay and dine. You can purchase tickets. I suggest you do this well in advance. There are usually a number of different tours and time slots each day. However, people from all over the world come to Fallingwater. Tours fill up quickly and might not be available at the day and time you want to be there.

I enjoyed this article about Fallingwater from Daily Arts Magazine athttps://www.dailyartmagazine.com/fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright/

*all the photos in the story were taken by and are copyrighted by Alison Blackman. Please do not use them without my permission.