Wisconsin, once home to renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is still home to an incredible 43 of his buildings. Many of these Frank Lloyd Wright houses and buildings are privately owned, and therefore not open to the public.  However, some offer regular tours and the chance to see these historic buildings up close. 

Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, and spent much of his life in the towns of Spring Green and Madison. Throughout his lifetime, Frank Lloyd Wright designed nearly 150 buildings for the state of Wisconsin, though only 60 of them were ever built, and only 43 are still in existence today.

To see some of the finest examples of Frank Lloyd Wright houses ever built, come stay at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts, and take a trip down the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail. It's the perfect opportunity to not only see these architectural marvels in person, but to stay at some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Book your adventure through southern Wisconsin today!

Understanding Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright, easily considered to be America's greatest architect, was responsible for creating some of the most innovative spaces in the country, thus changing the way we both build and live in the world. Throughout the span of his career, Frank Lloyd Wright designed over 1100 architectural works using his unique aesthetic, and an astonishing 532 of these projects reached completion.

Despite plenty of variation and unique features in each of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses and buildings, they share a common thread: belonging to the American Prairie. Much of southern Wisconsin, and in particular the areas where Wright lived and worked, is situated in the Driftless Region. This area is known for its dramatic bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful coulees (valleys). This stunning geography is, at least in part, what inspired Wright's organic architectural style.

In what became known as Prairie Style, Wright emphasized a design that reflected the prairies he grew up around. These designs featured low-pitched roofs with deep overhangs, no attics or basements, and long rows of casement windows, all of which emphasized the surrounding low and horizontal prairies of southern Wisconsin and the midwest. 

Over the years, Wright's work grew and changed to meet the needs of American Society.  In the years following the financial crisis of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression, his architecture took a turn towards more affordable and utilitarian designs.  These designs, referred to as Usonian houses, focused on living in simplistic but beautiful surroundings. 

Examples of Frank Lloyd Wright Houses in Wisconsin

Since Wisconsin was Frank Lloyd Wright's home, it makes sense that the state dedicated a trail to exploring and appreciating his stunning architecture. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail was established in 2017 and takes travelers on a unique and interesting self-guided tour around the state. The trail travels through southern Wisconsin, highlighting 9 of the best pieces of Wright's architecture.

1. Taliesin is, without a doubt, Frank Lloyd Wright's crowning achievement and most famous building. This stunning 800-acre estate overlooking the Wisconsin River is a must-see for any fan of Frank Lloyd Wright houses. It was originally completed in 1911, but has been reconstructed and heavily renovated, thanks largely to 2 devastating fires. Today, there are 6 tour options at the estate, along with arts and cultural programs, as well as special events. 
2. The Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center in Spring Green is only 3 miles from Taliesin. It was built in 1957 and was designed and donated by Wright to provide space for workshops, performances, and education for the community.
3. Model B1 (aka the Burnham Home) is one of Wright's American System-Built Homes in Milwaukee. These homes emphasized affordability for the typical American family. There were 16 of these model homes built in the area at the time, and there are only 6 still standing on West Burnham Street and Layton Boulevard. This model is open to the public for tours. 
4. The First Unitarian Society Meeting House in Madison, completed in 1951, is one of Wright's most famous commissions. The building features a pitched copper roof, a deep-red concrete floor, and a prow of interlacing wood and glass. Being a member of the church's congregation, this project was also deeply personal to Frank Lloyd Wright.
5. Monona Terrace, a posthumously built design, beautifully frames Monona Lake in Madison. Wright's goal with this design was to create a civic center that connected the shores of Lake Monona with the Wisconsin State Capital. The project wasn't realized until 1997, but it does serve as a popular place for public meetings, community programs, and more. 
6. The Seth Peterson Cottage is Frank Lloyd Wright's final project, actually reached completion after his death in 1959. This tiny cottage occupies just 880 square feet of space and sits on a wooded hill overlooking Mirror Lake. The cottage was purchased by the State of Wisconsin in 1966 and incorporated into Mirror Lake State Park. It's now offered as a rental cottage.
7. S.C. Johnson Administration Building in Racine. The building was completed in 1939 and has been called one of the top 25 buildings of the 20th century. Wright designed every aspect of this building, including the furniture. The Administration Building itself features 43 incredible miles of glass windows. Tours of the campus are free and open to the public and include access to the Great Workroom, Fortaleza Hall, and the Research Tower. The Research Tower is one of the world's tallest cantilevered buildings and houses a replicated 1950's laboratory. 
8. Located nearby to the S.C. Johnson Administration Building is Wingspread, a Prairie-style home built for the company's third-generation leader. Wingspread serves as a conference center, but it is also open for public tours. Highlights include the home's disappearing dining table, it's teepee-inspired clerestory ceiling, and the cantilevered "Romeo and Juliet" balcony bedroom. The home was built in 1937.
9. The AD German Warehouse in Richland Center was completed in 1921 and represents one of his few major public buildings built at the time. It also provides a wonderful example of his work in sculptural ornamentation. This 4-story warehouse once served as storage for sugar, flour, coffee, and other commodities. Today, it houses a small theater and exhibits murals illustrating Wright's architectural works. 

The Most Unique Places to Stay in Wisconsin

Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Wisconsin is a beautiful journey and one that will take you several days to fully enjoy. Seeing these architectural marvels is certainly worth your time, and will change the way you look at the world around you. That is especially true when you pair your getaway with one of the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin; one of our Wisconsin Bed and breakfasts.  

Be sure to spend just as much time off the beaten path as on it, as you gain a deep appreciation for this sensational part of Wisconsin. With plenty of hiking and biking trails to enjoy, breathtaking scenery, and a number of fun attractions and things to do, you'll never be bored. When it's time to relax and unwind, our unique collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts will be here and waiting. The offer the best accommodations and many of the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin. 

Start planning your adventure to see these 9 incredible Frank Lloyd Wright houses and buildings. When it comes to lodging, our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts await!

 

Silver Star B&B Front Porch It’s not unusual for a bucket list to be tied to those landmarks that define a place. In Spring Green, it’s a performance of Shakespeare under the stars at the American Players Theatre; enjoy a gentle sleep at Silver Star B&B located on a bucolic 340-acre estate. In Green Bay, it’s a tour of the just-renovated Lambeau Field; spend the night at Astor House B&B. Run away to Circus World in Baraboo; overnight at Pinehaven B&B or Inn at Wawanissee Point.  Check those off the list! [caption id="attachment_1601" align="alignleft" width="252"] Silver Star B&B Deck[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1602" align="alignright" width="309"] Pinehaven B&B[/caption]  

Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy is strong in Wisconsin, with his longtime residence & school – Taliesin – located near Spring Green. Now, his works are up for “World Heritage Site” designation from UNESCO; there are only 21 of these in the US! You’ll find Wright sites in WI open for tours at www.wrightinwisconsin.org . Our thanks to writer Mary Bergin for this info.  Get insider touring tips from nearby Innkeepers Kelly & Jay at Hill Street B&B  and Jean at Silver Star Inn, both located in Spring Green! [caption id="attachment_1499" align="alignleft" width="300"] Watch the small-town world go by from Hill Street Inn's front porch.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1500" align="alignleft" width="300"] Welcome back to Silver Star Inn, after your day of touring the Spring Green area.[/caption]

Welcome to January 2013.  We’re declaring it the Month of the Cozy Fireplace, given the winter chill in the air here in Wisconsin.  Perhaps you’d like to book an overnight at an inn that stokes the fireplace every evening, thus complementing the warm hospitality dished out by the innkeepers.  There’s Inn at Wawanissee Point in Baraboo, where the massive stone fireplace in the living room is a popular spot for evening wine and cheese gatherings.  At Silver Star Inn B&B in Spring Green, the fireplace in the dining room is a nice accompaniment to the steaming hot coffee and homemade pastries served every morning. And at Cleghorn B&B in Waupaca, the fireplaces in the guest rooms are a special luxury we all wish we had at home.   [caption id="attachment_1018" align="aligncenter" width="434"] Inn at Wawanissee Point, Baraboo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1016" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Silver Star Inn B&B, Spring Green.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1021" align="aligncenter" width="375"] Cleghorn B&B, Waupaca[/caption]

You’ve heard of theatre in the round.  How about theatre in the forest.  Or in a tent.  Or on a lakeshore.  In Spring Green, the American Players Theatre is world renowned for its classical theatre performed under the stars in an amphitheater on a hill with trees all around.  In Door County, the Peninsula Players is America’s oldest professional resident summer theater, and there’s also American Folklore Theatre with musicals that are often Wisconsin-themed, and Door Shakespeare which stages its performances in a garden.  Lake Superior’s Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield,  has a full summer season of plays and concerts and, yes, they are performed under a big tent.  In Mineral Point, there’s Alley Stage, and in Milwaukee the Peck Pavillion on the lakeshore has lots of free events.  Get outside, take a seat, enjoy the show, and then return to the B&B of your choice, knowing our member inns are also famous for receiving rave reviews.      [caption id="attachment_722" align="aligncenter" width="175"] Mineral Point is known for its artist's community and artisan shops ... just a short stroll from Brewery Creek. As its name implies, Brewery Creek is more than an historic inn - it's a brew pub, and restaurant known for a locally sourced menu.[/caption]

If your travels in the coming year take you to the Spring Green area of Wisconsin, then you must take in a performance of the American Players Theatre.  Wall Street Journal theater critic Terry Teachout named APT the Best Company and “The Cure at Troy” the Best Play of 2011.  Here’s an excerpt from the story:  Wisconsin's American Players Theatre, located in Spring Green, Frank Lloyd Wright's home town, has been putting on first-class productions in its 1,148-seat amphitheatre since 1979. When it opened a second indoor stage, the handsome 200-seat Touchstone Theatre, in 2009, APT decisively established itself as one of America's most ambitious and consistently impressive classical summer festivals. This year's offerings included an overwhelmingly moving small-stage version of "The Cure at Troy," Seamus Heaney's English-language adaptation of Sophocles' "Philoctetes," directed by David Frank, APT's artistic director. A perfect embodiment of the company's serious yet unpretentious style, "The Cure at Troy" was the best show of any kind that I saw in 2011.  The 2012 APT schedule has just been posted and includes Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “The Royal Family” written by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, among others.  Spend the night at Silver Star B&B Inn or Hill Street Bed and Breakfast, both with Spring Green addresses.