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Driftless Landscape Tour

All Ages 1 Hour

Join us for a conversation about the interconnectedness of land and culture while enjoying an approximately 1-mile walk across the Taliesin estate. This completely outdoor tour will speak to the natural history of the estate, using Frank Lloyd Wright as the connecting theme between topics. Guests on this tour will explore the landscape that Wright felt drawn to and learn about the geology, ecology, and agri(cultural) history of southwest Wisconsin that attracts so many people to the Driftless Area.

Rates & Starting Location

Adult – $25
Student, Senior & Military – $20
Children 6 years old and under – Free

Meeting Location is the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center (Spring Green, WI).

Sponsorship

Funding for this program is provided by Prairie Springs: Paul Fleckenstein Charitable Trust.

Overview

The Landscape Tour is a way to experience the natural terrain of the Taliesin estate. Created for the Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast and the casual visitor, the Landscape Tour is an excellent addition to the other tour offerings or a great stand-alone experience. In addition to viewing the gorgeous surrounding landscape of rolling hills, this tour dives into the legacy of nature, farming, and cultural history that shapes Taliesin today.

This tour is a rich overview of the Taliesin property’s landscape history and how it relates to today’s world. You will see the:
• Kitchen Garden
• Midway Barn
• Water Gardens
• Taliesin Dam

You will not see the:
• Interior Spaces of the Architecture

This tour will cover Frank Lloyd Wright’s ties to the native landscape starting with the geology of the Driftless Area, and also will touch on the first European settlers of the area, Wright’s family’s farming practices, and how this history has dictated our current preservation and educational programming efforts, as well as how it ties into the greater world.

Accessibility

The tours begin on the picturesque rural estate that has some unique characteristics. All tours require a significant amount of standing, stair climbing, and walking on uneven terrain. There are several series of steps and some with no handrails. Some exterior walkways consist of loose gravel or grassy pathways. There is no opportunity to leave the group should you wish to stay behind. Our public tours are not wheelchair accessible. We can arrange private accessible tours with three weeks’ notice. Please call directly for details. 877-588-7900 Ext 229. We share this information so that all guests may be fully prepared for what to expect.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets are non-refundable, even if plans change due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 24 HOURS NOTICE is required to reschedule a tour or provide a tour credit (in the form of a gift card) for a future tour. Same-day cancellations will not be recompensed. In the unfortunate event Taliesin Preservation cancels a tour or event, guests will be notified in advance and offered a full refund back to the original method of payment or a credit valid through the following tour season.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as space is limited per tour. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased using a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.
What is the main difference between the tours? Which one should I take?
We offer a variety of tours which vary by duration and sights seen. While some overlap in terms of the areas seen, each tour is very different, and often guests take more than one during their visit. Our most popular tours are the House tour and Highlights Tour. Also, our Estate Tour is popular and the most in-depth tour of Taliesin. However, if you are short on time, consider taking the Highlights Tour, which combines both Taliesin and Hillside into a quick-paced 2-hour tour. The Driftless Landscape tour is a wonderful overview of the natural influences on Taliesin and would make an excellent complement to any of our other tours.
Are there any age limits? Can we bring our kids?
Children of all ages are welcome on this tour. Please be aware that strollers are not recommended for this tour due to the use of our shuttles and the rough terrain traversed while on tour. Also, once the tour begins it is hard for visitors to leave the tour early.
What about inclement weather?
Tours will run rain or shine. We suggest you check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather as our tours go out regardless of conditions.
How will we get to the Taliesin estate from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center?
Part of the tour includes short 5-minute drives to the estate and back from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center in one of our climate-controlled shuttles. While the drive to the estate is short, your guide will provide narration along the way.
How much walking or standing will there be?
Guests should expect to be standing or walking for the majority of this tour and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for walking since the tour includes an approximately 1 mile walk across the estate. Please note we do walk at a casual pace, but will be walking on some uneven terrain including gravel walkways and grassy areas.
Do you allow photography?
Casual photography is welcome and guests can take photos on the tour.
Can I leave the tour early?
Guests are shuttled from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center to the estate, so guests will not be able to leave during the tour.
What should I wear? What should I bring?
Since the tour takes place outside, we recommend being prepared for the day's weather and wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. Note there are gravel walkways, so please be sure to wear appropriate shoes. In terms of what to bring, we generally find the fewer items you carry with you, the more comfortable you will be.
Are restrooms available along the tour?
No, the only restrooms available during this tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is a free parking lot at the Visitor Center.
Are pets allowed to come?
Certified service dogs are always welcome. Other pets are not permitted on the tours. Also please note there is limited shade in our parking lot and pets should not be left in vehicles while guests are attending tours.