I've been wanting to visit this place since I was a kid. I finally got there. They are doing a lot of work on the building so unfortunately, a lot of the building was covered with scaffolding which was unfortunate and they were offering refunds, but this was only time to get there so I went. I did the guided house tour which was great. The lady who did the tour was very knowledgeable. I appreciate that they give you ear pieces so you can hear and don't need to feel like you need to be so close to the guide to hear. Unfortunately, there was a medical emergency (ambulances and all) so we could not get to the 3rd floor, but they did let us see the staff quarters instead which I do not believe was part of our tour initially. They had a really nice gift shop as well. They also had a café but I did not look into there so I do not know exactly what was being offered. I would love to visit again once the scaffolding and tarps are gone. Regardless, this place is very peaceful and just beautiful inside and out. read more

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It's hard for me to convey why visiting this landmark was so significant for me. I was a lad of 12 when I saw pictures of this house in a coffee table book about Frank Lloyd Wright in a mall bookstore. I remember because I was so drawn to the aesthetic of the building. It initiated my attraction to open living spaces, mid-century modern design, and organic architecture. All these decades later, I made it, and the sight of the house actually made me tingle. I said tingle, not tinkle. That happened in the surprisingly spacious restroom at the visitor center before the tour. Built in 1935 for Pittsburgh department store magnate Edgar J. Kaufmann and his family as a vacation home, the unprecedented cantilevered construction is a 4 bed / 4 bath that would've been pooh-poohed by the more obnoxious wannabe buyers on "House Hunters". The main house is 9,200 square feet of which 4,400 are outdoor terraces. Outdoors is where Edgar's worldly wife Liliane threw parties for their friends. However, the key draw of the multilevel terraces was the sound and sights of the Bear Run stream underneath. Except for the Kaufmann's impressive art collection, there is nothing ornate about the two-tone house of light ochre and Cherokee red. The innovative design elements speak for themselves like the glass-enclosed staircase down to the stream. Given my longstanding desire to come here, I went for the $89 In-Depth Guided Tour which ran well over ninety minutes and gave us full access to the house interior and the surrounding grounds including the guesthouse and the gardener's cottage (now used as staff offices). Our guide Larry did a fine job sharing the history behind all the architectural details of Wright's idiosyncratic design and uncompromising commitment to organic compatibility. Be aware that the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy started a major $7 million preservation project in 2023 and it's not due to be complete until next year (fingers crossed). The advanced age of the structure had caused leaks, cracks, and corrosion, so repairs are still underway. However, some of the house was still covered with scaffolding with terrace access a bit limited. It didn't bug me though because we're talking about checking off a major bucket list item for me. RELATED - Exploring Pittsburgh? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/qN_tq21lnL read more

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Frank Lloyd Wright was a genius! I was fortunate enough to tour this on a ninth grade field trip; decades later privileged to revisit this architectural marvel. The harmony between nature and home, water actually runs through the home, with a pool, plunge pool, stairs that descend into the stream and of course, falling water. Step back in time to see how the ultra wealthy Kaufmann's spent weekends or holidays outside of Pittsburgh. Original furnishings, appliances and priceless art await you as if you stepped back in time. The in-depth tour was exceptional; Ron C. and all the staff are rightfully passionate about the preservation and sharing of this one of a kind masterpiece! read more

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Fallingwater is well worth going out of your way to visit. It's such an inspiring, peaceful and beautiful space and the caretaking of both the home and grounds is stunning. Do the house tour, so you can get an inside look inside the home! We had a wonderful guide, and I appreciate that they give you ear pieces so you can hear and don't need to feel like you need to be so close to the guide to hear. I would love to come back during the changing seasons, especially winter. read more

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Currently under massive renovation, scaffolding and tarps covering most of the building. Staff was very informative and happy to chat, but if you visit this winter, know that the exterior will be obscured. Still an impressive view and nice walk around the grounds read more

Fallingwater - Exterior of building currently under restoration - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

What can I say -- Fallingwater is simply extraordinary. Designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, this architectural gem seems to float effortlessly above the waterfall. Standing there and taking in the view feels almost surreal -- the sound of the rushing water blending with the clean mountain air makes it an experience unlike any other. We've had the chance to visit twice: once in the winter and once in the fall. Both visits were special, but fall completely stole the show. The vibrant reds, oranges, and golds of the leaves surrounding the house added an incredible warmth and charm that perfectly complemented the natural design. The reflections in the stream and the crisp autumn air made it feel like stepping into a living painting. If you're a lover of architecture, nature, or just breathtaking views, Fallingwater is a destination you absolutely can't miss. read more

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Art and architecture in western PA. The steel city heritage can be found in this concrete and steel beauty found in the woods of Ohiopyle. The vision of Frank Lloyd Wright's mixture of natural and man made brings harmony most structures in the modern world lack. The conservancy maintains and promotes this iconic vision. While it's not the most kid-friendly experience, it's a must see for architecture fans and those older families that can appreciate the beauty. read more

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It was my second time here and I definitely recommend going multiple times. Both times I learned something new and saw different things. You could honestly spend a whole day here. They offer multiple different types of tours depending on how in depth you want your experience to be. Just of note, you may not have service here since it is in the woods. Be prepared to be off the grid for a bit and enjoy all that Fallingwater has to offer! read more

Fallingwater - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

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Absolutely LOVED our guided tour here! Have been wanting to visit forever, and decided to stop by this summer. It was an absolutely gorgeous day--no humidity (which was great because the house can be slightly cramped/NO AC so I can imagine on a hot day it would be uncomfortable.) But the architecture is absolutely stunning! Imagining life as it was back when the home was first built was truly a cool experience--it is an absolute time capsule of midcentury modern design as the home was never resold, but given directly to the PA Conservancy by the original owner's son. Stunning and very cool to learn about this home and its history--our guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer every question! read more

Fallingwater - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

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If Mid Century Modern is your favorite aesthetic, or you love Frank Lloyd Wright, or truly just appreciate stunning architecture- Fallingwater is the most beautiful place to visit. I've been obsessed with this home for as long as I can remember and being able to tour the home and the grounds is a dream come true. Truly worth the day trip to this architectural marvel read more

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First off like already said this is way out in the middle of nowhere so in case you have problems with internet I would suggest make sure you have directions for the way home. Also come early in the day it does get crowded. The falling water house was well worth the $30 guided grounds tour. Our tour guide Rod was so informative on the history of the house and the Kaufman family. The walk was very picturesque with Rhododendrons lining the pathway towards the house. This Frank Lloyd Wright house is set in such a beautiful setting with a waterfall and a river running right under the house. read more

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I had an amazing time at Fallingwater. It's a place I've always wanted to go as I have a deep love for art and architecture. Tickets will run you about $45 (or more, depending on what level ticket you get), and this was about a 3 1/2 hour drive for me, but well worth the day trip. Frank Lloyd Wright designed Fallingwater and it truly is as beautiful as the pictures make it seem to be. I went during the fall and it was so nice to see it during this time of year with the cool crisp air and the waterfall and the house just all being a part of nature. I would highly recommend coming and seeing the grounds and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure that you bring a small bag. My Crossbody in the picture is about as big as you can bring and it needs to be in front of you since some of the areas in the home are pretty tight and they don't want you knocking anything over. You're not allowed to eat or drink anything on the tour, and there are no places to sit, but there is a visitor center where you can get food and drink and use the bathroom before the tour itself as there are no bathrooms that you're allowed to use within the main or guest house. I got some amazing pictures and the view was incredible. read more

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As a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, I was very excited to finally get to Fallingwaters. First off, it's definitely in the middle of nowhere. But as they say. Getting there is part of the adventure. On arrival, I was thoroughly impressed as we drove on to the and entered the registration/ gift shop/ cafe area. It's built to blend in beautifully with the mountain countryside feel of the area. There's a nice walk down to the actual house with a golf cart available to those unable to make the walk. As soon as the house comes in to view, you see the stamp of FLW. Clean lines, large windows, and local stones being used in the structure. The inside, though beautiful (especially the views!), was much smaller than I expected. I guess being a built as a summer camp it made sense. They were there to enjoy the outdoors. I was surprised, though, to see only one piece of FLW furniture, a chair in a bedroom. I felt the tour concentrated more on the owners of the property than on the building and design of this beautiful FLW house. Maybe it was our guide? I did appreciate the ear buds supplied during the tour. There is no need to worry if you weren't right next to the guide. The magic of this whole place is obviously the waterfall! It's so amazing that it runs under the house. Can you imagine sleeping to that soothing sound? Take the walk down the path to get the stunning view of the house from a distance. That's what you're there for! Beautiful! Though not exactly what I expected, it was still worth the drive and visit. FLW architecture is always amazing to. This setting and obviously the waterfall put it over the top. 2024-55 read more

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Fallingwater (Risinghumidity!) is a great destination to escape to for a few hours. This structure was renovated a few times over the years. Described as an example of Frank Lloyd Wright's "organic architecture", Fallingwater is best experienced from different angles to appreciate the cantilevered terraces, like tree branches. The interior of the house felt a bit claustrophobic to me and that makes sense since the hallways have low ceilings to prevent loitering and the bedrooms were shrunk to encourage occupants to use the terrace. Expect large crowds in the autumn months. read more

Lots of walking and lots of stairs. It was worth a once in a lifetime trip. Realize this place is in the middle of nowhere. I guess you need to be a Frank Wright fan to appreciate the uniqueness of the place For the time built it was very forward in its thinking , but for me ( 6 ft 225 lb ) it went from cramped to just shy of almost impossible to get through areas. The whole of the area has a great deal of walking trails and nature Combine this w it's kentuck knob about 6 miles away for a Wright house double read more

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After 30+ years of always dreaming of visiting one of the most famous houses in the world, let alone Frank Lloyd Wright's, I was finally able to make it come true this summer. How could I not give Fallingwater 5 stars? It exceeded all my dreams by a light year! I still am dreaming about it when I sleep, it's had that much of a lasting impression on me and I'll be talking about my 2 days of tours for the rest of my life. If you've been thinking about going, do whatever you can to make it happen. Just check their website, book your tours and know that Wednesdays the location is closed. One could look at all the books, pictures and lore of this house like I have for years. But, until you get to walk down that first pathway along the Pottsville sandstone and all the native plants and trees and hear that water running through Bear Run and the house is right before your eyes, you won't really know what truly is Fallingwater. Once there, it felt like I was in the presence of a sentient being that had existed in this location for centuries, living and breathing in concert with the Earth. I didn't feel so much that I was visiting someone's home as I was interacting with an entity unlike any other. The senses are overwhelmed with nature, and spending just a few hours a day here has changed my life for the better. I'd recommend paying the extra cash if it's your first visit for the "In-Depth Tour." This tour for me was my very first one and I'm so glad that I did it. Not only was the tour approximately 90 minutes long, but the educator who conducted the tour, Sally, was absolutely amazing. She was engaging, chill, knowledgeable and made the tour interactive and a conversation amongst the group. Be prepared to walk and climb a ton, so wear your best walking shoes and your questions! On this tour, you also get access to at least 3 different rooms of the house such as the kitchen, cellar and sitting room, and you're allowed to take pictures at any time in any room. Sally was just awesome and I felt extremely fortunate to have had her for my very first visit to Fallingwater, and I'll never forget her for making it the best impression for my life. The shorter, 60 minute tour, was good but felt more rushed because there are many groups coming through the house and the schedule is very tight for the guides. Our educator on this tour was a younger man, and he was a lot more intense than my first experience. He was good, and very knowledgeable. However, on this tour you are given an ear piece to wear so you can hear what the guide is saying. Ours didn't really work too well, so I just held it in my had and held it up to my ear if I couldn't hear him. Just be sure to remember to NOT touch any of the wood anywhere in the house so you don't get yelled at. Touching the stone anywhere on the stairways is fine. There are several trails around the grounds of the house as well for hiking back to the visitor center, and a few spots to snap iconic views of the house. Finally, the entire visitor center is beyond amazing how they built it up like a treehouse with separate areas for function. The reception desk is in the middle, then it branches out for restrooms, a cafe, the museum store chock full of great items and a gallery with unrealized projects of Mr. Wright's. Not only are there projects for the Kaufmann Family, but other ideas throughout the country that weren't completed. There is a Guest Book to sign in here as well. Through and through, I am beyond satisfied with the two days that I spent at Fallingwater, and it was even better to do so with a loved one. I definitely will be back in the future after they finish all of the renovations that are scheduled within the next few years to the main house. read more

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I've heard so much about Frank Lloyd Wrights architecural work on homes so visiting Falling Waters while we were going through the area was a must stop. The tour of the home was great, the guide was very knowledgeable, and the home itself was spectacular. There is a self guided area where you can learn about Mr Wrights work as well and a very nice gift store. read more

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For my 2nd visit to Fallingwater I did the In-depth tour 1st thing in the morning. Arrived early and got checked in which went smoothly. We had a small group of 8 people and the guide. The in-depth tour was fantastic getting us into areas that aren't on the usual tour, including the kitchen and the servant quarters. Also you are allowed to take photos inside the house. Our guide Scott was great, well informed and entertaining. Scott was also great at pointing out the details and the art that includes Picassos, Japanese woodblocks and Diego Rivera works. The house is amazing truly a masterpiece of architecture that truly integrates its natural setting that is complimented by the amazing collection from the Kaufmans. The tours are excellent and the setting is stunning. I would highly recommend a visit to Fallingwater from anyone interested in architecture, history, art or just looking for a different experience. Well worth your time, plus there are several other Frank Llyod Wright houses in the area that you can visit. read more

What not to love about this amazing unesco site? The nature drive from Maryland to Pennsylvania was magnificent and really awe inspiring to see such peacefulness and the greenery. It was a 3 hour drive so keep in mind to arrive at least an hour before your registered time. The website is easy to register and I called in to make sure if there are any flexibility with the time slot and unfortunately there isn't but I should check the site if there were any updates to the page. I felt that was really considerate of them to engage with the visitors and make sure we will be accommodated as much as possible. Jensen was our docent who walked us through the house and was very knowledgeable and engaging with his troupe. He explained FLW "compression and expansion" motif at Fallingwater and the different artworks as well as designs of each facade of the house. It was fun and super exciting to know more of the late kaufmanns as the previous owner of FallingWater. All in wall it was great to see and worth the hike and drive. Too bad we can't take photos of certain rooms but were exhilarated to see the available rooms and how it felt to be in this master time piece of art that stands over 86 years!! Definitely check out the gift shop ! Lots of architecture books and fascinating artworks. Do come. Worth a drive and prolly shorter to drive coming down from Pittsburgh. read more

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Fallingwater is the most highly acclaimed work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Every inch of Fallingwater has his distinctive personal touch. With no doubt, Wright is now considered the "greatest American architect of all time." And as an innovator the creator of the "organic" approach to modern architectural design and construction. Fallingwater is located on, actually within the water of Bear Run, Pennsylvania. It's remote as it was designed to allow the Kaufmann family, who commissioned the work, to live as being a part of nature rather than a mere window-like observer of nature. When you're here, you are in a state park of some 170 heavily wooded acres. There is nothing close by, no restaurants other than the park's concession, and no hotels or motels. I had to stay some 20 miles away in Connersville at a Comfort Inn. There is a very nice boardwalk entrance to the area with a gift shop, food concession and ticket/information counter. But, it's a good distance from Fallingwater and that distance is nothing but a treacherous pea gravel path. As I'm somewhat disabled, I had to be brought down by a wheelchair. As we approached the home, I knew I was in for a real architectural treat. The home was stunning in its beauty and the way it perfectly set in with its surroundings. The modernist cantilevering of the home was obvious and as it has been said: "...Wright's cantilevers push domesticity into the wilderness." It's not only a feat of architecture but, a feat of engineering as well. Then there is the interior. All the furnishing was custom-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; hence each piece, even the lighting, is one of a kind. And you can clearly see how he used the natural cliff rock for the flooring and how the entire home hangs cantilevered from it. As one, if not the best examples of modern architecture, Fallingwater is clearly a Yelp 5 stars. However, they should use a tram or somehow get around using that horrid pea gravel walkway. read more

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THERE IS NO PLACE ON EARTH LIKE FALLINGWATER. The genius of Frank Lloyd Wright has created a place of transcendent beauty. If you love architecture then this is a MUST-SEE. Monumental on the outside--seeming to float over a waterfall. Warm and surprisingly cozy on the inside, this one-of-a-kind UNESCO World Heritage site is even more spectacular in person than it is in the photos you've surely seen. The tours are very well run with a knowledgeable guide who tell you the history of the house and people involved. Good in all weather--I visited in the rain and it was still magical! They kindly provid umbrellas! Lots of walking--or small vehicles can take you to and from the house. GO SEE THIS ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL! read more

Fallingwater - Justifiably famous, unique in the entire world. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

Brilliant architecture situated in a stunning natural landscape. This is the commission that revitalized and solidified Frank Lloyd Wright's career and established his reputation as the great American Architect. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is the caretaker of the buildings and grounds. Their excellence in guest services and interpreting the architectural masterpiece is unparalleled. The Cafe, Gift Shop and Guest Services Desk is the hub that greets visitors as they arrive and prepare for their tour. Small details, such as loaner umbrellas, lockers, and seating create a welcoming and informative space. I found the parking lots somewhat confusing. They need some color coded signs to help guests re-find their cars and to guide them to and from the parking area. The Docents are well trained, creative and thoughtful as they inform, guide and educate guests. I arrived on a day that was completely sold out, and yet the Docents and Staff kept everything running smoothly. If you love Fallingwater, there's an excellent chance you will also adore the nearby, less well known, Kentuck Knob. read more

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A bit pricey but a fun once in a lifetime experience. Very interest and educational with regard to the house history and influence. Nice little cafe, gift shop, and museum. The highlight is definitely doing the walk around the property. Highly recommend in the fall when the leaves are changing. read more

In the middle of nowhere, a little gem of a house and architectural history, is open for tours. What an incredible place to visit. The grounds are spectacular with rhododendrons and the waterfall, and the house is well maintained. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and pleasant. It's always nice to find out personal information about the owners. The visitor's center is "new-ish" and built to mimic the surroundings and house. You can find a gallery, a boutique, and a coffee shop (with quite delicious almond milk latte!). read more

Fallingwater - Pool - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

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Frank Lloyd Wright built house for the Kaufman family from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in 1930s. Delightful tour by a knowledgeable conservation tour guide. Acres of trails that you can visit along with the house tour. Visitor center was designed to reflect the architecture of the iconic home. A must see. read more

A must see, truly an architectural wonder! Ingenious design and distinctive craftsmanship. Surrounded by nature and incorporating it into the features of the house. Would be a great experience anytime of the year. read more

Fallingwater - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

Had an amazing time visiting this beautiful heritage site. The grounds are so scenic and just very relaxing. Love the sound of the water. Touring the grounds and seeing varying plant life was amazing. The house itself is amazing, really really appreciated the design and build of the house. Would definitely recommend visiting Fallingwater. My family and I did just the grounds tour. Loved the visitors area. There's also a museum, cafe and gift shop. read more

Fallingwater - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

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Wow! I always thought it was amazing in photos but the stand there in front of it and see this amazing home built over a little waterfall inside a mountain, it was breath taking! (^｡^)My tour guide Millie was an absolute gem. A treasure trove of charming story telling ! Robbie, even Mr Kaufman (owner of FallingWater) wanted three bedrooms in the main house. One bedroom for himself, one bedroom for his wife, and one for his adult son Edgar. Mr. Kaufman & Frank Lloyd Wrght fussed quite a bit For example: Mr. Kaufman wanted a bigger built in desk in his bedroom. Frank said "no because he had a really special window put in that room and A bigger desk would prevent the window from opening. And that window overlooks the water that flows from the infamous waterfall. Frank Lloyd Wright did not want to discuss it further... This was affecting his design! Mr. Kaufman wrote to Frank & kindly explained something along the lines of "... the desk is so small that it prevents (me) from writing a check to my architect. " Frank made an adjustment... & ultimately accommodated the home owner. The nicest desk at fallingwater is in the sons bedroom ! (*´`*) If I had my ukelele I would tell the story Lori at the ticket booth (and cafe) who treated me with such sisterly kindness & humor , I really felt so happy in her care. And i would have a chorus in my song noting my epic afternoon with Millie and that clever house Fallingwater and the convo mess (the conflict of the Kaufman desk. I'm smitten with All the patios/balconies/decks, gobsmacked by the charming built-in sofas and that sassy stairway to the River below! Go see and enjoy Fallingwater. Tip your tour guide Millie handsomely and bring Lori baked goods. Such a sweet bunch. read more

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This house is beyond amazing! I literally can't stop talking about it. I still can't believe it was built in the 1930s. The living room could have easily been designed today. It's absolutely insane what Frank Lloyd Wright accomplished with this house, it's just beautiful. The disappearing corners and his signature compressed entryway make for a great tour. Highly recommend paying for the guided tour. Fallingwater needs A LOT of repairs so all the money that can go towards that really helps the preservation organization save the house. The property itself is also beautiful. We mainly just went for the tour and left. But you could easily spend most of the day here between the cafe and the walking trails. If you are even a little bit into architect or mid-century modern design, it is 100% worth the trip to Fallingwater. I've toured quite a few Frank Lloyd Wright houses and Fallingwater is by far my favorite. It truly is incredible. read more

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The tarps over the building ruined our visit. We were so upset we left without doing the tour of the inside of the house.

Truly an amazing experience. Easy to buy tickets online and plan your visit in advance. It is in the middle of nowhere, but if you can make your route to somewhere else go through here --- it's definitely worth it. I would not want to do this in the rain, however. There are complimentary umbrellas available if you need them. The architectural tour is worth it for all of the details and nuances ($39 a person and lasting about an hour). You get to go inside the house and learn a ton! You also get a little ear piece so that you can hear the tour guide. The view is obviously spectacular! Do wear good shoes as there is a fair amount of walking! read more

I have a love-hate with this property. While it is the quintessential Frank Lloyd Wright home in Western Pennsylvania, is set in a stunning setting, and features some pretty awesome architecture, it can get REALLY CROWDED. So, if you like to capture unique and stunning photos, if you don't come early in the morning, you probably will have photos filled with people everywhere. So my advice, if you visit and want to capture some nice photos, is to arrive EARLY, as in the first hour they open. You can tour the inside of the home, but cannot photograph it. I think the better buy is to just get a grounds pass. The property is set in a beautiful wooded area with a running stream, hence, the "falling water" under the home. I have found I get plenty of beautiful pictures just with the grounds pass. You can get the classic shot of the waterfall under the house, and you can walk all around the house, on the upper patios and the guest house up above. To me, you get to see 95% of what makes the house special. But, like I said, if you really are a Frank Lloyd Wright buff you can tour the inside. Just be prepared to be rushed along and not be able to take any pics or videos of the inside. And like I said, in the afternoon, you won't get any good photos as it will be crawling with people. With the grounds pass, you also get access to the hiking trails on the property which is a bonus. They also have a gift shop. read more

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This was my first visit to Falling Water. My sister has been wanting to come here since she was little. So for her birthday on our roadtrip to Minnesota, I took her here. It was a rather warm summer day but this house has is in the woods. As a matter of fact, when you are driving to it, you really feel like you are going the wrong way. It is deep deep in the woods! Keep driving you will finally arrive. Being that it's in the woods, there is a lot of trees creating shade and keeping it cool. There are no elevators so there are stairs you have to climb throughout the house. Wheelchairs are accessible to the first floor. There is about a 1 mile of walking on gravel paths uphill and downhill so those with mobility issues may have some problems visiting this house. It's a unique looking house and very airy! A nice site to visit. It's pretty amazing how modern the house is from being built in 1937. The photos truly don't do it justice. The way the windows open and how every space has several views of the falls and water. The landscape is beautiful and must be absolutely gorgeous in the fall with the trees changing colors! You can choose to visit the house or just the grounds. If you choose the house, the grounds are included! It's truly a beautiful place to visit. I do recommend it! read more

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One of Frank Lloyd Wright's crowning architectural achievements is hidden here in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. Completing construction in 1937, it signaled the resurgence and inflection of Wright's style when he designed this summer retreat for the Kaufmann family hanging over a waterfall, hence its name. At this point in his career, it was all about flat parallel and orthogonal surfaces, multi-level cantilevers and blending the design into the landscape. The quarried limestone and painted reinforced concrete form a harmonious counterpoint with its surroundings. Instead of building a separate foundation, Wright integrated the house into the granite boulders above the waterfall. The main boulder is seen protruding through the floor in the dining room and is an integral part of the main floor fireplace. Throughout the house, you see Wright's design touches in not only the structure and exterior design, but all the way down to the built-in furnishings, light fixtures, heating vents and linen patterns. It feels like a walk through Frank Lloyd Wright's creative mind. This was my second trip here, but my first was close to 40 years ago. This amazing house itself has not changed, except that it had gone through a structural renovation, but a Visitors Center with a gallery, café, gift shop and a large parking lot have been added. We arrived early for our pre-scheduled tour of the house and grounds after a long 6 hr roadtrip and was able to be moved to an earlier time slot. Our docent guide, Susan was very knowledgeable and even provided headphone radio comms, so we were able to hear her, even if we were in the next room. The tour continues through the guest house further up the hill and afterward, you can wander the grounds down to the scenic view for that classic frame of the house and falls. If you're an architectural aficionado, you cannot pass up a trip to Fallingwater. read more

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Recently I was invited to ride along with a friend who was picking up her son from SCI Fayette. Since it wasn't too far from Falling Water, a place both on our bucket lists we decided to add it to our trip. Since we didn't know if prison releases run on time we did not book tickets in advance but did arrive an hour and a half after opening on Monday July 3rd. Imagine our disappointment when we approached only to see a sign that no more tours were available that day. Fortunately we were still able to tour the grounds unguided for a cost of $17 per person. Not ideal on a hot, rainy day but we came all this way and wanted to make it worthwhile. Having only known that the house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright around a cascading waterfall, I wish I would have read up on the history beforehand to make the tour more meaningful. However, researching after the fact, I was intrigued not only by the story of the design and construction but the sometimes scandalous life of the original owners the Kaufman's. I would advise anyone to read up on the house and this family, as the self guided tour will be more enchanting. The property is very large and lush with thick vegetation, some flowering, all well maintained. The trail is wide, but has meaning steps, inclines, and downhill challenges. As someone who is not physically fit I could do it, but definitely could feel the pain. It's almost a half mile walk from the parking lot to the house itself, and there's additional trails beyond the house. I would not recommend this for any age children, especially ones in a stroller. I do believe they have a handicap tour where a van transports you to the house but not entirely sure. For the self guided grounds tour you basically rely on a small map, without much detail. You can go up to the house and peer through the windows as well as on one terrace. There's an upper guest house/garage area as well linked together by a distinctive walkway and an upper pool undergoing renovations. Beyond the building is just trails overlooking the forest and stream. The best views are before the house and not after. I do wish I did my research beforehand as the owners cyrpt is located off the path on the grounds. Since I didn't know I didn't look for it but supposedly you can see it from one of the trails. One thing I did appreciate and wasn't expecting was complimentary umbrellas to use on the premises. Aside from the house is a gallery, gift shop (very overpriced!) , as well as a Cafe and a covered area to sit and rest or wait for your tour. That area felt like a tree house. I do wish there was signage along the way explaining the details and areas as the guide is very vague. My advice is to book ahead to ensure you get inside, read up on the family and history before you go, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy the view, it's pretty amazing. read more

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One of a kind experience south of Pittsburgh. Serene. A world heritage site for good reason. Try in different seasons!

Stunning views and a tall drink of gas to see this beauty. Tucked all the way in the SW portion of PA. This modern house of sculpture. Intertwines itself with nature. It creates a harmonious union of respect. The wooden interiors really open up and bathe in the oversized window treatments. Like the surrounding rock, there are levels to FallingWater. The cascading waterfall it accompanies further emphasizes this. Its famous cantilevered decks do not disappoint. They shine brightly as beacons of a daring vision. There is a lot to say. But, the best I can say is that it was a Bucket list item for me. read more

We rented a cabin near here for the weekend with family. I've always wanted to visit this house so we stopped by on our last day. Tickets were sold out for the indoor tours (they weren't doing many because of Covid), so if you want to do that, book at least a month in advance. That being said, the grounds and outside of the property are incredible. It's such a beautiful house and definitely worth visiting just the outdoor portion too. Plus you can see the inside through the windows. Tickets for that were only $20/person when we went. There are tons of trails you can explore around the grounds too. I'd allow at least 1-2 hours here. It's definitely worth a day trip to visit if you're anywhere near here! read more

I have wanted to tour Falling Waters for sometime now and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do so. I took the $85.00 ( or something in that range tour) and that tour is two hours, you can take pictures and see more of the fabulous house! Well worth the extra money! If you are a Wright fan you definitely don't want to miss this home! read more

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Unfortunately, we didn't get book early enough to get the inside tour of the home; however, the guided grounds tour was outstanding! Lesson learned, book early! You might not think it's worth it, but the guided grounds tour was! There is a nice little café in the visitor center, as well as a beautiful gallery. read more

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