Highlights Tour

10 & Over 2 Hours

Explore the interiors of two famous structures, the Taliesin home and Hillside Studio, on this overview tour for Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts and casual visitors!

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Rates & Starting Location

Adult – $64
Student, Senior & Military – $59

Children (including infants) under the age of 10 are not permitted on the Highlights Tour.

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

Summary

The Highlights Tour is a way to experience the interiors of two significant, yet distinctly different Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings — Hillside & Taliesin. Created for the Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast and the casual visitor, the Highlights tour couples the history and masterful design of two architectural landmarks into one quick-paced two-hour tour. In addition to visiting the two buildings, this tour includes taking our shuttle through the scenic Taliesin grounds past Midway Barn, Taliesin’s former farming complex.

This tour is a rich overview of the Taliesin property’s finest architectural jewels, beginning with Hillside Studio, you’ll see the:

  • Expansive Assembly Hall
  • Fellowship Dining Room
  • 5,000 sq. ft. “abstract forest” Drafting Studio
  • Delightful theater (*closed for preservation work through 2020*)

After visiting the Hillside Studio & Theater building, you’ll take our shuttle across the estate to the Taliesin home and enjoy some of the amazing areas such as:

  • Wright’s personal Studio
  • The Living Room
  • Wright’s Guest Bedroom
  • Mrs. Wright’s restored bedroom, as well as Wright’s bedroom.

Covering spaces designed by Wright in 1902, 1911, 1932, and 1952, the Highlights tour is similar in format to our popular Estate tour, minus the one-mile walk and takes half the time.

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

Tour tickets are non-refundable. Tours can be rescheduled with 48 hours advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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 there is some overlap in terms of the areas seen, each tour is very different and often guests take more than one during their visit. In general, our most popular tours are the House tour and Highlights tour, which also run the most often. In addition, our Estate tour is also popular and the most in-depth tour of Taliesin. However, if you are short on time, consider taking the Highlights tour, which combines overviews of both the interiors of the Taliesin home and the Hillside Studio & Theater into a quick-paced 2-hour tour. If you've taken the Estate tour or Highlights tour, it would not be necessary to take an additional tour. However, the House tour and Hillside Studio & Theater tour are complimentary of one another.
Are there any age limits? Can we bring our kids?
Yes, children ages 10 and older are allowed on the tour, however, please note that some children may not fully understand the content and get much out of it. As parents, you should use your best judgement as to whether your child will enjoy the tour. If you have young children, we advise taking the Hillside Studio & Theater tour as this is the only tour children under the age of 10 are permitted to attend.
What about inclement weather?
Tours will run rain or shine. Most of the buildings on the Taliesin estate do not have heat or air-conditioning. We suggest you check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather as our tours go out regardless of conditions.
Can we explore Taliesin on our own or do we need to take a tour?
The Taliesin estate is privately owned, and is therefore accessible only on a guided tour. The Frank Lloyd Visitor Center, which houses the Taliesin Bookstore and the Riverview Terrace Cafe is free of charge but guests must have tour tickets to view the remainder of the property. The Frank Lloyd Visitor Center is open to the public everyday from May 1 through October 31 and on Fridays through Sundays in November and April.
How will we get to the Taliesin estate from the Frank Lloyd Visitor Center?
Part of the tour includes short 5-minute drives to the estate and back from the Frank Lloyd Visitor Center in one of our climate controlled 21-passenger 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? Will I be able to sit down?
Approximately 15 minutes of the tour is spent on the shuttle which brings guests back and forth from the Frank Lloyd Visitor Center in addition to a short 5-minute ride in the middle of the tour to get from the Hillside Studio & Theater building to the Taliesin home. Therefore, for the majority of the tour, guests will be standing or walking. Please note we do walk at a casual pace, but we will be walking on some uneven terrain including gravel walkways and grassy areas.
Is Taliesin handicap accessible?
Since the tour covers uneven terrain and stairs, as well as boarding our shuttle, we do not advise this tour for those with accessibility issues. If you are concerned about accessibility please contact us prior to purchasing tickets to determine which tours are best suited to your abilities. Accessible tours are available by special arrangement with 3 weeks notice. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an accessible tour, please contact us.
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 Visitor Center to the estate so guests will not be able to leave during the tour.
Is Taliesin open all year round?
The regular tour season runs from May 1 through October 31. Private tours of the house can be scheduled from November through April.
Do you have a gift shop?
Yes, the Taliesin Gift Shop is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during our regular season from May 1 through October 31.
What should I wear? What should I bring?
Since a portion of 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 that connect the buildings, 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 food and drinks available for purchase?
Yes, bottled water can be purchased in the bookstore. Please note that outside drinks, other than bottled water, are not permitted on tours. Cafe hours everyday May-October: 11:00-3:00.
Are there any restaurants nearby?
Yes, located within the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, the Riverview Terrace Cafe has a warm and friendly atmosphere with windows that span the entire length of the building, giving diners an unforgettable view overlooking the scenic Wisconsin River. For those traveling for business or pleasure, the restaurant also has free access to Wi-Fi. Sit, dine, relax and enjoy! Cafe hours everyday May-October: 11:00-3:00
Are restrooms available along the tour?
Restrooms are only available in the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. We recommend using the facilities prior to the departure of your tour.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is a free parking lot at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center.
Are pets allowed to come?
Certified service dogs are always welcome. Other pets are not permitted on 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. Please contact us for local pet day care.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is permitted in the exterior areas near the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds of the Taliesin estate.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards are available and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion!
Do you offer group tours?
Yes, in addition to offering tours to the general public, we also welcome larger groups to the Taliesin estate. For these groups, we offer the Hillside Studio & Theater Tour and the House Tour. To set up a group tour, please contact us.