What to do in Wisconsin: Frank Lloyd Wright Trail

To do: Frank Lloyd Wright Trail

Find it: In 9 counties in southern Wisconsin

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail takes travelers on a self-guided architectural adventure through nine counties in southern Wisconsin.

How about a Tour?

The itinerary is suggested to take 4 days/3 nights (note there are other suggested Wisconsin stops along the way in this itinerary). Re-arrange the tour depending on where you live OR simply pick and choose the locations you'd most want to visit.

Taliesin East, photo credit: Edward Stojakovic

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: DAY 1

Begin your exploration in Beloit and stop at the Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center. Continue to Spring Green and spend a few hours at the House on the Rock attraction just down the road from Taliesin. Opened in 1959, it features hundreds of eclectic displays and out-of-theordinary collections, including the world’s largest carousel. Spend the evening with a picnic and show at the American Players Theatre. The newer indoor theatre, Touchstone Theatre, offers a more intimate performance experience. The outdoor theatre offers a full summer season of world-class Shakespearean and classical shows. Spend the night at the House on the Rock Resort in Spring Green.

Beloit to Spring Green: 94 miles (151 km)

Tan-y-Deri at Taliesin East, photo credit: Permavultur

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: DAY 2

Spend the day immersed in the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright at his fabled Taliesin estate. The complex includes Wright’s legendary residence, Hillside Home School and three other Wright-designed structures on a 600-acre landmark property. Next, drive to Madison, Wisconsin’s capital. Explore the downtown shops, dining, nightlife and picturesque views of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Spend the night at one of Madison’s many accommodation options.

Spring Green to Madison: 40 miles (65 km)

Monona Terrace Convention & Community Center, photo credit: BJ Hale

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: DAY 3

Start your day in Madison – home of the University of Wisconsin, a Big 10 University and Bucky Badger – with a tour of the Monona Terrace Convention and Community Center that graces the shores of Lake Monona. Based on a 1938 Wright design, this dramatic building offers sweeping views of the lake. Then visit the Unitarian Church. Designed by Wright, this church is a prayerful salute in limestone, copper and glass. After lunch, drive east to Milwaukee and spend the night in the city’s historic and elegant Pfister Hotel.

Madison to Milwaukee: 80 miles (130 km)

Greek Orthodox Church, photo credit: Samuel Goertz

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: DAY 4

In the morning, a drive along Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shoreline underscores Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural legacy. You’ll discover many fine homes built between 1910-1925 that embody Wright’s Prairie Style. Next, visit the Greek Orthodox Church, one of Wright’s last major commissions. After lunch, drive to the SC Johnson headquarters in Racine. Built from 1936-1939, the Administration Building, and the Research Tower (built in 1950 and recently opened to the public for the first time), are true architectural wonders and a must-see for Wright aficionados. After a tour of the building, bid a sad farewell to your adventure. The memories won't soon be forgotten.

Milwaukee to Racine: 30 miles (50 km)