Take a Wisconsin Architecture Road Trip This Summer

Born in Richland Center 150 years ago in June, Frank Lloyd Wright was renowned for his Prairie style of architecture. Last year the 200-mile Frank Lloyd Wright Trail debuted, linking nine different sites across the state. Here are seven that we think are particularly road-trip worthy.

1.  SC JOHNSON ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Racine
› H.F. Johnson Jr. hired Wright to design this 1939 building and the nearby 1950 Research Tower. The on-site theater was constructed for the 1964-’65 New York World’s Fair. Free; tours Thurs.-Sun.

2.  WINGSPREAD

Wind Point
› Once the home of the Johnson family (of SC Johnson fame), Wingspread springs to life during docent-led tours, complete with quirky tales about how Wright’s two-way dinner table startled dinner guests when it revolved back into the kitchen. Free; tours at 1 p.m. Mon-Sun.

3.  MONONA TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER

Madison
› Community events fill the rooftop terrace of this building with Lake Monona views. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the building was constructed from a set of Wright’s 1938 renderings, $5; tours at 1 p.m. Mon-Sun (except select dates).

4.  FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY MEETING HOUSE

Madison
› Thanks to its flat (aka leaky) roof, this 1951 meeting house has been restored many times. The adjacent 200-seat auditorium is a popular wedding venue. $10; tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. Free; tours at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Sun.

5.  TALIESIN

Spring Green
› An example of Prairie-style architecture, Taliesin was Wright’s primary residence for many years. He designed notable projects, including Fallingwater, at the 800-acre estate (1911). $17-$100; tour times and dates vary.

Taliesin. Photo courtesy of the Taliesin Preservation

6.  WYOMING VALLEY SCHOOL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Spring Green
› Built in 1957, Wright’s only public-school project is now a non-profit organization’s event space. Free; tours every 30 minutes, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat-Sun.

7.  A.D. GERMAN WAREHOUSE

Richland Center
608-604-5034
› In Wright’s hometown, this building was commissioned as a warehouse, and completed in 1921. It has a gift shop, a theater and photo murals of Wright’s work. $10; tours every 15 minutes, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. ♦

3 Arts & Culture Road Trips to Take in Wisconsin This Summer

Tune in to WUWM’s (FM 89.7) “Lake Effect” July 7 at 10 a.m. to hear more about the story.

‘Hit the Road’ appears in the July 2017 issue of Milwaukee Magazine.

Find it on newsstands beginning July 3, or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop.

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