Spring Green & Taliesin

Frank Lloyd Wright's former home, which he built and perfected over the course of 40 years, Taliesin (tally-es-in), intersection of Hwy. 23 and County Hwy. C (tel. 877/588-7900 or 608/588-7900; www.taliesinpreservation.org), has been called the architect's "autobiography in wood and stone." Taliesin was also the architect's studio and laboratory. Located in south-central Wisconsin (an hour's drive west of Madison), the 600-acre National Historic Landmark is now a studio, farm, and architectural school for 40 undergraduates.

Welsh for "shining brow," Taliesin is built on the crest of a hill facing the Wisconsin River on land Wright's grandfather settled after immigrating from Wales. Wright built each of the grounds' five buildings during consecutive decades of his 50-year career. Visitors can purchase tickets to one of six Taliesin tours, the most popular being the Hillside Studio Tour (1 hr.; $16, children free); the Shuttle/Walking Tour of the grounds (2 hr.; $20, children $10); and the Highlights Tour (2 hr.; $52). The regular season runs May through October, but tour dates, hours, and prices vary widely. Reservations are strongly recommended; children are not permitted on certain tours.

South of town, the multilevel House on the Rock, Hwy. 23 (tel. 608/935-3639; www.thehouseontherock.com), sits atop a 450-foot rock chimney. Built by Alexander Jordan, the stone house is an architectural curiosity, with massive fireplaces, trees, and pools of running water throughout the building. Views of the surrounding landscape are equally spectacular and easily visible through the house's 3,264 windows.

You can stay at House on the Rock Resort, 400 Springs Dr. (tel. 608/334-5275; www.thehouseontherock.com), just a few miles from its famous namesake. The all-suite resort features private patios and balconies, as well as a fine restaurant and 27 holes of championship golf. Doubles begin at $128.

For more information, contact the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, 259 E. Jefferson St., Spring Green (tel. 800/588-2042 or 608/588-2054; www.springgreen.com).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.