Answers to common questions.
Do I have to make a reservation for a tour?
The only way we guarantee a tour of the house is with an advance ticket purchase or reservation. Tickets for the regular tour may be purchased online or by phone. All special tours such as the In-depth Tour, Sunset Tour and Brunch Tour are available by advance ticket purchase only. For the best choice of times you should make your reservation or purchase your tickets at least 10 day to two weeks in advance. For the special tours we recommend calling 3 to 4 weeks in advance as space is limited and these often sell out quickly. Reservations and tickets are available by calling Visitor Services at 724-329-8501 or clicking here.
How far in advance should I buy tickets?
If you plan to visit in July, August or October (our peak months), please call at least ten days to two weeks in advance. If you are bringing a group with you during those times, call six weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. For more information about group tours, click here. Other tips:
- If you desire the In-depth Tour purchase your tickets at least two weeks in advance for a weekday tour, one month in advance for a weekend tour.
- If you desire the Sunset or Brunch Tour purchase your tickets at least one month in advance.
- Allow at least 15 minutes extra time for travel. The roads to Fallingwater are rural, two-lane roads. If you are running late, rest assured – your reservation or ticket purchase guarantees you a tour of the house as long as you arrive by 4 p.m.
- Consider planning your visit in mid-March, April, or November, when tours are more leisurely. In the early spring, the waterfalls are usually rushing. In November, oak leaves linger on the trees and the grounds are hushed.
- Picnicking is not permitted on the grounds of Fallingwater, but it is permitted at nearby Bear Run Nature Reserve or Ohiopyle State Park.
Are children and infants able to take the tour at Fallingwater?
For the comfort and safety of all visitors, children must be six years of age to accompany adults on the regular tour and nine years of age for any of the special tours. Children under six-years-old, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on the regular tour. A Family Room is available for use by those visiting with young children and Family Fun activities are available to enhance your visit with young children.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Exterior photography is welcome but photography isn’t permitted during the regular tour. All photographs taken at Fallingwater are for personal use only. Click here for additional information about images of Fallingwater.
Where can I stay when I visit Fallingwater?
A variety of lodging facilities including B&B’s, camping and cabins, hotels, motels and resorts are located within a 40 miles radius of Fallingwater. You may wish to stay with one of our Lodging Partners in Education all of which offer packages that include tours of Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Fort Necessity and other sites in the Laurel Highlands allowing you to create a long weekend or even a mid-week get-away to enjoy our natural beauty. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau offers additional information about lodging and other sites to visit at www.laurelhighlands.org.
Do you have a restaurant at Fallingwater?
Our café, located in the Visitor Center, offers a wide variety of salads, soups, sandwiches and daily specials.
Do I have to take a guided tour?
The only way to enter the house is with a guided tour. We do offer a self-guided grounds tour that allows you to view the house from the outside only.
How much time should I allow when visiting Fallingwater?
We recommend that you allow at least two hours when planning your visit. This will allow enough time for the tour and to view the waterfall. Most people however find that they spend over two hours when visiting with us.
How should I dress for my visit?
A portion of the experience is outside and there is considerable walking. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Are there really 100 steps in Fallingwater?
There is considerable walking during the tour beginning with a 1/4 mile walk from the Visitor Center to the house. While in the house there are numerous stairs and once the tour begins there is no place to sit down. We do offer shuttle service to and from the house for those that have difficulty with the walk. Those that find the tour too strenuous may choose to tour the first floor only and return to the Visitor Center where they may view a video of the upper floors of the house.
When do the rhododendron bloom?
The grounds around Fallingwater are covered with native rhododendron that typically bloom with a white to light pink flower from late June through early July.