Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to make a reservation for a tour?

The only way we can guarantee admission is with an advance ticket purchase or reservation. Tickets for the Self-Guided Exterior Experience, Guided Architectural Tour, Sunset Tour, Brunch Tour, and Family Field Trip may be purchased online or by phone. Focus Tours are available with an advance reservation by phone or email. For the best choice of times you should make your reservation or purchase your tickets at least 10 days to two weeks in advance. For specialty tours, such as Sunset Tours, Brunch Tours, and Focus Tours we recommend booking three to four weeks in advance as space is limited and these often sell out quickly. Reservations and tickets are available online or by calling Visitor Services at 724-329-8501.

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, visit our Group Tour Information page.

Other Fallingwater tour tips:

  • If you desire the Guided Architectural 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 before the last tour of the day.
  • 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?

Children must be six years of age to accompany adults on the Guided Architectural Tour, Sunset Tour, Brunch Tour, or Focus Tour. Families with children under six years old, including toddlers and infants, are encouraged to reserve a Family Field Trip or Self-Guided Exterior Experience.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Still photography is permitted on most tours. You are not permitted to film or record tours. Your educator will inform you on when it’s appropriate to take still photographs. Photography taken on tour, along with any other photography, filming, recording on mobile devices, painting and sketching created during your visit to Fallingwater, is permitted for personal use only.

Can I use my drone to take pictures at Fallingwater?

The use of drones is not permitted on the property. This prohibition extends to any drone launched or operated from Fallingwater property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of Fallingwater but flying over Fallingwater boundaries and/or above Fallingwater facilities.

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 mile 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. This will allow you to create a long weekend or even a mid-week getaway to enjoy our area’s 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 Exterior Experience that allows you to view the house from the exterior and explore the grounds and trails.

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. However, most people 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.

How much walking will I do on a tour?

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 staircases and once the tour begins there is no place to sit down. Those that find the tour too strenuous may view a video about the house at the Visitor Center. To learn more about accessibility at Fallingwater, please review the following guidelines.

When do the rhododendron bloom?

The grounds around Fallingwater are covered with native rhododendrons that typically bloom with a white to light pink flower from late June through early July.

What if I need to cancel my visit?

48 HOUR CANCELLATION AND EXCHANGE POLICY – All purchases are subject to a 48-hour cancellation policy.  Tour tickets may be cancelled or exchanged up to 48 hours prior to the date of the tour, but are subject to a $3.00 service fee.  Tickets are non-refundable within 48 hours of the tour date.