How to Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Kentuck Knob

Southwestern Pennsylvania may not be a destination for much--but it is, somewhat incongruously, a must-go spot for Frank Lloyd Wright fans and architecture aficionados worldwide. Fallingwater, one of Wright’s most famous works, is what most travelers set out to see, and it’s breathtaking, nestled among trees and waterfalls in Wright’s signature blend of nature and structure. But a lesser-known work is just a short drive away as well: Kentuck Knob, a home Wright built in the early 1950s for the Hagan family, prominent dairy company owners and friends of the Kaufmann family, owners of Fallingwater. It’s located near the small town of Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania, overlooking the Youghiogheny River Gorge. Making a visit is essential to any exploration of Wright. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Transportation to southwestern PA
• Admission fee
• Camera

1. Get to Southwestern Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh International Airport is the most convenient option if you plan to arrive by air, but other possibilities are the smaller airports in Morgantown, WV and Latrobe, PA. From Pittsburgh, Kentuck Knob is an approximately 2-hour drive. You can find detailed directions from Pittsburgh Airport, as well as from other points, on the official Kentuck Knob website.
2. Choose a place to stay. Chalk Hill may be tiny, but there are a few excellent lodging options nearby. Luxury-seekers can stay at Nemacolin Woodlands (http://www.nemacolin.com/), a world-famous resort. History buffs will be happy with The Historic Summit Inn (http://summitinnresort.com/), where the likes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison once stayed. Budget travelers can choose from The Lodge at Chalk Hill (1-800-833-4283 or 724-438-8880; no website) or The Stone House Inn (www.stonehouseinn.com).
3. Schedule your visit to Kentuck Knob. Tours last 1 to 1.5 hours and are scheduled throughout the year; call for reservations (724-329-1901). Regular tours cost $16; more extensive tours and events are available, as well, including a sunset tour and brunch in the private art room.
   
   While you’re ogling the views and the way the house seems to exist organically within its environment, ponder that Wright was 86 when he designed the house. Plus, he was working on the Guggenheim Museum in New York City around the same time. The breadth and scope of Wright’s work is remarkable, and seems even more so, perhaps, in the quiet Southwestern Pennsylvania enclave.
4. Don’t miss the sculpture garden. You can wander independently around the 35-sculpture garden as part of your tour fee, enjoying the mountains and the lovely grounds. If you want to learn more about the sculptures, including works by Andy Goldsworthy and Ray Smith, you can arrange a guided tour for an additional $16.
5. Explore the area. Besides Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater, area attractions also include Fort Necessity, a historical landmark from the French and Indian War; Washington Tavern, where stagecoach travelers in the 1800s once rested and changed their horses. Also see Laurel Caverns, where you can explore the wonders of a series of caves in 55-minute tours.