If you’re like me and love a good mix of sunshine, history, and jaw-dropping design, then Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, is about to rock your world. Tucked between Tampa and Orlando, this unassuming college campus holds the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world—and yes, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
Lakeland is my hometown. I grew up knowing who Frank Lloyd Wright was, but I didn’t appreciate or pay much attention to his designs. Before taking the tour, I may have walked the campus two or three times in my life. The campus primarily served as a place to park while I walked laps around Lake Hollingsworth with my friends. Now, as an adult, I see my little town grow, with businesses changing from one restaurant to another, and modern remodels refreshing sun-faded storefronts.
On one of my most recent visits home, I decided to take a few hours to rediscover a small part of my hometown. You know you’ve reached adulthood when architecture tours pique your interest for a fun afternoon. As I walked to the visitor center, the sun-drenched walkway called the Esplanade stretched across campus like an elegant concrete vine, leading me past building after building designed by one of America’s most iconic architects.
Tour Cost and Times
Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, offers a variety of tours showcasing its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Whether you are a casual visitor or an architecture enthusiast, there is a tour to suit your interests. Remember to make your reservation in advance.
Usonian House Tour
- Duration: 20–30 minutes (plus a 25-minute film)
- Cost: $15 per person
- Schedule: Available daily. However, you must book 24 hours in advance.
- Description: Tour the recently completed Usonian Faculty House, designed by Wright in 1939. After the guided tour, enjoy the film “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Great American Campus,” providing an overview of all 13 Wright-designed structures at Florida Southern College.
Basic Campus Tour
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: $35 per person
- Schedule: Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- Description: This guided walking tour covers the highlights of the campus, including the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, Danforth Chapel, and the Usonian House. You’ll learn about Wright’s vision and the unique construction methods he employed.
In-Depth Tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: $50 per person
- Schedule: Daily at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM
- Description: An extended version of the Basic Tour, this experience includes additional insights into the history, design, and construction of the “Child of the Sun.” You’ll explore six Wright-designed buildings, including the E.T. Roux Library, Ordway Arts Building, and Polk County Science Building.
Behind the Scenes Tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Cost: $125 per person
- Schedule: Mondays and Fridays at 10:00 AM
- Description: This comprehensive tour offers access to areas not included in other tours, such as the interior of the only planetarium designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Group size is limited to 10 persons, and reservations are required.
I decided to book the In-Depth Tour because I wanted to see as much of the campus as possible. When I arrived at the visitor center, I was pleasantly surprised that I was the only one scheduled for the morning tour. This unexpected turn of events transformed my experience into a VIP tour, and my tour guide was incredibly kind to show me some exclusive off-limits areas featured in the Behind the Scenes Tour, including the beautifully remodeled planetarium.
Highlights from Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
Frank Lloyd Wright beautifully named his vision for the campus “Child of the Sun,” and it truly captures its essence. With Wright’s trademark use of geometric shapes, natural materials, and airy open spaces, every structure seems to radiate warmth and light. It feels as if the buildings are in conversation with the landscape around them, instead of simply being placed there. This reflects Wright’s philosophy; he designs buildings that harmonize with nature, rather than competing against it.
In the early 1940s, when construction took place, the landscape was vibrant with orange trees. This detail is echoed in the pillars of the walkways around campus, where each pillar once aligned perfectly with rows of orange trees. Nowadays, the landscape has changed quite a bit from the original vision. The surrounding area is now a bustling neighborhood. The orange trees are gone, replaced by neatly manicured grass and small shrubs. Only the sturdy concrete pillars remain, standing as a reminder of the past.
There are six buildings included in the In-Depth Tour. As I mentioned earlier, I saw more than I expected. But here’s the highlight of my favorite stops.
The Usonian House is a prototype for Wright’s affordable housing concept. This house was designed for the professors and staff teaching at Florida Southern. Due to cost, this concept was not realized until 2013, making it the world’s newest Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building. Although Frank Lloyd Wright passed away decades ago, his designs continue to come to life. It’s cozy, earthy, and full of clever little design tricks that made me want to move in immediately (spoiler alert: I couldn’t, because of building codes, this “house” doesn’t have a bathroom or a functional kitchen).
However, the design illustrates how everything, including the furniture, has a purpose. There is no room for extra decorations; just shelves for books and small trinkets. Even though it’s a concept of a home, it felt complete. It doesn’t need the walls painted or pictures hung. It very modestly stands on its own as is. This was the first stop on the tour and the most impactful insight into how Wright approached his designs.
The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel is the crown jewel. This building is on the cover of every Florida Southern brochure. It defines the campus with its towering beauty. With its dramatic spire and colored glass inserts, it feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope of light and shadow. The ceiling is also made of glass, allowing visitors to worship and see the beauty of God’s creation simultaneously. The inside is much smaller than I expected, but it didn’t feel crowded. Light from above fills the room, and red cushioned seats contrast with the beige walls. The use of multicolored glass sparkles along the back wall. This is the design element seen throughout the campus. It evokes joy without being in your face.
The Water Dome is another must-see. Imagine a massive circular fountain shooting arcs of water high into the air, echoing Wright’s love for movement and nature. Due to its size, the fountain operates at less than 30% of its capacity because of evaporation and the wind blowing water out of the fountain. This can cause the pump to burn out if the water gets too low. To avoid this, my tour guide mentioned it’s only at full capacity on graduation day and special photo shoots. Even at a lower capacity, the fountain remains a calming and beautiful place to sit while overlooking the campus.
What I loved most, though, was how peaceful the place felt. Even with students bustling to class and tour groups wandering by, there was a stillness to the space, as if Wright’s structures gently reminded everyone to slow down and look around at the surroundings.
Lunch Spots and Things to Do Nearby
If you’re planning a visit, make a day of it! Here are a few of my favorite post-tour picks:
- Grab a bite at Mr. Fish – This no-frills, old-school seafood spot is a local legend. Think fried fish sandwiches, hushpuppies, and southern charm. Bring your appetite and maybe a few napkins.
- Sip something at Black & Brew – There’s a cozy spot inside the Lakeland Library, making it perfect for a midday pick-me-up. Their lattes and iced coffee are top-notch. I fully intended to eat at Mr. Fish after my tour, but they were closed. Instead, I enjoyed a PB&J sandwich and a lavender iced coffee. It’s a good thing I don’t live in Lakeland, or I would come here every day for lunch.
- Stroll around Lake Morton – Just a few blocks from campus, this charming lake is home to swans, ducks, and a whole host of waddling locals. Bring some bird-friendly treats or a handful of quarters to feed the birds and enjoy the views—it’s one of Lakeland’s most beloved spots. Fun fact: These swans were a gift from Queen Elizabeth during her visit in 1957. Lakeland’s swans have become iconic figures in the community. Feeding the beloved swans is almost a rite of passage for those visiting Lakeland.
Florida Southern College isn’t just a college—it’s a serene architectural wonderland in the heart of Florida and absolutely worth the detour. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, history buff, or simply chasing sunshine, you’ll find something to love here.
The information in this article was accurate when published but can change without notice. Please confirm rates and details when planning your trip by following the links in this article. If you find out-of-date or inaccurate information, I’d love to hear about it to update the article. Use the comments section below. Thanks!
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