Tuesday, July 11, 2017, Spring Green, WI
Day 61

Departed Madison for 30 minute drive to the Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark, in Blue Mounds, WI. We enjoyed our guided tour of the cavern and especially the 52 degree temperature. We drove another 30 minutes to the Wisconsin Riverside Resort RV Park in Spring Green, WI, and checked in. After lunch we took the 2 hour tour of Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s residence from 1911 to his death in 1959. Located on Wright’s 800 acre estate in an area of beautiful rolling hills the house does seem to blend into “nature” which was Wright’s intention. Although some of Wright’s designs were ahead of its time, the actual construction left a lot to be desired. Our tour guide said that Wright did not intend his buildings to last and that they would return to “nature”. Taliesin was built without proper foundation and drainage causing much damage. Although many areas were designed to be only about a 6'1" clearance, with the sinking some areas are less than 6' clearance so I cannot walk fully upright. Although the foundations have now been stabilized, the cracks and other items needing repair must wait until future funds are obtained. Nevertheless, the building is interesting and a must see for Wright fans.