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Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to make the most of your trip to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. Whether you're coming for an afternoon or making a weekend of it, here's how to plan your day on the Child of the Sun campus and around Lakeland.

Getting Here

Tours meet and tickets are sold at the GEICO Gift Shop, located at 840 Johnson Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801.

Driving directions

From Interstate 4, take exit 32 (US 98 South). The street name changes to S. Florida Avenue. Stay on South Florida Avenue about half a mile past the downtown area, then turn left on Frank Lloyd Wright Way and continue six blocks. The Tourism and Education Center sits on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Johnson Avenue, in the butterscotch-colored bungalow. Look for the American flag.

Parking

Parking is available across the street at Florida Southern College. For special parking instructions for buses and large motor homes, contact the Visitor Center before your visit.

Make a Day of it on Campus

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

Just two blocks north of campus, the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) is the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida and the only nationally accredited art museum in Polk County. Its permanent collection spans thousands of works, from modern and contemporary art to Pre-Columbian, Asian, and European pieces, shown across newly expanded galleries. Admission is always free.

Many visitors pair a Wright tour with a stop at the AGB to see even more of Florida Southern's cultural treasures, including archival Wright materials. Check the museum's site for current hours and exhibitions before you go.

Festival of Fine Arts

If you're visiting during the academic year, see what's on at Florida Southern's Festival of Fine Arts. Running every season since 1970, the Festival brings concerts, theatre, dance, and visual arts to campus venues, performed by FSC faculty and students alongside world-class guest artists. Many events are free and open to the public.

Explore Lakeland

Florida Southern sits on the shore of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, halfway between Tampa and Orlando and within easy reach of central Florida's beaches, parks, and attractions. From lakeside walking paths and downtown dining to gardens and museums, there's plenty to fill out a weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are strongly suggested and should be made at least 24 hours in advance, since tours can fill up. Walk-up guests are welcome and accommodated based on availability that day, but reserving ahead is the best way to guarantee your spot.

It depends on which tour you choose. Our shortest guided walk runs about 90 minutes, and our more in-depth tours run two and a half hours or more. You'll find the full details, including what each tour includes, on the reservation form.

Florida Southern is a working college campus, and visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and view the exterior of the Wright-designed buildings on their own. Access to the building interiors is available only on a guided tour.

All tours meet at the GEICO Gift Shop at 840 Johnson Avenue. Please note this address is different from the main Florida Southern College campus address. Parking is available across the street at the College. For special parking instructions for buses or large motor homes, contact the Visitor Center before your visit.

The campus welcomes visitors of all mobility levels, and accessible tour options are available. If you have questions about accessibility or need to arrange accommodations for your visit, contact the Visitor Center in advance and our team will help you plan.

Yes. Florida Southern is a working college campus with students, faculty, and classes in session during the academic year. Many visitors enjoy seeing the buildings in everyday use, though some guests prefer the quieter summer months to experience the architecture on its own.

Yes. Groups larger than 10 are arranged as specialty group tours so we can plan ahead for your party. Note your group size on the reservation form and the Visitor Center will follow up to coordinate.

Yes. Children are welcome on all of our tours. There is no separate children's pricing, so each guest, regardless of age, pays the standard tour rate.

Service animals are welcome on all tours. Other pets are not permitted.

Restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center. For food, Tutu's Café is located just across the street in the Roux Library, an easy walk before or after your tour.

Yes, you're welcome to take photos for personal use during your tour. We ask that you follow your guide's direction in certain spaces. Commercial or professional photography requires advance arrangement, please contact Marketing and Communications.

Tours run rain or shine, and much of the experience is outdoors, so we recommend comfortable shoes and checking the forecast before you arrive. In the event of severe weather, we may adjust or reschedule for everyone's safety. If conditions look uncertain on the day of your visit, give us a call and we'll help you plan.