About the Walter House
Lowell Walter was an Iowa businessman during the mid-20th century. In the late 1940s he and his wife, Agnes, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright as the architect for their dream home at Cedar Rock. In 1981, the Walters donated their home to the state of Iowa. The residence lies on a limestone bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon River and is carefully maintained by park staff.
The Walter House Design
Nearly everything at Cedar Rock bears the imprint of Frank Lloyd Wright. From the entire architectural structure of the house to the interior design, this Usonian style home is one of Wright’s most complete designs. The estate includes the only original Wright-designed boat pavilion still in existence. Iowa is home to ten Frank Lloyd Wright’s structures, and Cedar Rock is the only one with his coveted signature tile.
Visit Cedar Rock
The visitor center and The Walter Residence are open to the public 5 days a week from Mid-May into early October. Reserve a tour by calling 319-934-3572 or emailing cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov. The Visitor Center is ADA friendly; though the historic house may present some challenges. Please call to inquire about accommodations. Visitors must check in at the Visitor Center near the entrance of the park before taking a tour.
*Walk-ins are only accepted as space allows. Please contact the park for school or large party tours.
Check Out the QR Code Hike
Hike the trail to the Walter Estate. Along the way, use your smart device to scan Quick Response (QR) codes for information on natural and cultural resources within the park. The trail is about 3/4 of a mile one way and covers diverse habitats within the 426-acre site.