Visit Cedar Rock State Park: A Scenic Destination for Seniors
Iowa is a senior-friendly state with plenty of fresh air, light exercise, and cultural enrichment opportunities. State parks like Cedar Rock offer all three to active seniors. The historic Cedar Rock State Park first broke ground in 1982 when the state acquired the property from the Lowell and Agnes Walter estate, a Des Moines couple who made a name for themselves in the railroad industry after WWII.
The park has everything that speaks to seniors' interests, including beautiful scenery, paths for light walking, and the stunning architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Cedar Rock State Park trails and Walter House are open from May to October five days a week. Visitors are advised to plan their trips ahead of time, which is ideal for senior field trips.
Learn more about the sights and benefits of this popular Iowa destination.
Visiting the Walter House
The iconic Walter House is the main attraction at Cedar Rock State Park.
The land originally belonged to the Railroad family before the State acquired it and officially turned it into a state park for the public. Before this acquisition, the Walters opened up their home and property for public tours, almost as soon as the home was built.
The Walters regularly hosted public tours of the estate. After her husband passed, Agnes Walter donated their Frank Lloyd Wright home to the state of Iowa, initiating the transition of the property into an official state park.
The couple was friends with the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who began building the home in 1948. Wright designed everything in the house, including interior decor like drink coasters. The home's tile even bears Wright's initials.
Visiting this home is an architecture lover's dream. It's built in Wright's Usonian style, an aesthetic invented by the architect to reflect his artistic vision for U.S. home design and landscaping.
Wright established this style in the 1930s. Usonian homes reflect the following characteristics:
- Signature flat roofs
- Integrated windows
- Open-plan living areas
- Horizontal lines
- Integrated carports
- Concrete slab flooring
- Central-located hearths
- Organic architecture
The last point speaks to Wright's preferred architectural method, organic architecture. This design philosophy aims to unite a home's architecture with its natural surroundings to create a feeling of continuity. The Walter House is considered a pure example of the Usonian aesthetic and philosophy.
Visitors may walk the designated Cedar Rock State Park trails to reach the Walter House. State Park employees lead tours and can answer any questions about the home's history and architecture. This is a real treat for Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts.
Tours are typically held between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
More Sights to Discover Near Cedar Rock State Park
The Walter's Frank Lloyd Wright House is one of the most scenic destinations in Iowa; there is also a visitor center for tourists to enjoy. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, learn more about the property's history, and enjoy free brochures and travel material. Wagon rides may also be available to transport visitors from the trails to the Walter house.
This state park is also near several notable attractions in Independence, Iowa, including popular eateries, museums, and senior-friendly outdoor spots. While the Walter House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in Iowa, seniors and families may also take architecture tours of the City to discover more fascinating homes and public buildings.
For example, fans of the Walter House will likely enjoy the Captain D.S. Lee Mansion. Also known as the Lee House, this home reflects the popular Italianate-style architecture of the time. The house was built in 1876 and named after the first mayor of Independence.
Another attraction for architecture enthusiasts in Iowa is the Wapsipinicon Mill and Museum. This historic industrial building, which operated as a real mill between the 1870s and 1940s, is ideal for a driving tour.
Like the Walter House, this museum is only open between summer and fall. Senior visitors may enjoy the museum on a self-guided tour or book a guided tour with a staff member. This attraction includes hands-on activities, agricultural artifacts, and more exhibits.
Seniors wishing to learn more about Iowa's rich agricultural history should book a Heartland Acres Agribition tour. Popular exhibits include vintage cars and antique farming equipment; there's also a gift shop perfect for buying birthday and holiday gifts.
Downtown Scenic Destinations In Iowa for Architecture Buffs
A day trip to Cedar Rock State Park isn't complete without visiting the historic downtown district of Independence. Here, you can book another tour to discover the area's rich history, architecture, and culture. Senior visitors and field trip groups may also conduct self-guided tours through a special app.
The Christian Seeland House is another Italianate-style mansion in Independence, Iowa. Even the city's historic post office building, with an original WPA (Works Progress Administration) mural painted during the New Deal era, is a site to see.
The Historical Society also offers an "underground city" tour. This self-guided tour gives visitors an inside look at the original main street, built in the 1840s. Selected historic buildings have QR codes, and visitors can use the app to learn more about their history.
The above sites are a wonderful addition to a Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Iowa. Other Wright sites of interest include:
- The Stockman House (in Mason City)
- Prairie school homes in Rock Crest-Rock Glen
- The Park Inn Hotel
Add these sites to complete your Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Iowa, especially if you're a local senior who loves architecture and history.
Discover More Quality Time for Seniors
Whether visiting its historic parks in Iowa or taking nature walks for seniors, reconnecting with the community is vital to senior wellness. These activities encourage more exercise, fresh air, and cultural enrichment.
Prairie Hills Independence understands the importance of visiting landmarks like Cedar Rock State Park. We maintain a full calendar of events designed for seniors' interests, activity levels, and wellness goals. Our dining program also reflects the highest standards for senior nutrition.
Book a tour of our unique community to learn more about the possibilities of senior services.