Polymath Park

A polymath is a person of encyclopedic learning, and considering how much history there is to take in at Polymath Park, the place is aptly named. A haven for architecture lovers, as well as architecture lovers who also happen to be foodies, the park is home to two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes and two designed by Peter Berndtson, his apprentice. While touring them makes an excellent day trip, die-hard Usonian design fans can take it a step further by booking a stay in one of the homes. 

Mäntylä, also known as the Lindholm House, and the Duncan Home are the Wright-designed houses you’ll find at Polymath Park. Mäntylä was designed in Cloquet, Minnesota in 1952, while the Duncan Home was designed in Lisle, Illinois in 1957. They’re both prime examples of Wright’s Usonian design, which is characterized by open floor plans and integration with the home’s natural surroundings. By 2017, both homes had been transported to the park.

Berndston built the Balter house in 1963, followed by the Blum house in 1965, on the property where Polymath Park stands today. While each of the homes has a unique identity, touring them together is part of the magic of Polymath Park and will allow you to see Wright’s Usonian design vision come to life. 

Consider having a meal at one of several dining options offered at Polymath Park. A brunch tour includes a meal in one of the treehouse dining pods followed by tours of Mäntylä and the Duncan House, for example. Or, for a unique dining experience, you can book a private tree-house-like dining pod for lunch or dinner in addition to your tour of the property.